What do you do if your workplace design firm's interns aren't contributing to its success and growth?

1 Assess Needs

Before you can address the issue of underperforming interns, you need to assess your firm's needs and the interns' capabilities. It's essential to ensure that the tasks assigned are both challenging and achievable. If the interns are consistently failing to meet expectations, it might be time to re-evaluate the complexity of their assignments or the support they're receiving. Understanding what your firm requires and how your interns can contribute is the first step towards creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

2 Clarify Roles

Clear communication is the cornerstone of any successful internship. If your interns are not contributing as expected, it may be due to a lack of understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Take the time to sit down with your interns and outline what is expected of them, including specific tasks and objectives. Ensure they know who to approach for guidance and how their work contributes to the firm's success. Clarifying roles can empower interns to take ownership of their contributions and strive for excellence.

3 Provide Training

Proper training is critical for interns to perform effectively. If they're not contributing to the success of your workplace design firm, consider if they have been given adequate training to understand the software, tools, and methodologies unique to your industry. Provide comprehensive training sessions and resources, or pair them with a mentor who can guide them through their learning curve. This investment in their development can pay dividends in their productivity and the quality of their work.

4 Set Goals

To ensure interns are aligned with your firm's objectives, setting clear and measurable goals is imperative. These goals should be challenging yet attainable, providing a sense of direction and purpose. Regularly review their progress and offer constructive feedback, which can motivate interns to improve and understand how their efforts impact the firm's growth. Acknowledge their achievements, as this can bolster their confidence and encourage further contribution.

5 Foster Engagement

Engagement is key to an intern's contribution and overall experience. Create an inclusive environment that encourages interns to voice their ideas and participate in team activities. This engagement can lead to innovative solutions and a stronger sense of belonging within the firm. When interns feel valued and involved, they are more likely to invest their energy and creativity into their work, driving success and growth for your firm.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?