Guidance for Weekly Check‑In Meetings Between Interns and Supervisors

Effective weekly check‑ins between interns and their direct supervisors are a core component of a successful internship experience. These meetings provide a predictable structure for monitoring progress, addressing challenges, setting priorities, and supporting the intern’s professional development.

Supervisors and Interns are expected to hold an individual, weekly 30‑minute check‑in throughout the internship period. 

Schedule a dedicated, recurring time on the calendar to ensure weekly check‑ins take place consistently and are not replaced by ad‑hoc conversations. Treating the meeting as a standing commitment helps maintain structure, reinforces accountability, and provides a reliable space for guidance and reflection.

Recommended Meeting Structure (30 minutes)

A suggested agenda for each weekly meeting is outlined below.

1. Updates (~10 minutes): The intern provides a brief summary of the previous week’s work, including:

• Tasks completed

• Tasks still in progress

• Any delays, challenges, or questions that emerged

• Lessons learned or insights gained

Supervisors should ask clarifying questions as needed and acknowledge progress.

2. Input (~8 minutes): This is an opportunity for the intern to ask non‑urgent questions that support ongoing work, such as:

• Items requiring clarification

• Feedback needed to move forward

• Decisions or approvals required

• Guidance on handling obstacles

Supervisors should offer clear, actionable direction and note any follow‑up items.

3. Next Steps (~10 minutes): The intern outlines their planned tasks for the upcoming week. The supervisor should:

• Confirm or adjust priorities

• Assign new tasks as needed

• Ensure the intern’s workload is manageable and aligned with learning goals

• Set expectations for deliverables and deadlines

Both parties should leave the meeting with a clear, shared understanding of the next steps.

4. Backburner Items (~2 minutes, optional): The intern identifies longer‑term or lower‑priority tasks that should be completed before the internship ends. Examples include:

• Additional research

• Documentation

• Project enhancements

This helps the supervisor understand the broader scope of the intern’s workload and plan accordingly.

5. Progress on Goals (once a month): The intern reflects on their progress toward the professional goals identified at the start of the internship. Interns should briefly assess what has been achieved, what skills or competencies have developed, and any challenges encountered. This reflection helps track growth over time and informs adjustments to goals or learning for the remainder of the internship.