Developing an Internship Program

Gaining Student Skills, Energy, and Creativity

What is an internship?

A temporary work experience wherein a student performs pre-professional work in support of an organization’s goals.

Employer Benefits

• The talent of students educated in Nebraska colleges and universities • New staff with a minimal learning curve • New skills and ideas for the organization • Enhanced campus and community public relations • Potential candidates for full-time positions

Determining Intern Activities

• Areas in need of development • Projects put on the “back-burner” • “Start to finish” projects • Examples include: – Design of promotional materials – User surveys, demographic surveys – Improvements to processes – Design and implementation of systems – Workshop development and delivery – Research projects and written reports

The Job Description

• The majority of an intern’s tasks should involve professional activities, providing the student a solid learning experience.

• A good job description will: – Outline responsibilities/activities – State required qualifications – Specify outcomes, “deliverables” – Identify learning opportunities for student – Describe compensation, benefits – Determine hours/time commitment

Supervising the Intern

• Employer determines reporting lines and direct supervisor • Supervisors should be: – Enthusiastic about program – Willing and able to spend time with interns – Interested in teaching, working with interns – Knowledgeable in technical areas – Comfortable providing on-going feedback

Recruiting Interns

• Identify needs/opportunities within the organization • Prepare internship job description • Contact local NCCSA career center to advertise opportunity • Receive and evaluate resumes of interested students • Interview candidates of interest • Offer position to selected candidate

Compensation

– Although some students will accept unpaid internships, most partially fund their education and are unable to do so.

– Typically Nebraska colleges and universities do not provide funding to employers to hire interns.

Academic Credit

– Policies differ by institution, no guarantee intern will receive credit – Credit may or may not apply to overall graduation requirements – Most interns who receive academic credit will incur related tuition and fees

International Students

– – Most are eligible to work as a paid intern with minimal paperwork completed by the employer. – Students coordinate their experience with their campus international affairs office.

Documenting the Internship

• A memorandum of understanding or agreement between the student and the organization • Formal feedback in an evaluation

Developing an Internship Program

Questions?

Contact any NCCSA member www.nccsa.info