Initially interns needs to have frequent contact with the supervisor because there is so much to learn in the first few weeks. The University requests at least two formal conferences between the students and supervisor to evaluate the student's job performance on the basis of the instruments provided - the Midterm Evaluation and Final Appraisal . These conferences provide an opportunity for the supervisor to offer constructive criticism and advice for the student's professional development. These sessions should be used to emphasize proper attitudes, encourage good work habits, and instill pride in performance. If there is a golden rule for Internship employers, it is to keep the student busy.
Nothing is quite so demoralizing to a college student as slack time with no work assignments.
Even though periods do occur when the work load is low, every effort should be made to keep the student occupied. Students rarely complain of overwork, but they do complain if they are not well utilized. Since the first few weeks are more or less an orientation period, students will be satisfied with light tasks while learning company policy and organization. During the latter part of the term and in all other subsequent work periods, the student should be given an ever-increasing amount of responsibility in work assignments. Many employers underestimate what the student can do.