Internships have evolved beyond coffee runs and filing paperwork. 

Modern interns seek meaningful experiences that offer real impact and professional growth, while businesses need programs that deliver genuine value. The LEAF approach provides a framework to create internship programs that benefit both parties. 

• L—Link the intern’s projects to business goals. 

• E—Ethically plan for and manage your intern. 

• A—Authentically mentor and coach your intern. 

• F—Use feedback as a teaching and development tool. 

L – Link projects to business goals 

Interns want meaningful work, not just tasks to fill time. To keep them engaged and ensure your business benefits, too, align their projects with company objectives. 

What do today’s interns want? 

• Projects that match their skills and interests 

• Challenging assignments that build transferable skills 

• Clear expectations and structured programs 

• Exposure to leadership and multiple departments 

• Professional coaching and career guidance 

Before bringing interns on board, clearly define what your business needs. Establishing expectations upfront ensures a productive experience for everyone involved. 

E – Ethically plan and manage your intern 

Beyond legal compliance, ethical considerations are essential for creating valuable internship programs: 

• Fair compensation matters. Unpaid internships are increasingly rare, as proper payment attracts better talent and improves engagement. 

• Provide structured guidance. Assign mentors, schedule regular check-ins, and create thorough onboarding processes. 

• Don't use interns as cheap labor. If your team lacks the time or resources to properly mentor an intern, reconsider your program. 

Consider consulting with HR professionals to ensure your program meets all labor regulations. 

A – Authentically mentor and coach your intern 

Today’s interns are looking for more than just a job—they want meaningful mentorship that helps them navigate their career paths. Strong mentoring relationships enhance both the intern's experience and your company's reputation. 

To build effective mentoring: 

• Define clear program structure, including timelines, goals, and expectations. 

• Schedule regular check-ins to provide support and guidance. 

• Foster open communication where questions are welcomed. 

• Offer real-world career advice about industry trends and skills development. 

Remember that mentorship works both ways—be open to learning from your interns' fresh perspectives and ideas. 

F – Use feedback as a teaching tool 

Interns expect clear, constructive and frequent feedback to understand their performance and areas for improvement. 

 Feedback best practices: 

• Schedule structured feedback sessions throughout the internship. 

• Provide real-time feedback for both accomplishments and areas needing adjustment. 

• Make feedback actionable with specific guidance. 

• Encourage self-reflection to foster growth and accountability. 

A culture of continuous feedback ensures interns develop valuable skills while forming positive impressions of your company. 

Create a win-win experience 

By adopting the LEAF approach—linking projects to goals, ethically managing interns, authentically mentoring, and providing meaningful feedback—your business can create internship experiences that benefit everyone involved. As workforce dynamics continue to evolve, companies that prioritize these elements will attract top talent while building their reputation as employers of choice.