Career Development Center

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Hire Interns

 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 Career Development 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?
  • Academic credit may become a component of an internship, but this will be arranged by the student and USD faculty.
  • If you wish to align your internship with course goals and objectives, the Career Development Center will assist you in contacting the respective department(s).  
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 South Dakota 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.