Internship Supervisors

Although the terms “onboarding” and “orientation” are often used interchangeably, they have different goals and outcomes. Orientation is a short-term process that prepares interns for their first days of work and may involve administrative tasks such as completing paperwork for benefits and necessary forms related to their employment. Onboarding is a broader, longer-term process that helps new employees to transition smoothly and become engaged members of an agency. More specifically, onboarding is the process of welcoming and acclimating new employees into an organization, and providing them with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to be successful and productive. The effectiveness of an onboarding program affects employees’ ability to successfully transition into an agency and whether that agency can retain talent. A successful onboarding experience contributes to an intern’s sense of inclusion and belonging.