The following checklist is often used by supervisors to enhance the participating student’s work experience and to encourage positive student/supervisor relations. Coop/Internship students should familiarize themselves with this list, and if they find that their employer has not covered points of interest to them, they should feel free to ask questions or seek clarification.
Employer Orientation Checklist:
- Orientation to the company:
_____a. history, philosophy, mission
_____b. organizational structure
_____c. formal and informal policies
_____d. status of position and benefits
_____e. opportunity for advancement
- Orientation to the department or office:
_____a. office tour and introductions
_____b. office hours and work schedule
_____c. record-keeping and time sheets
_____d. dress code
_____e. procedure for sick leave
_____f. parking
_____g. lunch
_____h. work space and office supplies
- Orientation to the job:
_____a. job description
_____b. goals and objectives for work session
_____c. standards of performance
_____d. evaluation process
_____e. reward system
_____f. required meetings
- Integrate students in the workplace:
_____a. introduce student to fellow workers
_____b. discussion of group norms/values
_____c. explain proper channels of communication
_____d. involve students in organizational activities and meetings when appropriate
- Provide support to the student:
_____a. schedule time to talk about student's adjustment to the work environment
_____b. help student find a role within the organization
_____c. discuss individual values and goals
_____d. encourage student to ask for help when needed
_____e. help student constructively confront problems
- Provide the student with opportunities to:
____a. test his/her abilities
____b. make a contribution
____c. be appreciated/recognized
- Stimulate intellectual growth:
____a. present challenges
____b. progressively add responsibility
____c. provide feedback
____d. encourage independent thought and innovative ways to problem solve
____e. invite new ideas
