How to Build a Smooth Onboarding Experience

Step 1: Provide a Warm Welcome

First impressions shape engagement.

• Introduce the intern to key team members
• Explain how your team works
• Share your company’s purpose and how the intern contributes to outcomes

Simple actions, such as a short welcome call or team message, help build early connection and motivation.

Step 2: Offer Clear Guidance

Context drives performance. Help the intern understand:

• How their role fits within your team and structure
• The key projects or objectives they will support
• How their work impacts business goals or clients

Pro tip: Interns who understand why their work matters deliver stronger outcomes.

Step 3: Use the Onboarding Template

Use the customizable onboarding slide deck to streamline setup.

The template helps you:

• Introduce your company, team, and tools
• Set expectations clearly
• Maintain a professional and consistent onboarding experience

Step 4: Establish a Check-In Structure

Define how and when communication happens.

• Set regular check-ins (weekly or bi-weekly)
• Clarify preferred formats, such as calls, chat updates, or progress reports
• Set expectations from day one

Pro tip: Predictable communication reduces confusion and keeps work aligned with timelines.

Step 5: Assign a Mentor or Buddy (Optional)

If capacity allows, pair the intern with a mentor or peer buddy in addition to the supervisor.

This helps:

• Speed up integration
• Increase engagement
• Reduce ad-hoc questions to the supervisor

This approach is especially useful for larger teams or busy supervisors.

Step 6: Foster Belonging

Encourage interns to:

• Join team meetings and discussions
• Participate in idea sessions
• Engage in informal team interactions

A sense of inclusion strengthens trust, collaboration, and initiative.

Step 7: Complete Tech and Tool Setup

Ensure a smooth technical start:

• Confirm system and tool access before day one
• Provide guidance on communication and workflow tools
  
  

See the Tech and Tools guide for step-by-step setup support.

Step 8: Set Mutually Aligned Goals

Clarify objectives early using the Setting Goals guide.

Joint goal-setting:

• Aligns priorities
• Simplifies progress tracking
• Reinforces accountability