With spring around the corner, April is the time to start preparing for how to incorporate summer interns into our workflow.
That can be easier said than done.
We often see well-intentioned teams spending more time on the hiring of interns themselves, rather than developing an intentional program that serves as a bank of future talent and truly supports the organization during the summer months and beyond.
Our answer to creating an effective, intentional internship program?
➡️ Focus on attracting fresh talent
➡️ Provide mentorship opportunities
➡️ Cultivate a pipeline of potential future hires
How do we get there?
Target the right talent pool
The foundation of any good internship program is attracting the right candidates. For construction companies, this means focusing on colleges and universities with strong programs in construction management, civil engineering, or other relevant engineering disciplines. If you’re located in New England, for example, you might consider reaching out to schools like Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Roger Williams University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, UMass Amherst, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and the University of Maine.
Map out their learning – from Day 1
It starts with a good welcome! Much like you would with employee onboarding, a strong introduction on Day 1 to your team goes a long way. A successful internship isn’t about grabbing coffee or running errands. It’s about providing interns with a roadmap for learning and development. Map out a clear and concise checklist that outlines the skills and knowledge interns will gain throughout the summer. This could include:
- Understanding different construction phases from planning to closeout
- Familiarity with documents like drawings, specifications, or contracts
- Introduction to construction software and technology
- Opportunities for some key off site learning
- Understanding of safety regulations and procedures
By providing a structured learning framework, you demonstrate your commitment to investing in their development.
Find the best-fit mentors
Mentorship is a cornerstone of any effective internship program. Pair interns with experienced professionals who can act as inspiring guides and interact with them on a daily basis. These interactions should go beyond a formalized meeting. Connection and working together closely should happen in an organic way as the intern watches and learns from daily performance, rather than sending them off site or having them set up one-off meetings that feel like an valueless extra lift for both the mentor and intern. Look for mentors who are passionate about the industry, enjoy sharing their knowledge and open to having someone with them throughout their workday. Regular mentorship through shadowings allows interns to ask questions, gain insights, and receive valuable career advice.
Track growth and experience metrics
Schedule regular check-in meetings with interns, either weekly or bi-monthly, to gauge their progress, address any challenges, and make sure they’re getting the most out of the program. These check-ins are a two-way street – interns can serve as a great resource for providing valuable feedback on how you can refine the program for future years.
Visit job sites
Construction is a dynamic field, and there’s no substitute for experiencing it firsthand. Organize site visits for interns to witness major construction processes unfold. Seeing a concrete pour or the installation of structural steel brings the classroom concepts to life and helps interns grasp the real-world application of their knowledge.
Consider industry certifications as an investment
Equipping your interns with industry certifications demonstrates your commitment to their professional development. Offering courses like OSHA 10, which focuses on construction safety and health standards, gives interns a valuable credential and enhances their future job prospects. It can also serve as a long term learning and development pipeline for your future workforce.
Share their success
As you close out the program, provide a platform for interns to showcase their learnings to the team. This presentation will allow them to share their experiences, takeaways, and maybe even propose innovative ideas. It’s a chance for them to show up and shine, as well as a chance for your team to appreciate the fresh perspective they brought to the table.
