West Michigan Internship Initiative

As one of the founding partners of the West Michigan Internship Initiative, Hello West Michigan focuses the initiative on connecting employers, educational institutions, and workforce development, while providing employers with the resources necessary to build a successful internship program. There are several tools and initiatives aimed at connecting interns to employers, but it is imperative that the right structure is in place to make that connection a success.

College Collaborator Contacts:

The West Michigan Internship Initiative has three primary components:

1. Employer Internship Toolkit

Designed to provide resources for employers to assist with developing and/or enhancing an internship program. The toolkit includes information and templates that will assist with creating and managing internships.

The purpose of this toolkit is to:

  • Cover the 5 steps essential to structuring a successful internship program.
  • Outline each step in detail.
  • Provide templates, resources and information to assist with structuring an internship program.
  • Provide best practices for each step

2. Employer Internship Training Sessions (EITS)

If the 50+ page toolkit above seems daunting, attend a free training session where we’ll break it down. Sessions include representatives from college career services and an employer with a successful internship program.

At each session, presenters cover, at a minimum, the following items:

  • Employer benefits for having an internship program.
  • How to connect with education, workforce development and talent.
  • Things to consider before beginning an internship program.
  • How to address cultural and generational differences between incumbent workers and interns.
  • The five steps essential to structuring an internship program.
  • Best practices and frequently asked questions.
  • Additional resources such as career fairs, online tools and networking groups.

2023/24 Training Session Dates

  • September 12, 2023 from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. at Grand Valley State University
  • November 16, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Davenport University
  • January 11, 2024 from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. online with Cornerstone University
  • March 20, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Aquinas College
  • May 8, 2024 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Calvin University
Register for Free Training Session

3. Remote Internship Resources

As remote internships become more popular, there are several resources regarding best practices and tips for employers hosting virtual interns.

Explore the following resources to learn about best practices and the ins and outs of virtual internships:

Sources: Yale Office of Career Strategy, Handshake, Cooperative Education & Internship Association

Couldn’t make it to the Employer Internship Training Session? Find information about starting a remote internship program of your own.