What is an internship?
- Internships are project based, experiential learning opportunities that allow students to integrate their academics with practical experience, develop and refine professional skills, and explore career interests.
- Internships should benefit the student rather than the employer.
- There is intentional onboarding, ongoing supervision, and frequent feedback by an experienced professional in the field.
How are internships different from jobs?
- Internships have a defined beginning and end and are centered on specific projects with clear learning outcomes, rather than routine office operations.
- Internships are focused on the learning component of experiential learning. Please review the U.S. Department of Labor definition of internships in Fact Sheet #71.
Creating an internship partnership with Whittier College
Employers create internship programs to build a talent pipeline, to build on new and existing projects, and to engage with new professionals. Internships need time and intention in the planning to ensure long-term success of the internship program.
Step One: Explore
- Review the different components that make up an internship experience.
- Explore compensation with your organization whenever possible. Monetary compensation is strongly encouraged whether or not interns choose to earn academic credit for their internships.
Step Two: Identify
- Identify your overall goals and learning objectives for the internship program and how much support your organization can feasibly provide to the student interns.
- Identify a meaningful project for your intern to complete during the duration of their internship.
- Identify supervisors to guide your intern during their internship experience and support with their learning. These supervisors must be willing to support with onboarding, ongoing training, feedback, check-ins, and final performance evaluations.
Step Three: Develop
- Develop a hiring and recruitment timeline, including application and supplemental application requirements
- Internship description including a section on learning objectives, start and end dates, pay, internship site, and commitment
- Develop an onboarding plan for interns to familiarize themselves with your organization and meet key professionals
- Develop a holistic experience that is not just project work but also encompasses training opportunities, professional development, leadership meetings, and meetings with key leaders at your organization.
Step Five: Submit an Internship Interest Form
Step Six: Promote your internship on Handshake
- Once approved, you will be able to promote your opportunities via Handshake.