How to Create a Strong Internship Experience

What is an internship vs. a part-time job?

An internship is a learning opportunity offered to a student by an employer where the student gains exposure and practical work experience in a particular field and the employer gains an opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

While there is a huge learning component to any job, internships tie directly back into the learning outcomes at the university and provide them with skills and experiences that will prepare them for a professional-level position. If you are looking for someone to fetch coffee or file papers, a part-time position may be a better fit for you at this time!

Part-time Job Description
Internship Job Description

Why Are Internships Important to Students?

  • Students are seeking internships because they are eager to learn and explore fields of interest
  • Students are in search of a positive work culture where they can contribute to a team and gain mentorship
  • Students want to test out an organization that could lead to a full-time position 

Great internships include:

  • Orientation and training for the intern
  • Specific projects and responsibilities for the intern to learn about and contribute to the organization
  • Support from the employer supervisor helping guide learning goals
  • Opportunities for the intern to meet leaders in the organization and have a sense of belonging

How to set goals and write a plan

Before you get started, think about what your intern would be doing and have a solid plan for the first 90 days of their employment. Some questions you can ask yourself to get started are:

  • What is the main goal for the internship or program? 
  • What projects and learning opportunities will you offer? 
  • Who will supervise and provide feedback to the intern? 
  • What will training & orientation look like? 
  • What are ways that you will create belongingness & connections for the intern? 
  • Where will they be located? 
  • How will they be compensated & how long will the internship last? 
  • How will the intern be evaluated, and will they do a final presentation? 

This is not an end-all be-all list, just to help get you started in envisioning what you want this position to be!

Internship Goals Example
Onboarding Example