I'm currently working with a couple of interns and thinking a lot about how to create the kind of environment where they don’t just do assigned tasks but actually grow — ideally into people who can make decisions, run projects, and mentor others down the line.
So far, here’s what seems to be working:
Giving them ownership of a small but real project (not just assisting on tasks)
Weekly 1:1s focused on feedback, not just updates
Getting them involved in how we measure success (analytics, performance metrics, not just outputs)
Letting them sit in on other parts of the business — sometimes just listening helps connect dots
Encouraging small experiments, and treating mistakes as part of the learning loop
Having them present or write up what they’re learning helps sharpen thinking
It’s not perfect, but I’ve seen some real growth already.
Curious to hear from others here:
What habits, tools, or approaches have helped your interns step up?
Especially in environments where things move fast and the learning curve is steep — what’s worked (or not worked) for you?
So far, here’s what seems to be working:
Giving them ownership of a small but real project (not just assisting on tasks)
Weekly 1:1s focused on feedback, not just updates
Getting them involved in how we measure success (analytics, performance metrics, not just outputs)
Letting them sit in on other parts of the business — sometimes just listening helps connect dots
Encouraging small experiments, and treating mistakes as part of the learning loop
Having them present or write up what they’re learning helps sharpen thinking
It’s not perfect, but I’ve seen some real growth already.
Curious to hear from others here: What habits, tools, or approaches have helped your interns step up?
Especially in environments where things move fast and the learning curve is steep — what’s worked (or not worked) for you?