How do I request an intern?
The Sponsor Request form can be downloaded from the “Arizona Interns-In-Action” website. Please complete the form and forward to Susan Laurence at Susan.Laurence@azdoa.gov or fax to 602.542.4757. |
How do I qualify for an internship at the State of Arizona?
The ideal time to keep an intern will be in line with the academic semester. The normal periods are: Summer semester (May-August), Spring semester (January-April), or Fall semester (August-December). However, the duration of the internship can be extended based on intern and agency requirements. |
Are these interns in high school or are they college students?
Interns must be enrolled at a college or university with a minimum 2.75 grade point average. |
How do students benefit from an unpaid internship program?
Students will experience opportunities in the public sector that will offer real world experience to complement their current studies and provide college credit. |
How do I prepare for my intern?
Review intern expectations with the department and all stakeholders. Be sure to set-up a proper work-station complete with office supplies. Complete all necessary forms required for badge access and parking. Be prepared to meet your intern after orientation so you can begin introductions. Don’t forget to review lunch breaks and directions to the break-room and restroom. You may wish to include the intern in your lunch plans on that first day. |
How do I supervise an intern?
Sponsoring an intern is very different from supervising a regular employee. We highly recommend attending one of the Sponsor Workshops facilitated by the Arizona Department of Administration. Sponsoring an intern is a serious time commitment that offers a unique opportunity to combine quality teaching with mentorship and guidance. |
How will I know if the internship is going well?
Review assigned project tasks and learning objectives on a scheduled basis. Discuss project expectations during the first week of the internship. Be prepared to engage in on-going discussions about progress and deliverables. |
What if my intern does not perform as expected?
Having an intern is a time commitment. Providing on-going and timely feedback regarding performance is a critical feature to maintaining a valuable internship program. The sponsor will provide a final intern performance evaluation highlighting areas of success and areas for opportunity. |
How can I develop my intern?
It is important the intern has an opportunity to learn about state government beyond their project. We encourage sponsors to coordinate one-on-one’s with others who hold important roles in state government. Encouraging the intern to attend various department meetings to include quarterly events and other meetings contributes to key learning opportunities.
There will be professional development events sponsored and facilitated by the Arizona Department of Administration to include, networking events and tours of the State Capitol. |
Are interns different than volunteers?
Interns whether paid or unpaid are considered distinct and separate from volunteers. Interns are seeking training and are working for academic purposes. They are the primary beneficiaries of the internship experience and are most of the time receiving academic credit through their college or university. |
Are unpaid interns allowed to use state vehicles?
No. According to the State Risk Management office non-financially compensated interns are not able to operate any state vehicle for any reason. |
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