As transit agencies look to attract and develop the next generation of transportation professionals, internship programs can play an important role in building a stronger workforce pipeline. But creating a successful program requires more than simply bringing students on board for the summer.

The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and PATCO offer lessons in how agencies can create meaningful internship experiences that benefit both students and their organizations. From providing hands-on experience and mentorship to offering professional development and exposure to different areas of the agency, here are seven ways transit organizations can build stronger internship programs.

7 Tips to Build an Optimal Internship Program

In a recent article, METRO covers the DRPA/PATCO program and discusses how transit agencies may be able to duplicate their success.

Some important takeaways include:

1. Build a Learning Experience

Don't treat an internship as a summer job. Set clear learning objectives and ensure students have opportunities to apply their knowledge to meaningful, real-world work.

2. Recruit With Purpose

Be intentional about the students you want to reach. Identify target schools, programs, and communities, and explain why your organization is an attractive place to spend the summer.

3. Give Interns Meaningful Work

Assign projects with clear objectives and real value to the organization. Give students responsibility while providing the supervision and support they need to succeed.

4. Provide Mentors

Connect interns with experienced professionals who can answer questions, provide feedback, and offer insight into transportation careers. A strong mentor relationship can be one of the most valuable parts of an internship.

5. Show the Bigger Picture

Don't limit students to their assigned department. Introduce them to other parts of the organization, senior leadership, facilities, operations, and the organization's governance structure. Help them understand how their work contributes to the larger mission.

6. Invest in Professional Development

Provide training in skills students can use immediately, including communication and networking, interviewing, presentations, and project management. Most importantly, ask students what skills and knowledge they want to develop.

7. Listen — and Improve

Ask both interns and supervisors for candid feedback. Find out what worked, what didn't, and what should change. Use that information to improve recruitment, orientation, training, and the overall experience for the next cohort.