A good supervisor can be the difference between an internship that transforms a student's career and one that just passes by. It requires neither special training nor large resources, above all, it requires commitment.
Why supervision matters#
Students who have an engaged supervisor perform better, stay longer in the industry, and recommend the workplace to others. Conversely, poor supervision is the most common reason internships are experienced as meaningless.
As a supervisor, you directly influence how the next generation of professionals views your industry. That is a responsibility, but also an opportunity.
7 tips for supervisors#
1. Prepare the workplace before the intern arrives#
The first day sets the tone. Make sure the intern has:
- A workstation with the necessary equipment
- Logins and access credentials ready
- An onboarding plan for the first week
- Contact details for you and relevant colleagues
Consider sending a welcome message the week before with practical information: address, dress code, lunch hours, who will greet them.
2. Set clear expectations from day one#
Explain what the intern will be doing, what you expect, and how the assessment works. Be specific:
- "You will be working in our project team on X"
- "I want you to write a logbook entry every Friday"
- "We have a check-in every Tuesday at 10 AM"
Unclear expectations lead to uncertainty and passivity.
3. Assign real tasks: not just things nobody else wants to do#
An intern who only copies papers or sorts archives learns nothing. Assign tasks that:
- Are connected to the goals of the education program
- Have a clear start and end
- Require problem-solving and independent thinking
- Contribute to the organization for real
They do not have to be complex assignments. Even simple tasks can be instructive if they are meaningful.
4. Check in regularly: not just when problems arise#
Do not wait until something goes wrong. Schedule short check-ins:
- Daily during the first week (5–10 minutes is enough)
- Weekly after that
Do not just ask "how is it going?" – ask specific questions:
- "What have you learned this week?"
- "Is there anything you would like to try that you have not had the chance to yet?"
- "Have you encountered anything you do not understand?"
5. Give feedback that can be acted on#
"Good job" is nice but not developmental. Be specific:
- Instead of: "That was good" → Say: "Your presentation was clear, especially the way you explained the process step by step"
- Instead of: "It needs to be better" → Say: "The report is missing references. Add them and it will meet the requirements"
Good feedback is specific, timely, and actionable.
6. Involve the team#
You do not have to carry the supervision alone. Let the intern:
- Sit in on meetings and listen
- Work alongside different colleagues for variety
- Present their work to the team
It broadens the intern's perspective and takes the load off you.
7. End with a proper evaluation#
The final week should include:
- A closing conversation where you review the period together
- A written assessment according to the school's template
- Recommendations for the intern's continued development
- Possibly a reference offer or tips about open positions
A good ending ensures the intern leaves with a positive feeling and that the door remains open for future contact.
Common mistakes to avoid#
Leaving the intern alone too much. Independence is good, but an intern who does not receive support loses motivation. Especially during the first week, presence is needed.
Treating the intern as free labor. Internships are about learning. If the tasks are not developing the student, it is not an internship, it is unpaid work.
Forgetting to give positive feedback. Most interns are nervous and insecure. Confirmation that they are doing the right things provides energy and motivation.
Ignoring communication with the school. If problems arise, contact the school's contact person immediately. The earlier the better.
Supervisor checklist#
- Workstation prepared and equipment ready
- Onboarding plan for the first week
- School contact person and agreement in place
- Clear goals and expectations communicated
- Regular check-ins scheduled
- Meaningful tasks planned
- Final evaluation scheduled
An investment that pays off#
Good supervision costs time but returns manyfold. You strengthen your team's expertise, build your employer brand, and, not infrequently, find your next colleague. The best hires start with an internship period where both sides got to show what they are made of.
