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Supervisor's Role

A quality internship supervisor functions on three levels as described below. 

Mentor

• Fully embraces the role as mentor*  
• Provides functional expertise from a teaching perspective
• Is available to the student intern on a regular basis
• Understands the internship may be the student’s first professional experience
• Acts as a role model and demonstrates consistent professional behavior
• Communicates effectively and is willing to clarify goals when necessary
• Provides regular feedback on performance

*The widely accepted definition of the word mentor is a trusted friend, counselor or teacher; an experienced person.

Strategist

• Has designed an appropriately challenging internship that is non-clerical in nature
• Understands the intern should not be assigned as soley responsible for vital projects
• Shares pertinent information to enable the intern's success
• Includes the intern in professional development and networking opportunities
• Serves as a professional reference as appropriate
• Adjusts the intern's schedule during high stress periods (exams, presentations), if requested
• Contacts CBIP staff with questions should any extraordinary circumstances develop

Manager

• Has planned proper on-boarding (work space, orientation/training, introductions)
• Advises the intern on corporate culture and behavioral expectations
• Addresses any inapporpriate behaviors immediately and communicates to CBIP director
• Conducts an exit interview and completes our evaluation form at end of internship

For additional information please refer to our Building Successful Internship Programs manual.