Student Intern Onboarding

Making the Most of Your First Weeks

Once orientation and training are behind you, the first few weeks set the tone for the rest of your internship. These practical habits help new student interns settle in quickly, contribute meaningfully and get real learning out of the experience.

Balance campaign work with your studies

Campaign schedules shift quickly, especially around events and deadlines. Share your class timetable and exam periods with your supervisor early so shifts can be planned around them. If your internship counts toward academic credit, check your school's requirements for hours, reflection papers or supervisor sign-offs before you start, so you can keep simple records from day one.

Learn the platform before you talk to voters

Whether you are knocking on doors, staffing a table or answering messages, people will ask what the campaign stands for. Spend time with the campaign platform and the candidate background so you can answer basic questions in your own words. When you don't know something, say so honestly and offer to follow up. A careful "let me find out" builds more trust than a guess.

Communicate professionally

• Speak for yourself, not the campaign, unless you have been cleared to do so. Send media enquiries or unusual requests to staff.
• Think before you post. Your personal social media can reflect on the campaign. Ask what the expectations are around sharing campaign content.
• Protect voter information. Contact lists and canvassing data are confidential. Use them only for assigned tasks and never copy them to personal devices or accounts.
• Stay courteous with everyone, including people who disagree. Respectful conversations are part of civic life.

Know the rules around money and elections

Political campaigns in Minnesota operate under state and federal campaign finance rules. Interns should never accept cash or donations directly. Point supporters to the official donation page or to a staff member. If you are unsure whether an activity is allowed, ask before acting.

Build skills deliberately

Ask your supervisor which areas you can rotate through, such as events, outreach, communications or data entry. Keep a short weekly note of what you worked on, what you learned and what you would like to try next. That record helps in check-in conversations and later in résumés, references and job interviews.

Take care of yourself

Canvassing in a Minnesota winter or summer can be demanding. Dress for the weather, stay hydrated, work in pairs when doing door-to-door outreach and let staff know right away if a situation ever feels unsafe.