Engage your organization
- Inform your team about the student鈥檚 work term and expectations for the placement.
- Develop a communications strategy to promote the work term internally and externally.
- Encourage employees to welcome and engage with the student. Be available to answer questions.
- Engage your employees/colleagues in discussing the benefits and responsibilities of hiring a work term student.
- Be ready to connect your work term student with employees outside of his or her direct mentor or supervisor.
- Schedule team-building exercises that will include the student and offer networking opportunities.
On-boarding and orientation
- Set up a welcoming workspace dedicated to your work term student. If your student is working remotely, have all the necessary technical tools set up beforehand.
- The student鈥檚 mentor or supervisor can lead the orientation and introductions. Encourage the supervisor to schedule regular check-in meetings with the student, particularly at the start of the work term.
- Provide the student with an orientation to the workplace, policies, and procedures, being cognizant the student may not have other work experience to draw on.
- Discuss expectations regarding breaks, work hours, sick day policies, standards of performance, confidentiality, social media and cell- phone use policies, and human resources. If the work is remote, address your expectations around that arrangement.
- Introduce concepts of your company culture, including preferred methods of communication and chain of command. Discuss standards for attire and grooming.
- Encourage the student to approach you at any time with questions and concerns.
- Work with the student and supervisor/mentor to set achievable and measurable goals for the work placement.
- Outline performance assessment timelines and procedures.
- Discuss the student鈥檚 specific role and provide any project background information required. Introduce key team players and their functions.
- Encourage a two-sided conversation about expectations for the work term.