Intern – Onboarding Checklist

Interns typically spend a short duration with your company, so their onboarding process will differ slightly from an employee.

This checklist helps you plan a targeted onboarding program that will help interns get the most out of their internships.

How to onboard interns

Tell interns ahead of time about their:

• Start date
• Arrival time
• Documents needed (like their ID)
• Their first-day schedule (training, demos, meetings, social events)

Tell hiring managers about intern:

• Seating area
• Project(s) assigned
• Job duties
• Beginning tasks

Provide the necessary hardware and software.

Have an IT team member to set up email and software accounts, including:

• Company email
• Group messaging app
• Project management software

Help fill out HR paperwork. This might be a recent graduate’s first professional job, so they may not be familiar with employment terms and tax documents.

Help set up their work stations and get acquainted with company equipment and software. Give them simple instructions, provide manuals, and ask your IT department to check whether they’ve properly installed necessary tools.

Offer welcome kits and company swag. Here are some ideas:

• A mug or water bottle with your company logo
• Tech accessories
• Gift cards to local cafes and restaurants

Schedule role-specific training.

Assign a work buddy or mentor.

Present your departments, functions and organizational chart.

Announce interns’ hiring to the company. This could be a mass email or a welcome note in your chat.

Arrange group meetings and activities