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Internship Information for Employers

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Internship Information for Employers

Internship Characteristics

"An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. Credit-bearing internships are overseen by a college educator and by a designated employee of an organization. The internship is usually the length or equivalent of an academic term, may be part-time or full-time, paid, or unpaid. An integral component of the experience that distinguishes it from other types of work is structured and deliberate learning objectives and corresponding reflection activities."

*Definition informed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

What are the Characteristics of a Quality Internship?

  • An extension of the classroom; an internship must be equal parts learning experience and professional activity. It must not simply advance the operations of the employer or consist of work that a regular employee would routinely perform
  • Supervision by a professional with expertise and an educational and/or professional background in the field of the experience
  • The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings
  • The experience must have a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications
  • There are clearly defined learning objectives related to the student's professional goals
  • There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor
  • There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support the learning objectives/goals

What an Internship is Not

  • Free administrative labor or inexpensive solutions to replace full-time positions
  • Positions supervised by family members
  • Internships at home-based organizations
  • Commission-based positions
  • Unpaid positions that do not comply with FLSA regulations
  • Positions requiring door-to-door canvassing, cold-calling, or petition gathering
  • An "independent contract" relationship where the intern must set-up his/her own business
  • Telemarketing positions
  • Positions that require upfront fees before interns can work

The Benefits of Hosting Interns

  • Sources motivated pre-professionals
  • Gives back by sharing knowledge and skills with future career professionals
  • Enables staff to pursue more creative projects
  • Cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees
  • Improves marketing on college campuses
  • Brings in fresh perspective on projects

Starting an Internship Program

Factors to Consider Before Starting an Internship Program

  • Your reasons for starting a program
  • Your organization's needs
  • Intern accommodations (i.e., workspace, technology provisions, parking)
  • The availability of site supervisors (individuals within the intern's department that can function as overseers and mentors)
  • Possible workload and/or projects for an intern
  • Potential goals for the program
  • Preparing interns for management positions

Writing an Internship Job Description

  • What will the intern's primary responsibility include?
  • What will the intern have the opportunity to learn?
  • Will the intern need a specific major or previous experience?
  • Will the intern be paid?
  • How many hours will the intern work a week?
  • What additional benefits will the intern receive?
    Will there be special training programs, performance reviews, lunches with executives, social events? Keep in mind that your interns are walking advertisements for your company. If they have a valuable experience working for you, they're likely to tell their friends.

Requirements

Federal law says that if an employment relationship is deemed to be present, the intern must be paid at least the minimum wage and appropriate overtime compensation. However, new court rulings have also expanded protections for unpaid internships. But they still require unpaid internships to (1) be designed primarily for educational purposes and (2) benefit the intern first and foremost.

For more information on these and other legal issues, visit https://www.naceweb.org

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