Who Runs It?
How is the Student Internship Program Managed?
HGCI manages the internship program. Each year the HGCI:
- Establishing Relationships within Schools/Departments
- Identifies intern projects in partnership with departments/schools
- Defines the position description and workplan for each internship
- Finalizes Sponsorship from respective schools/departments
- Organizes space and equipment for interns
- Advertises, interviews & recruits (In general around 10 students apply for each position)
- Administers payroll and access
- Establishes and schedules Steering Groups
- Conducts intern orientation and training
- Provides substantial Project Management and Product support for duration of internship (averages 1.5 days/week/intern)
- Ensures Product delivery - Public Presentations, Final Report and Website posting
A Steering group of sponsors and other relevant Harvard University staff and faculty is established for each intern project to provide project advice and feedback. Steering groups commonly meet just 2-3 times during the summer.
Note : Interns require substantial management support to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and blocked by the political and organizational complexities that are endemic to Harvard University. Successful internships require around 1-2 days a week from an experienced manager to adequately support and direct their work.