Internships are invaluable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and develop their professional skills. Whether conducted in-person or virtually, a well-designed internship program includes various events and activities to engage and support interns throughout their journey. In this article, we will explore a range of exciting events that companies can host to create a memorable and enriching internship experience.
1. Welcome Swag Bag: A Warm Introduction
To make interns feel valued and welcome from day one, consider sending them a personalized swag bag filled with company-branded items and essentials. This thoughtful gesture not only provides interns with practical items like hats, t-shirts, water bottles, and notebooks but also serves as a tangible representation of their inclusion within the team. Including a welcome letter from the CEO adds a personal touch and reinforces the company's commitment to their interns' success.
2. Lunch and Learn Workshops: Building Skills and Knowledge
Lunch and Learn workshops offer a unique opportunity for interns to enhance their professional skills and gain valuable insights. These educational sessions, typically held during lunch breaks, cover a wide range of topics such as resume writing, time management, leadership development, and new product demos. By hosting engaging and informative workshops, companies can equip interns with essential tools for their career growth.
3. Networking Opportunities: Building Connections
Networking is crucial for interns to expand their professional contacts and build relationships within the company. Companies can organize various networking activities such as speed networking sessions, breakout rooms for informal conversations, virtual watch parties, and coworker competitions. These events create opportunities for interns to connect with colleagues from different departments, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for knowledge sharing.
4. StrengthsFinder Activity: Discovering Individual Talents
The StrengthsFinder assessment, a popular personality test, can help interns identify their unique strengths and talents. By conducting a StrengthsFinder activity, interns can gain a deeper understanding of their personal attributes and how they can leverage them in the workplace. This activity encourages self-reflection and empowers interns to maximize their potential within the company.
5. Volunteer Day: Making a Difference
Organizing a volunteer day allows interns to give back to the community and contribute to a greater cause. Companies can arrange virtual volunteer activities such as transcribing historical documents, serving as Crisis Text Line counselors, or providing career assistance to students. Engaging in virtual volunteering not only promotes team building but also instills a sense of purpose and social responsibility among interns.
6. Fireside Chats: Learning from Inspirational Leaders
Fireside chats provide interns with the opportunity to engage in informal conversations with company leaders. During these sessions, leaders can share their career journeys, insights on work-life balance, and valuable advice for professional growth. Inviting leaders who started their careers as interns within the company helps interns relate to their experiences and inspires them to pursue their own career goals.
7. Virtual Escape Room: Fostering Collaboration and Problem-Solving Skills
Virtual escape rooms offer a thrilling and immersive team-building experience for interns. These online activities require participants to solve puzzles and riddles collaboratively to escape from a virtual room. By participating in virtual escape rooms, interns develop critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills while working together as a team.
8. Online Team Building Activities: Fun and Engaging Bonding Experiences
Hosting a variety of online team building activities ensures interns have opportunities to connect and bond with their peers. At-home scavenger hunts, online office Olympics, trivia nights, Zoom happy hours, meditation sessions, and virtual fitness classes are just a few examples of interactive and enjoyable activities that promote teamwork, communication, and camaraderie among interns.
9. Remote Office Tours: Exploring the Company Culture
Providing interns with a virtual tour of the company's headquarters allows them to familiarize themselves with the physical workspace and understand the company culture. Volunteers can lead the tour, showcasing different areas of the office and explaining their functions. This virtual experience gives interns a sense of belonging and helps them envision their future within the organization.
10. Virtual Field Trips: Expanding Horizons
Virtual field trips offer interns the opportunity to explore new environments and expand their knowledge. Companies can arrange virtual tours of historical landmarks, museums, or zoos, allowing interns to engage in interactive activities and learn from expert guides. These virtual excursions provide interns with a unique and enriching experience, broadening their perspectives and fostering a love for continuous learning.
11. Online Intern Party: Celebrating Achievements and Building Connections
An online intern party is a fantastic way to conclude the internship program on a high note. Through virtual platforms like Zoom, interns can come together to celebrate their achievements, share highlights from their internship experiences, and set goals for the future. Sending out gift boxes before the event adds an extra element of excitement, with interns enjoying snacks, beverages, and party favors while participating in fun activities and games.
12. Social Media Takeover: Showcasing Intern Experiences
A social media takeover allows interns to share their unique perspectives and experiences with the company's online audience. By giving interns access to the company's social media channels for a day, they can post photos and videos showcasing their daily routines, projects, and team interactions. This initiative not only strengthens the connection between interns and the company but also provides followers with an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the intern experience.
In conclusion, hosting a variety of engaging and interactive events is crucial for a successful and memorable internship program. From welcome swag bags to virtual escape rooms, companies can create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth, connection, and a sense of community among interns. By investing in these events, companies demonstrate their commitment to providing interns with a valuable and enriching experience that sets them up for future success in their careers.
