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Develop an Internship
FAQ
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.
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 Many Hours per 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.