How a sustainable internship programme can support social mobility

 Student process

Corporate donor/employer process

Submit online application

• Student applies online, outlining their programme of study, industry interest, skills and qualifications
• Programme coordinator (PC) uses this information to facilitate the “matching process”

Online application and philanthropic donation to WP programme

• Employer applies to participate in the programme and makes a minimum financial donation to the university to support WP initiatives

Prepare and submit CV

• Student receives professional support to submit professional CV to PC
• Also used to aid student/employer matching process

Submit online employer requirements form

• Employer completes the form, specifying preferred programme of study, skills and competencies required for the summer internship
• Specific role information collected, including location, hours of work and department in which student will be placed
• Also used to aid student/employer matching process

Participate in tailored work readiness programme

• Design and deliver student workshops to support the transition into the professional workplace, including effective communication, professional workplace etiquette, how to dress in the workplace, interview skills and preparation
• This aspect of the programme acknowledges the limited exposure WP students may have to professional workplaces

Participate in employer engagement programme

• It is important to equip employers with the relevant knowledge and skills so they can successfully engage in the programme and adequately “on-board” a WP student for their internship
• DCU design and deliver bespoke workshops, tailored to employer needs, including workshops on topics such as ”what is WP”,  and “how to be fully inclusive of neurodiverse employees”

Matched with a suitable employer

• Using all the information gathered on student application forms, mock interviews  and the Employer Requirements Form, the PC matches a WP student with an appropriate employer
• Consultation with employer and student to ensure both parties are satisfied with this match
• This process may need to be repeated if student/employer needs are not met

Matched with a suitable student

• Using all the information gathered on student application forms, mock interviews and the employer requirements form, the PC matches a WP student with an appropriate employer
• Consultation with employer and student to ensure both parties are satisfied with this match
• This process may need to be repeated if student/employer needs are not met

Commence 4- to 12-week internship

• Student undertakes paid internship
• PC checks in with the student throughout the internship to provide necessary support

Provide fully paid summer internship

• Employer offers paid internship to student
• Student is a full-time employee for the duration of the internship; all relevant employee policies and procedures apply
• Internal member of staff from organisation appointed as the student’s mentor to provide support throughout internship

Participate in programme evaluation

• Student feedback gathered to assist with ongoing programme development

Participate in programme evaluation

• Employer feedback gathered to assist with ongoing programme development