Create a virtual experience plan for your internship program
Create a virtual experience plan for your internship program
BoomPop Team · 5/4/2022
Distributed internships are a great tool for companies to find the best employees. Make your virtual internship experience stand out with memorable events from start to finish.
Providing an impactful virtual internship starts with authentic engagement. Interns are looking for professional growth, networking opportunities, and unique work experiences. Carefully curated social events, get-togethers, and teambuilding can highlight the strengths of your company and turn interns into long-term employees.
At minimum, the successful virtual internship programs have an onboarding event or kick-off, social events for employee networking and connection, and a celebratory wrap-up.
With those three pillars in mind, here’s how to plan your virtual internship programming to fit the needs of your company:
Onboarding that makes an impression
Welcome interns with an onboarding event that represents the unique culture of your team. Consider what strengths your staff bring to the table. If they make every day lighthearted with their sense of humor, perhaps a virtual stand-up comedy hour would do the trick. Or if you work in a team of problem-solvers, a virtual escape room is a great way to build trust and overcome a challenge together.
Interns will be entering an entirely new environment, many without prior work experience. They should feel supported and connected on day one. Frame your event with an orientation where the interns can learn more about their role, expectations, and the goals of the company.
Student interns in particular are looking for a full-time career post-graduation. Set clear expectations for what plans the interns have and what they hope to gain from the experience, and tailor accordingly.
Prioritize social events throughout the program
It’s not enough to boast a healthy, supportive work environment. To be competitive in the remote workforce, companies must rethink how they show up for employees and implement real ways to engage.
Remember—an internship allows someone to decide if a specific field or work environment is right for them. Camaraderie, respect, and powerful mentor/mentee relationships can transform a short-lived internship into an irreplaceable career experience. Making social events a priority shows you’re invested in your staff and how connected they feel to one another.
Try scheduling virtual event programming into your weekly calendar. Give interns the opportunity to mingle in a virtual cupcake decorating class or make new friends at trivia night. Celebrate quarterly milestones with a caricature art party or for a more low-key get-together, host an ice cream tasting event.
Outside of these group experiences, make it a habit for interns to check-in with their supervisor on their workload and overall thoughts. Working remotely can have its challenges, so virtual one-on-ones can make a huge difference in productivity and overall happiness. Take note of interns preferred self-care routines and offer a virtual workshop tailored to their needs. If your company doesn’t already have a wellness program, it may be time to integrate one.
Recognize interns as an integral part of the team, and they will have nothing but great things to say about their internship experience.
Wrap-up on a high note
When it’s time for an internship to end, the best practice is to end with a celebratory wrap-up. A wrap-up party is the perfect time to provide recognition, take stock of successes, and look towards the future.
Bookend your interns’ experience by setting time for interns to show off specialized projects and accomplishments at your company, have fun together, or do a fun activity. A creative, memorable final note will leave a lasting impression.
Lastly, make sure to collect plenty of feedback. You can get ideas for future events, find out what worked and what didn’t, and learn how to provide a better experience for future interns.
Integrate virtual experiences year-round
If integrating more virtual event programming into your internship program is a success, consider adding more social events to the calendar for your regular, full-time staff as well. Work can be challenging for everyone, regardless of where they’re at in their career journey. Create a fun, person-first company culture, and watch your business, and the people you serve, thrive.
