Setting Up
The first step in setting up a student internship program is locating someone to take responsibility for program development. This person should be a paid employee with enough project management experience to organize a program from scratch. A green campus coordinator is an ideal candidate; however, if this is not possible, any person with the time, commitment and the necessary skills and experience can serve regardless of their departmental affiliation. For the duration of this manual, this person will be called the SIP manager.
Running a SIP requires variable time allocations: moderate during the development phases, intense during the summer implementation phases, and minimal after the summer.
An ideal way to start a SIP is for an existing staff person at the college or university to expand their position responsibilities to include the role of SIP manager. This will enable the SIP manager to spend as little or as much time as they need to get the program up and running without having to first raise their own salary.
The Harvard Green Campus Initiative (HGCI) Director initially dedicated two days per week to establishing the SIP in the first year. This time was spent building sponsor partnerships. During the first summer, this time expanded to five days per week when there were 10 interns to manage and mentor. After the summer, the SIP required very little time so the Director could reallocate time to other activities.
An alternate option is to establish a new part- or full-time position. Although this is often more difficult to get approved by college or university partners, it might be the kind of activity that could attract a donor or get a grant.
Some of the other major considerations in establishing a SIP include the following: