Internship: How to Partner

Internship programs should be established in order to benefit the student as well as the organization. Interns can bring fresh ideas and new perspective to an organization. They are dedicated to continuing learning about their field and will have a desire to achieve. An intern will bring a ready and willing attitude and will want to impress.

When determining your need for an intern, ask yourself, "Can my organization offer the following?"

Mentorship: Your organization should have a seasoned professional willing and able to mentor an intern in the student’s specific field.

Real projects: Interns should not just be brought in as a workhorse for you or your organization. They should be provided the opportunity to work on real projects and constantly be presented with learning opportunities. Students should be able to add work samples produced at your organization to their portfolio upon completion of the internship.

Work space and resources: Interns will be required to work in your office under the direction of a supervisor. Interns will need a workspace and all of the resources (software, equipment, etc.) required in order to complete projects assigned.

Networking opportunities: Allow interns to network with leaders in your organization and introduce them to colleagues outside your organization.

Reference/Recommendations: Interns should be able to fill their resume with new experiences and skills upon completing an internship. Another great benefit for interns is having a working professional in their field willing to attest to their work by being a reference.

The next step:

We hope to make the process of taking on a promising intern as easy as possible. There are few easy steps to make it happen:

• Once you determine the commitment your company or organization has for an intern, complete the Internship Information Form to describe the internship position in detail. Submit the Internship Information Form to the internship office. Upon submission and review your position will be entered into The Center’s database.
      HOW TO SUBMIT: Click the Internship Information Form link to view an editable PDF of the form. Follow the instructions then click “Submit Form” in the top right corner.
• Qualified students will be made aware of your position opening through The Center's office. Students interested in your position will apply to you directly.
• Please reply to candidates and set up interviews. Following the interview process, communicate the selection/hiring decisions to the candidates.
• Once you have made a selection for the semester, you can begin the next steps. Find information and tips on the Mentoring an Intern page.
  

Credits Earned & Intern Pay

All students  through the Center for Portfolio Development & Internships program receive academic credit for their internship field experience. The academic internship your organization offers may be paid or unpaid. If your organization is a for-profit business, we encourage you to offer compensation. If your organization (for profit or non-profit) is unable to pay, consider providing a stipend, or other "perks" such as free parking, mileage reimbursements or meals.

Unpaid student employment will not violate the U.S. Department of Labor's Fair Labor Standards Act if it is a training program meets the following criteria:

1) the training should be similar to that given in a vocational setting

2) the experience is for the benefit of the student

3) students do not displace regular employees

4) the site sponsor provides the training and receives no immediate advantage from the activities of students

5) students are not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the training period

6) the site sponsor and student understand that the student is not entitled to wages for the time spent in training.