Student Internships: Tips for Employers and Students

Students are looking. employers are creating internships and employment opportunities.

Every year, colleges across the country recognize National Student Employment Week, the second week of April.

“It was established to increase public awareness and to recognize students who work while attending college. It is also a time to recognize supervisors that oversee the student experience by providing training and development that prepare students for their careers.”

Why are some employers hesitant to hire students?

A common reason is that students can be unpredictable. In today’s workplace, so can full-time employees.

They arrive late or need to leave early.
They expect similar perks as full-time employees.
They often ghost employers.
They are ill-prepared to be in the workplace, lacking social skills
They are unmotivated to perform because this is just temporary.
They use work time for studying.

Employers:

Typically, employers go through the College and Career Center to post opportunities. Employers, please be clear about the job requirements vs. preferences. Remember, often this is a student’s first job, which means they have little experience.

Use terms from the company’s Code of Conduct, describing the standards of behavior and company culture. This can help the student determine whether they can conform. This will save both the employer and student a potential mismatch.

Students:

The world of internships can be both exciting and intimidating. Understanding and following business etiquette can help you enter this adventure with more confidence.

This internship may be a passing thing or requirement for you. For an employer, it means deadlines, maintaining or losing clients, building a cohesive environment, working to keep employees focused and content, while providing opportunities for students like you to contribute and gain experience.

Business etiquette tips:

Once you accept the position, you accept the terms. Doubts or lack of clarity must be addressed prior to accepting a position. This means that you’ve reviewed, clarified, and accepted:

terms of compensation.
the desired dress code.
the work hours.
the tasks.
who you report to.

This is not a charity or a class where you show up late or pull a no-show. They are investing both money and time in training you.
Avoid voicing your opinion on how you would change things.
Avoid participating in gossip.
Never bad-mouth a previous employer/boss.
Don’t expect to be invited to all employee functions, especially “happy hour.”
Learn as much you can.
Maintain a pleasant and civil attitude.
Upgrade your presence and language; these are not your buddies.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Keep in mind that everything a student intern does or says can potentially lead to a phenomenal letter of recommendation, an ongoing internship, or even a full-time job offer.

By adopting a few etiquette tips like being punctual, dressing appropriately, communicating in a professional tone, showing initiative, and having a teachable attitude, will leave a positive impression on your supervisors and coworkers.

Etiquette Expert/Trainer, Author, Media Source

Nationally recognized etiquette expert with over twenty years of providing trainings, and serving as a source for media.

Trainings are available for: corporations, sales teams, on-boarding, to support code-of-conduct policies to set a standard for employees, universities/college groups, school staff, customer service staff, dining etiquette programs for youth through adult, and actors preparing for audition/roles.

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