An internship is an experiential learning opportunity that integrates classroom knowledge with practical application in a professional setting. It allows students to gain hands-on experience while helping employers evaluate and mentor future talent.

Download our Internship Starter Guide

Goals & Objectives

A well-structured internship should:

• Offer meaningful, project-based work relevant to the intern’s field of study.
• Provide skill development and career exploration.
• Support organizational objectives while mentoring emerging professionals.
• Foster industry insights and professional networking.

Benefits of Hosting Interns

• Fresh Perspectives: Interns bring innovative ideas to the team.
• Talent Pipeline: Identify and train potential future employees.
• Increased Productivity: Interns assist with projects and lighten staff workload.
• Community Engagement: Strengthen ties with local educational institutions.

Internship Standards (NACE Guidelines)

• The experience should extend classroom learning, not replace regular employee work.
• Skills gained should be transferable to other employment settings.
• The internship should have clear start/end dates and defined learning objectives.
• Supervision should be provided by an experienced professional.
• Routine feedback and learning resources should be available.

Key Considerations When Creating an Internship

Employers should evaluate:

• Organizational goals for the internship.
• Adequacy of work/tasks available for an intern.
• Compensation (paid or unpaid) and logistical support.
• Whether the role is project-based or offers broader exposure to the organization.
• Orientation, training, and evaluation methods for interns.

Internship Timeline

• Planning (2-3 months ahead): Define roles, create a vacancy notice, coordinate with institutions.
• Recruitment & Selection (1-2 months ahead): Advertise, review applications, conduct interviews.
• Onboarding (Week 1): Provide orientation, clarify roles, and set expectations.
• Internship Period (8-16 weeks): Assign projects, offer mentorship, provide feedback.
• Wrap-up & Evaluation (Final week): Conduct exit interviews, assess contributions.

Credit vs. Non-Credit Internships

Students may receive academic credit for internships, requiring employer collaboration with their institution. Credit-bearing internships involve:

• Aligning responsibilities with educational outcomes.
• Working with faculty advisors for oversight.
• Providing evaluations, progress reports, and documentation as needed.
• Meeting university-mandated hour requirements.

Posting an Internship Vacancy

An effective listing should include:

• Position title & company name
• Duration & expected hours per week
• Compensation details (paid/unpaid)
• Job description & responsibilities
• Required skills & qualifications
• Application process & deadline
• Supervisor contact information

By structuring an internship thoughtfully, employers can provide valuable learning experiences while benefiting from fresh talent and innovation.