Academic & Career Planning Center

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FAQ's - Internships

 

Why should I hire an intern?
  • Internships help you sample the extraordinary talent at USD and create a pipeline of future employees.
  • Interns contribute to your company's mission and bring a fresh perspective to the organization.
  • You will help students gain practical experience and implement a learning agreement that maximizes their professional growth.
  • Other Benefits of Hiring Interns
How do I hire an intern?

The Academic and Career Planning Center offers services to employers as you develop and promote your internship. We can help you:

  • Identify a professional activity within your organization that a student can assist with
  • Develop the internship position description
  • Advertise the position and collect students' resumes
  • Collect applications from the students you wish to interview
  • Provide space on-campus for you to interview students
  • Post a Job or Internship
How do I arrange academic credit for an internship?
  • If you wish to align your internship with course/department goals and objectives, it would be best to arrange a meeting with your department chair.
  • Academic credit may become a component of an internship outside of a major department. Please arrange a meeting with the Academic & Career Planning Center to discuss this option.
How many hours a week does an intern work?
  • Work schedules are varied and tend to be flexible.
  • Typically, students work ten to twenty hours per week during the academic year. Some may work full-time if the internship is completed during the summer.
What is appropriate compensation?
  • Compensation varies widely and is dependent on the organization's needs, budget and position description. USD recommends a pro-rated salary for the intern comparable to an entry level employee at your organization. A stipend is also an acceptable form of payment.
  • Organizations that cannot afford to pay a salary may consider reimbursing the student for transportation or housing.
  • Legal Considerations About Intern Compensation
Does USD offer any services to employers to help organizations pay interns?
  • USD does not have a service to subsidize student intern wages.
  • The SD Department of Labor offers funding to qualified employers through Dakota Seeds
What can I do to maximize the professional growth of my interns?
  • Plan a challenging work experience and assign projects that relate to their studies. Routine office work should not be the primary focus of the experience.
  • Develop a detailed position description that outlines the student's expectations and assignments.
  • Orient, train and supervise the student.
  • Provide a tour of the facility and information on company procedures.
  • Meet regularly, especially in the beginning.
  • Provide broad exposure to the organization, including staff meetings and informational interviews with key staff members.
  • Provide ongoing feedback about his or her performance.