After hiring an intern, consider whether there is any
pre-work or research that he or she should complete before the
semester starts in order to be prepared for the job.
Consider setting up a web-based orientation session where you
can present all the key components of your organization to your
virtual intern. Providing a good knowledge base at the beginning
of the semester will help your intern move quickly along the
learning curve. A group orientation session will be particularly
useful if you have multiple virtual interns during a semester:
You can save time and initiate teamwork and community building
amongst them.
Working virtually can make it difficult for interns to feel
connected. Introducing the intern to your organization and the
people within your department will help your virtual intern
understand his or her own position within the organization.
Sharing the larger picture and explaining to your interns how
they fit into it will help them to better understand the impact
they are having.
