Intern Onboarding Checklist

Email the formal offer letter outlining compensation, schedule, start and end dates, and have the intern sign and return it.

Request copies of identification, tax forms, and any school-required paperwork before the internship start date.

Set up a desk, computer, and supplies in the department area so the intern has a ready workspace on their first day.

Set up email and system accounts with appropriate access levels that match the intern's responsibilities and security clearance.

Outline the key projects, learning objectives, and deliverables the intern will work on throughout their internship period.

Greet the intern warmly, introduce them to every team member, and help them feel like a valued part of the group.

Walk through the building showing key locations and review emergency procedures, exits, and safety protocols.

Go over the weekly schedule, working hours, attendance policy, and what is expected in terms of professionalism and output.

Pair the intern with a supportive employee who can answer daily questions, provide guidance, and share institutional knowledge.

Provide a document covering policies, dress code, parking, break times, and other practical details specific to the internship program.

Have the intern finish all required training modules including workplace safety, harassment prevention, and data confidentiality.

Demonstrate the primary applications and systems the intern will use and provide practice time to build familiarity.

Arrange for the intern to observe different roles within the team to gain a broader understanding of the department.

Give the intern small practice assignments that build foundational skills before they begin working on the main project.

Provide articles, reports, and documentation that give the intern context about the industry and the company's market position.

Explain the project scope, objectives, timeline, and success criteria so the intern understands what they need to deliver.

Break the internship project into weekly goals with clear deliverables to keep progress on track and provide structure.

Connect the intern with colleagues in other departments who can provide input or mentorship relevant to their project.

Ensure the intern has permissions to access all datasets, files, and tools they need to complete their assigned work.

Include the intern in regular team meetings, lunch-and-learns, and company events to maximize their exposure and learning.

Schedule short conversations with managers and executives so the intern can learn about different career paths within the company.

Connect the intern with other interns for group activities, workshops, and social events to build a peer support network.

Offer guidance on how to leverage the internship experience on their resume and prepare for future job opportunities.

Explain how interns can be considered for full-time positions and what performance metrics influence conversion decisions.

Meet with the intern halfway through to provide constructive feedback, celebrate progress, and adjust goals if needed.

Have the intern present their work to the team or department to showcase their accomplishments and practice presentation skills.

Fill out the formal evaluation assessing the intern's skills, work ethic, contributions, and potential for future employment.

Ask the intern to share their honest assessment of the internship experience to help improve the program for future cohorts.

Disable the intern's accounts, retrieve all company property, and ensure a clean offboarding from all systems on their last day.