The Ideal Mentor

Each intern needs someone on-site to supervise and guide them as they learn about the company, their role, and the expectations for their behavior and productivity. Mentors facilitate the process of orientation, provide ongoing feedback and guidance to the intern, and help make the internship a meaningful experience for the student. When selecting a mentor for the intern, consider the following:

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• Mentors should have a commitment to the process. They need to be interested in being both a role model and a guide for the intern.
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• Good mentors want to support professional growth and skill development of students in the workplace setting.
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• Personal skills such as patience, communication, and openness are valuable in successful mentoring.
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• Mentors need to have time to spend with the intern. If necessary, adjust workloads or schedules so that the selected mentor can be available to the intern.
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• The role of the mentor includes:
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• Explaining and clarifying the intern’s role in the organization to both the intern and the staff
• Monitoring the performance goals of the intern
• Providing ongoing feedback to the intern on behavior and attitude
• Guiding the intern in developing a network of professionals
• Assisting the intern in learning about all aspects of the company
• Supporting the intern’s learning goals