Amanda Dumond-Avila Director, Talent Initiatives & Business Enhancement Prima Civitas Foundation

Employer Internship Training Session About the Prima Civitas Foundation (PCF) Community & Economic Development-2006 Non-governmental organization (NGO) Project focuses Improving quality of life Creating jobs in Michigan

Employer Internship Training Session Partners Prima Civitas Foundation Hello West Michigan Michigan Economic Development Corporation Why the Michigan Internship Initiative? Realized that employers need assistance with structuring program Became advocates for strengthening the relationships between employers and education

 Graphic design completed by Shifting Gears’ intern!

Employer Internship Training Session What do you think of when you hear “intern”???

Employer Internship Training Session How about…

Employer Internship Training Session These are today’s interns? High School students College students  Traditional  Non-traditional

Employer Internship Training Session Employer Benefits Opportunity to create workforce pipeline Add capacity and skill sets Bring new ideas and fresh perspectives Great way to groom future leadership Return On Investment (ROI)

Employer Internship Training Session Employer Challenges Difficult to get buy-in from management and peers Previous bad experiences Limited (or lack of) HR personnel/resources Not sure how to get started Not sure where to find interns Leary of legalities International students Paid vs. unpaid

Employer Internship Training Session US Dept. of Labor 6 Criteria: 1.Interns cannot displace regular employees. 2.Interns are not guaranteed a job at the end of the internship (though you may decide to hire them at the conclusion of the experience). 3.Interns are not entitled to wages during the internship. 4.Interns must receive training from your organization, even if it somewhat impedes on the work. 5.Interns must get hands-on experience with equipment and processes used in your industry. 6.Interns’ training must primarily benefit them, not the organization.

Employer Internship Training Session How to get started: Look at what can be completed by an intern Review job descriptions for each department Highlight things that could be easily transferred onto an intern JD Identify capacity issues Do you have projects on your wish list?  Think big!!!  Don’t let confidential info be a barrier

Employer Internship Training Session Options Paid vs. unpaid For credit Budget $10/hour ($7.40 min. wage + payroll taxes) x 150 hours $

Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 1: Set goals and policies for the internship program  What is the main goal for your organizations internship program?  Convert interns into employees  Marketing your organization  Add temporary capacity

Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 1: Set goals and policies for the internship program (cont’d)  Identify projects:  Project/job specific internship  Floating internships that include multiple projects within varying departments  Who will supervise and mentor the intern?  Create a job description

Sample Job Description

Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 2: Write a plan for the internship opportunity  Create Work Plan

Employer Internship Training Session Prima Civitas Website with a Style Guide… Jan 10 Workshop on Creating an Intern Program for Your Arts or Culture Organization Workshop on Creating an Intern Program for Your Arts or Culture Organization Join Amanda Avila, CBSP, Talent Development Manager at Michigan's Prima Civitas...

Employer Internship Training Session Prima Civitas Website without a Style Guide… Workshop on Creating an Intern Program for Your Arts or Culture

Employer Internship Training Session Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 2: Write a plan for the internship opportunity  Can the intern be involved in other areas?  Meetings  Training/Seminars

Employer Internship Training Session Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 3: Recruit a qualified intern Contact local high school, college or university Local networking groups PCF’s Job Seeker Strategy Group Michigan Works Telamon Corporation Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Talent Connect Michigan Shifting Gears program

Employer Internship Training Session MEDC’s Michigan Shifting Gears Program (MiSG) Program overview How can you benefit? Talent Connect Events Detroit Ypsilanti East Lansing  Scan the QR code for more info

Employer Internship Training Session Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 3: Recruit a qualified intern  Interview interns as you would employees  Send offer letter or MOU to chosen candidate  Notify candidates who were not selected  Communicate with intern between interview and start date

Employer Internship Training Session Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 4: Manage the intern Orientation-without overload Don’t make assumptions Talk about attire, perfume, schedule, etc.

Employer Internship Training Session

Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 4: Manage the intern Expectations Entry & exit presentations (optional) day touch points

Employer Internship Training Session Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 4: Manage the intern Give the intern resources needed to function Computer Phone Access to server/share drive Monitor & evaluate interns progress

Employer Internship Training Session Five-Steps to Developing a Quality Internship Program Step 5: Conduct exit interviews and follow-up Exit presentation (optional) Use feedback to track/improve your internship program Communicate with Career Advisor

FAQ’s  What is required of the employer if the internship is for credit?  What is the standard length of an internship?  How many employees do you have to have in order to use interns?  What should I do if the intern is not working out?

Michigan Career Employer & Educator Alliance (MCEEA) Mission Statement: The mission of MCEEA is to promote and maximize career potential and the advancement of internship, cooperative education, and employment within the state of Michigan through collaborative relationships among employers, colleges and universities.

Resources Resources mentioned today can be found on the Prima Civitas website at

Amanda Dumond-Avila Amanda Dumond-Avila