Internship Oversight

We provide ongoing oversight throughout the internship to ensure that the experience is going well for both your company and the intern.

 

INTERNSHIP PREPARATION

by the internship supervisor for the intern

When a placement is confirmed, Puentes reconnects the candidate with the confirmed internship site supervisor to complete an Internship Work Agreement. This form outlines goals, expectations, and details for the internship so that all expectations are aligned before the internship begins.  Completing the Internship Work Agreement is a key step in setting the stage for a successful internship.  We have found that if the intern's and supervisor's expectations are discussed thoroughly and the work plan is designed together, all parties are aligned and ready to hit the ground running once the intern starts the internship.  We ask that you have a pre-arrival call with your intern once the internship is confirmed so that you can complete the Agreement together.

One to two weeks before the intern's arrival, update the proposed project work for the intern that was outlined in the Internship Work Agreement, considering any changes in business focus, project objectives, and timing since the Form was completed.  Then map out the onboarding and training plan for the intern so that the intern can hit the ground running upon arrival.

 

Initial oversight Meeting

with internship supervisor, intern, and Puentes Mentor

A designated Puentes Mentor will conduct an initial meeting with the intern and supervisor during the first days of the internship to review the project work plan together outlined in the Internship Work Agreement and to discuss expectations and goals from the internship site, from the intern, and from Puentes.  We find that this brief, initial meeting helps to ensure that everyone is aligned and that the stage is set for success so that the intern can dive into their project work. 

 

training, supervision, and guidance

by the internship supervisor for the intern

Throughout the internship, the designated internship supervisor is expected to make sure that the intern has meaningful, project-based work that contributes directly to the organization's goals.  Additionally, the internship supervisor should provide training and ongoing supervision for the intern, including regular, weekly check-in meetings with the intern to review progress on project work, questions, and next steps.  We also recommend that the supervisor consider the intern's ability and interest levels on an ongoing basis, especially after the first week, to make any adjustments needed to the work plan.

 

Mid-Internship oversight Meeting

with internship supervisor, intern, and Puentes Mentor

At the mid-way point, we hold a mid-internship oversight meeting, with the intern, the internship supervisor, and the Puentes Mentor.  The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity to look back at the first half of the internship and reflect on learnings, challenges, and successes and to also look forward to the remainder of the internship and consider pending objectives and goals.  This is an opportune time to make any adjustments needed in roles and responsibilities and to provide constructive feedback for the intern.

 

Closing oversight Meeting

with internship supervisor, intern, and Puentes Mentor

At the end of the internship, the intern, Puentes Mentor, and internship supervisor have a closing meeting to reflect on the internship experience.  In addition to facilitating a smooth transition of the intern's project work, this meeting also offers a formal opportunity for additional mentoring on the intern's future professional plans.

 

end of program Evaluation

by the internship supervisor for Puentes

So that we can continue to improve the experience for the internship sites and for the interns, we ask that you complete the short evaluation form to give us feedback on your experience hosting an intern through Puentes.  Your responses are confidential and will not be shared with the intern.


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