What kind of evaluation/letter of rec. do you write for a lazy intern?

Question

WIth summer ending it is time to evaluate our intern however he was brought on with no experience in teh field and sadly, seeminly little desire to acquire any. There has been a definite sense of pulling teeth to get them going (not performing tasks that we discussed in a timely fashion, making themselves scarce when work comes up, etc.) There has been very little growth as far as his learning/participating in our everyday work flow.

How do I fill out his evaluation? In his defense he is a terribly nice person and the manager dropped the ball by not giving him a dedicated project or a specific mentor.

Anothe rcomplication: His dad is an executive in the company. While I wish this was not a factor I am realizing I live in the real world. How should I let this play into my evaluation?

Answer 1

you didn't mention what kind of intern? If medical, you owe it to the public who may be treated by him at some point, to be HONEST. I have been in this situation before and I am a strong believer in being totally honest, if you are being trusted to precept. You can be honest but kind, and no-one can fault you for that. I would mention his strong points, and everyone has some?? Then, I would say that the foloowing are ares you see need improvement, and I would list them, and also list suggestions for how he can improve these areas. You may want to mention that you think he would excel ina program where he has direct supervision and a mentor in place. That is an honest asessment. Never lie, it is not a good policy.

Answer 2

Never write anything negative that can be used against you later. The word bland comes to mind. Did he come to work on time, did he miss many days, did he work well with others (don't mention whenever he got around to working). Word it very carefully. Good attendance record, blah blah, came in with no experience and worked toward (never mentioning he did very little work or got no where). If he is nice, he must have worked well with others and in groups. I had a very bad experience with a nephew of a boss in my very early years. The boss made my life a living h*ll. That was before I learned to slash and burn and become self-employed.