Selecting Candidates
A student intern does not necessarily have to have expertise in the area covered by the internship project. The Harvard Green Campus Initiative (HGCI) has hired philosophy majors to work on energy conservation, medical students to work on environmental procurement, and physics Ph.Ds to work on alternative fuels projects. Having said that, some background in the general topic can certainly be helpful and should not be discounted. For example, an architecture student might be hired for a high-performance building design internship. A science student with laboratory experience could be hired for a green labs project.
More important than specific knowledge of the topic are strong interpersonal skills, a capacity for quick learning, the ability to collect data and synthesize information, and a passion for environmental sustainability. When interviewing candidates, try to determine if they have the following:
- proven commitment to and understanding of environmental sustainability and its relevance to the project
- interest and ability to address the main point of your project
- proven ability to conduct research and prepare reports
- good oral and written communication skills
- familiarity with computers
- patience and persistence
- self motivation
- ability to work individually and as a member of a team
- proven capacity to learn fast
- friendly, enthusiastic and open-minded manner
- strong work ethic
You can assess candidates' proficiency in each of these areas by doing a number of things:
- reviewing her or his resume
- designing and asking specific questions that will draw out information and styles of communication
- probing the details of candidates' previous research projects and involvement with environmental issues
- talking with former employees or professors
Consider researching interviewing techniques to develop your own ability to draw out and understand your interviewees. Finally, consider asking at least one other appropriate person to meet with the candidates and discuss their potential with you.
It is essential to pick the best possible student for your internship, so be sure to invest the time in getting it right. Interns' abilities to generate and sustain enthusiasm from sponsors will make or break your program. While the HGCI has generally been lucky in this regard, there have been some students who just did not give it their best, who were not able to stay for the full project term, who were too pushy or impatient, and even some who were too withdrawn to communicate effectively. Recruit wisely.