Providing an orientation for students their first day at your worksite gives you the opportunity to set expectations, find out more about the student, and give the student a chance to ask questions of you.
Provide an Orientation Packet – this should be kept on the student’s desk for reference
- Items given to all employees on the first day should include at a minimum:
Mission & Values
Policy & Procedures
Safety Information
Any other pertinent information (map of site/campus, contact information, etc.)
Job Description
Expectations (see “Student Expectations”)
Dress Code
Who to check-in & out with each day
Daily Schedule
Accuracy/Quality
Productivity/Quantity
Motivated/Upbeat/Positive attitude
Show initiative
Communication
Process retention
Internet use
Cellphone, IPods, etc. during work and breaks
Lunch and Breaks
Staying on Campus
Learn about the students – begin developing a relationship (have them complete “Student Profile” or go through questions on opposite page). All students have a CRHSS email address. You will be able to email them at this address and should add this to your profile information.
Give them a tour and introduce them to other staff. Make them feel welcomed and part of the team.
Setting the Tone for Success – advice from Bernadette McNulty, Chief Assistant Secretary of the Senate
Bernadette and the Secretary of the Senate’s office have sponsored students since 2008. Bernadette begins each school year by having a conversation with students about her very high expectations while developing a relationship with students. Here are her thoughts:
The conversation I have is two-fold: 1) get to know them a bit and put them at ease; 2) explain the expectations of our office, and I ask them what their expectations are of us.
Questions I ask:
How old are you?
Phone number and email?
Where have you worked before?
What are your interests?
Our expectations for their internship: 1) professionalism; 2) learn the legislative process and the dynamics of state government; 3) have fun; 4) be gainfully employed; 5) do’s and don’ts; 6) phone etiquette
Lastly, I ask them what they expect of me and what they want to get out of the internship.
(Students usually don’t know how to answer this question. Use what you’ve learned about students to guide them. What are their career goals? How can this placement help them towards their goals? What can they learn? Who can they meet?)