On-boarding and orientation for a WIL, Co-op or Internship student

Inform your team about the student’s work term and expectations for the placement.
Develop a communications strategy to promote the work term internally and externally.
Encourage employees to welcome and engage with the student. Be available to answer questions.
Engage your employees/colleagues in discussing the benefits and responsibilities of hiring a work term student.
Be ready to connect your work term student with employees outside of his or her direct mentor or supervisor.
Schedule team-building exercises that will include the student and offer networking opportunities.

Set up a welcoming workspace dedicated to your work term student. If your student is working remotely, have all the necessary technical tools set up beforehand.
The student’s mentor or supervisor can lead the orientation and introductions. Encourage the supervisor to schedule regular check-in meetings with the student, particularly at the start of the work term.
Provide the student with an orientation to the workplace, policies, and procedures, being cognizant the student may not have other work experience to draw on.
Discuss expectations regarding breaks, work hours, sick day policies, standards of performance, confidentiality, social media and cell- phone use policies, and human resources. If the work is remote, address your expectations around that arrangement.
Introduce concepts of your company culture, including preferred methods of communication and chain of command. Discuss standards for attire and grooming.
Encourage the student to approach you at any time with questions and concerns.
Work with the student and supervisor/mentor to set achievable and measurable goals for the work placement.
Outline performance assessment timelines and procedures.
Discuss the student’s specific role and provide any project background information required. Introduce key team players and their functions.
Encourage a two-sided conversation about expectations for the work term.

91AV