Q: What is an intern (and what is not)?
A: An intern is:
- A professional in training
- A student gaining professional skills through practical experience
- A student first, an intern second – during the academic year
- A new team member capable of contributing to large tasks and projects
An intern is NOT:
- A gopher or clerical support person solely responsible for copying, filing or performing other mundane task
- Cheap labor for a company
- A replacement for a member of your team
Q: How do I create a meaningful internship experience?
A: Following these best practices will lead you toward the development of a meaningful internship program for your company:
- Ensure the internship offers relevant experience in the student’s chosen field
- Encourage interns to initiate projects, ask questions, absorb information and provide feedback as part of their experience
- Create an internship description that is structured to simulate an actual job
- Define clear beginning and end dates
- Establish in writing an agreement between your organization and the intern regarding expectations, responsibilities, evaluations, resources, learning goals, supervision, work schedule and compensation
- Assign an employee to mentor and supervise the intern
Refer to the Intern To Earn Tool Kit for sample forms, internship job descriptions, and other resources.
Q: What are the differences between and internship, a co-op, and a practicum?
A: See chart below.
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Internship
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Co-op
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Clinicals or Practicum
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Length
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Usually lasts one semester or quarter.
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Usually two semesters or quarters.
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Usually based on completing a certain number of hours. Varies by program.
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Paid or Unpaid
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Ideally, paid. If no pay is offered, then a stipend or other forms of compensation can be offered.
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Paid.
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Varies by program.
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Academic Credit Required
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Not always and varies by school and major.
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Usually a requirement of the academic major and considered an integral part of the curriculum. Most often associated with engineering and technology degrees.
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Usually a requirement of the academic major and considered part of the curriculum. May be pre-practicum outcomes established by the faculty in advance. Often associated with allied health, psychology, social work and K-12 teacher education programs.
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Supervision
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At the employer's site by an employee; might also have a supervisor from the academic program or career services.
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At the employer's site by an employee and will also have an academic supervisor.
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At the employer's site by an employee and will also have an academic supervisor.
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Q: Are internships offered only in the summer?
A: Historically, summer tends to be the peak time when students seek internships; however, students today seek internship opportunities throughout the year. So, you can offer internships when it best meets your needs.
Q: What are the labor law requirements related to unpaid internships vs. paid internships?
A: While employers are encouraged to pay wages to interns – and students may be earning college credit for the internship, thus paying tuition - it’s not always feasible for your company to pay wages. Some students are willing to work in an unpaid internship for the meaningful work experience. Whether you are offering an unpaid or paid internship, the program needs to be structured and documented to ensure compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Check with an employment attorney if you have questions or go to http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/scope/er15.asp for more information.
Q: What is “Intern To Earn”?
A: A new regional internship program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor via a Wired65 grant and supported by HIRE (Higher Income Requires Education Forum) and GLI (Greater Louisville Inc. – the Metro Chamber of Commerce).
More than just another internship posting sight, www.InternToEarn.com is a comprehensive program providing employers with turn-key tool kits to develop quality internships and ongoing assistance if needed. It also takes interns a step further. Not only can they search for interning opportunities, the program will help them meet other interns, find cool things to do off-the-clock, and build their professional network by introducing them to community leaders and young professionals.
In short, the goal is to create an intern-friendly culture - for students, businesses and the community in our region.
Why? To attract and retain the workforce of the future.
Have more questions? Contact info@interntoearn.com or call 502-625-0249.