Designing an inclusive and impactful internship experience

Talent Solutions recently ran a presentation with TupuToa on designing an inclusive and impactful internship experience. Internships are an essential component of early talent strategy, providing young professionals with a first step into the workplace. However, creating an internship that supports interns requires planning and attention to detail, as shared in the Talent Solutions presentation.

Some critical areas covered include the need for well-defined projects, effective onboarding and ongoing support throughout the internship. Often internships fall short when projects lack clear objectives, inductions are rushed or interns are left to navigate without enough guidance. To avoid these pitfalls, interns benefit from receiving comprehensive pre-induction details, including what to wear, where to go on their first day, work hours and an introduction to the team structure.

On day one, a warm welcome is key. This includes a mihi or welcome, an overview of company values, introductions to a buddy or mentor and opportunities for team bonding. The presentation also highlighted the importance of aligning interns with projects that reflect the organisation’s purpose.

Interns gain more insight and engagement when they understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture, receive opportunities to share their findings and explore different areas within the organisation that align with their career goals.

Clear expectations and consistent feedback also play a critical role in shaping a positive internship experience. Talent Solutions underscored the importance of setting goals together with interns from the outset, conducting regular check-ins and clarifying lines of support to ensure interns always have someone to turn to. Assigning each intern a buddy or mentor is another vital aspect; it provides them with a go-to resource, enhances their network within the organisation, and fosters a supportive connection.

As internships conclude, Talent Solutions emphasised the importance of a thoughtful offboarding process, which may include a final reflection, a reference, networking help, or even discussions around future roles within the organisation. By avoiding common missteps and focusing on inclusivity and structure, companies can create a valuable and supportive internship programme that not only nurtures early talent but also strengthens organisational culture.

Need help planning your next internship programme? Contact the Talent Solutions team here.