Tips for Successful Interships

Start early. This internship position description should be thorough and thoughtful. Begin planning as soon as possible and ensure the student has projects at the beginning and end of the internship.

Be realistic. Students should not take on more than they can handle in one semester (e.g. building a website) nor should they be undervalued and be handed mostly administrative work. Most students intern without pay, meaning they need to be compensated with quality work experiences, and for many, this is their first step into the professional world.

State expectations up front. Have an honest conversation with the student at the start of the internship about their responsibilities, expectations, etc to avoid future miscommunications.

Ensure a good fit. When working with departments, talk at length with the faculty of staff coordinating intenrships to ensure the student's academic needs match the needs of your organization. Every program must fulfill specific requirements, so be certain it's a good match.