What all must Intern Handbook Include?

When you are hiring Interns, you must be having an internship program in place. And a vital part of internship program is having an intern handbook. This is beneficial for both, the company and the interns, as it has all the answers about the company, that may be unknown and new to a fresher.
This article outlines the essential components of an intern handbook template, serving as a comprehensive intern onboarding guide for new interns. It would help them move around the company with ease and comfort.

1.    Introduction to the Intern Handbook

An internship orientation manual should begin with an overview of the company's leadership team, with a personal message by them for the candidates joining. This makes the interns feel valuable and already a part of the team. They get an insight into the owner’s thoughtful attitude towards the employees.

2.    Company Overview and History

Next comes the origin and history of the company. Where, how and why the company was started, the thought process behind its inception and how it grew into a large enterprise, gives a good idea to the young students about the company. It helps them understand the foundation of the company.

3.    Vision and Mission Statements

In the intern handbook, it's important to talk about the company's values, which show its work ethic and have led to its success over the years.
The action-oriented vision and mission statements encourage interns to feel the same way and help with the start-up in the same way.

4.    First Day Schedule

So that the new employees don’t get and feel lost upon entering the company, their complete schedule for first day is mentioned in the handbook. It mentions, their induction timings and duration, the office tour by Admin team, and their reporting authority.

5.    Intern Job Description

Interns must understand what is expected from them as per their position in the company. So their job description, duties and expectations must be mentioned in the handbook. It will assist them with familiarising with their role.

6.    Compensation and Benefits

The details of the type of internships, paid, unpaid or credit based, must be mentioned in the handbook. Any additional perks or benefits being provided to them in return of their services should be clarified. This inclusion benefits employers as well since it’s a record of the terms of their employment.

7.    Workplace Protocols

Office timings, internship training hours, assignment duration, off days, 5/6 day working, dress code comes under this category. All this should be communicated to them clearly. Also important is the mentioning of consequences of ignoring these points.

8.    Company Policies

This section will include the various policies of the company regarding

• The office property,
• Documentation,
• Online material and social guidelines,
• Leave policy,
• Guidelines about intellectual property,
• Grievance policy,
• Reimbursement policy and
• The notes about contacting the right department in case of any queries.

9.    Performance Evaluation Process

The handbook should chart out the evaluation process, including the duration and the pattern of evaluation. The details of team members to contact for in case they require further guidance must be mentioned.

10.    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

At last a Frequently Asked Questions section is added that answers basic and small questions. Those are to clarify any further queries interns might have. Those could be about minute points like what to do if they lose their access card, or POC for queries about payroll or leaves.

Some more info may be included regarding the parking zone rules, infrastructure management, the directions to your company location, etc. That will make it super easy for the interns to wade their way throughout the company effortlessly. Intern Handbook is of immense help to the newcomers, and gives a very good impression of the company. It gives the interns something important to discuss and grow curious about how things work in the real world.