employer faq's

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Employer FAQ's How many hours of work per week are expected of interns? And/or how long do interns usually work? Part-time interns generally work a minimum of 8 – 10 hours/week for 12 – 15 weeks. However, there are exceptions to this depending on the academic department requirements. Full-time interns will work 480+ hours. Interns can work during the spring or fall semesters, or during the summer. Occasionally students will intern during the winter break. Are internships paid? Some internships are paid and some are not. Many internships with nonprofit organizations are unpaid positions. However, companies and organizations are encouraged to find some way to compensate interns, whether it be a stipend or gift bonus at the end, or other non-monetary ways to show appreciation. What is expected of employers? Employers should offer a learning experience that furthers the student’s professional growth. For the internship, employers should provide an adequate work space, a supervisor who enjoys training, equipment needed for the internship, a clear job/project description for the internship, and a possible monetary compensation. What is expected of Supervisors? Someone who has the heart for the professional development of others should be assigned to supervise the student. That person should: Orient the student to the organization, its “culture”, and their work assignment(s) Assist the student in developing/achieving personal learning objectives; Host an on-site visit from the faculty supervisor sometime during the work term; Offer feedback to the student on a regular basis; Complete formal written evaluations at the request of the faculty supervisor. What happens if there are problems and issues with the student? We encourage you to lay out clear expectations for your student and maintain open communication. Usually that resolves most problems. Every internship placement is unique. Guidelines might include issues such as learning objectives, academic requirements, schedules, policies on absenteeism and punctuality, attitude, appropriate dress, and more. If a problem arises, individuals are encouraged to discuss the situation, negotiate on their own, and work toward an agreement. Discussing the issues early on when they occur, usually leads to a solution that is acceptable to all. Should difficulties continue, contact the supervising faculty member.