Orientation and Mentoring Toolkit

The First Few Days on the Job

The first few days on a job are a critical time, setting the stage for the whole internship. This time will most likely be very busy and perhaps a bit overwhelming for both participant and supervisor/mentor. Here are some suggestions for the intern's first few days on the job.

1. Orientation to the workplace:

A thorough orientation to the workplace is key to ensuring the intern has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succesfully complete his/her project. Supervisor's should take time to reflect on their initial experience with the park service; what information was useful to them?; what were their concerns? It is also helpful to ask the advice of other, more recently hired staff at the park.

• Make sure the GIP is introduced to park staff and that staff are aware of the work the GIP will be doing.
• Tour the office:
• Where are office supplies located?
• Where is equipment stored and what is the procedure for checking out equipment?
• What computer or workspace should the intern use?
• Does the intern need to take any required training (IT, security, etc.) on the first day of work?
• What are the standard operating procedures for the building? When should doors be locked, lights and computers turned off, etc?
• Tour the park:
• Where will fieldwork be conducted?
• Provide an overview of park purpose, significance, and organization of park
• Provide maps to the intern
2. Orientation to the community:
• Where are basic services such as a post office, laundromat, grocery store etc?
• Where is the nearest hospital?
• Where are places to eat and/or be social?
• Should any parts of town be avoided?
• What parts of the park and town receive the best cell phone coverage?
• Invite the intern to regularly scheduled events (lunches, evening talks, brown bags, etc.)

Download a printable version of the checklist here

 

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