The Forlorn Hope of Internships

With maximum risk comes maximum potential and prosperity. Estimated views from tabloid news dictates that perilously uncertain times are ahead. Time and time again, doom gloom and things oh so terribly English are on the approach. With many a student currently picking straws to guestimate whether they are to join part of The Forlorn Hope in spearheading to a year of progress.

The only draw back being is that for many students the timing is not the best and by the time most students have come to a stage to actively participate in an internship or work placement many of the positions are already occupied.

For anticipating ahead like, anything in life requires that utmost skill of planning, preparation and foresight. To understand not only needs and benefits that are in ones peripheral vision but also to prepare for the seasons ahead more and more students are subsequently expanding their search for internship placements. With the end of winter insight, recent research from the CIPD has predicted that graduate vacancies and internships are on the rise. New internship programs are improving the chances for many more students these days to have the opportunity to boost their employment prospects.

Furthermore, apart from the main dilemma of finding the most appropriate and suitable internship placement available many students and prospective interns also have the never ending fear of not receiving the best hands on support and training.

From reviews to lectures, from assessment centres to on the job-training more and more, interns and students are increasing looking to build up their understanding of the world of work in times of change.

With the increased development and implementation of internship programs there are several fundamental changes and principles that have come into practice to ensure students receive a beneficial internship.

- Method of Recruitment

Recruitment – Over the last couple of years the process of recruiting students for internship placements has developed exponentially with a much more integrated process of selecting and screening applicants. With greater consideration being given to students skills and qualifications which are relevant to fit the appropriate tasks at hand.

Induction – Important to help new interns enter and integrate into their respective placement, it is essential that an organisation establish an appropriate induction program. Emphasising the the key principles of the organisation, introducing the intern to relevant staff and team members. This will in turn provide the intern with a perspective to establish themselves.

Supervision – Fundamental to an interns prospects of developing and not missing the boat, a supervisor who regally assesses and provides feedback on the student will result in a more productive internship.

Treatment – To make an intern feel more appreciated in their placement there needs to be a certain level of professionalism and duty of care with same acknowledgement as regular employees. (as an internship is a training process, one of the best approaches to learn is to take on challenges hands on)

Certification - On the successful completion of an internship, the host organisation should provide interns with a certificate and references letter detailing the accomplishments and tasks that the candidate has carried out. As an internship is considered as a stepping stone for developing a long lasting career it is essential that the intern receive some recognition for the work they have carried out.