Many companies have a familiarization process set up for you in the first few days at work. This may include showing you your work station, meeting co-workers, learning what you can and cannot do, getting signed up for all the corporate systems, going through safety and security training, receiving an outline of your initial responsibilities and so on. Others, primarily smaller organizations, may have a less structured approach. You may have to be more proactive in asking for access to systems and finding out what you are to do. Again, ASK if you are unsure.
Be mature in your interaction with your supervisor and co-workers. Be sensitive to their schedules in how and when you ask for help. Make it easy for them to want to help you get started. Offer your assistance in different ways. Be positive and let your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn show. Generally, people will want to help you if you are willing to learn.
In addition to all assignments you are given on your work term, you must complete three reports and performance evaluations as well as participate in a job site visit
Work Term Reports
Work Term Reports are designed to both monitor your progress and track your experience as an intern. Each report has a specific purpose and requires you to think critically about your experiences. It is mandatory that each report is signed by your supervisor, signifying their approval. It is also mandatory that each report is submitted to the office via the internship course on Blackboard by the set timeline. Your academic mentor will be given your report immediately for their evaluation. For more information please see Internship Reports.
IACT
The Internship Attributes Coaching Tool (IACT) is designed to evaluate an intern’s performance in areas identified by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). These performance evaluations can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses from your supervisor’s perspective and offer you an opportunity to work with your supervisor on the development of your work place abilities. The due dates of each performance evaluation coincide with the due dates of the work term reports. It is your responsibility to ensure the evaluations are completed by your supervisor and submitted by the assigned date.
Job Site Visits
The internship office strives to maintain contact with interns while they are on the job site. You may receive a phone call from an Engineering Internship advisor within the first 90 days to ensure that the placement is going well and to consult with you regarding any workplace issues. Later in your work term, you will be contacted and asked to schedule a job site visit with an adviser. Although the office attempts to visit as many job sites as possible, those who are out of town will more likely receive another phone call in place of a visit. During the visit, be prepared to discuss your learning objectives, work plans, and any other important aspect of your internship experience. If there is an issue that needs to be discussed more privately, notify an adviser and other arrangements can be made.