What is an internship?
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines an internship as follows:
- Must be a learning experience that applies knowledge gained in the classroom.
- Teaches skills or knowledge that can be transferred to other employment settings.
- Has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
- Has clearly defined learning goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework.
- Provides supervision by and routine feedback from a professional with expertise in the field.
- Includes resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer to support learning goals.
Paid or Unpaid?
Like full-time salaries, internship pay varies by field. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has information on average wages. Keep in mind compensation can include discounted parking, stipends, free lunch, subsidized housing, and other benefits.
If you offer an unpaid internship, be mindful of the “primary beneficiary test” under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
We strongly encourage paid internship when possible as an important effort in diversity, equity, and inclusion in employment practices.
Internships for Credit
Each UMN college/department handles internships differently. Due to this, it is the student’s responsibility to work with their department and/or academic advisor to determine if they can receive credit for their internship. As an employer, you can support the student in pursuing an internship for credit at your organization, but you cannot guarantee that credit.
Typically, if a student is able to pursue an internship for credit, the department will have you and the student fill out and sign a learning agreement, which specifically states the goals and intended outcomes of the internship. This is initiated by the student and department, so you do not need to produce this document on your own. There may also be requests for documented supervision of the student and an evaluation at the end of the internship.
Employer Relations and Engagement Staff Can Help You
Our staff are happy to discuss best practices for internships with their students, including how to:
- Craft a posting more likely to attract quality candidates
- Structure an internship program that’s valuable for your organization and the intern
- Create a learning agreement, supervision plan, and end of program evaluation process – all recommended whether or not they are required by the school