Employer's FAQ's About Offering Internships

What is the typical work schedule for Interns?

Internships are flexible. Students usually plan their internship schedules around their class schedules. A part time internship can be between 10-30 hours per week. Students who intern over the summer may work 40 hours per week; especially if the internship is paid. Once you determine what projects you want the intern to complete, you can identify how many hours per week you need the intern to work.

If I want to offer a paid internship, what is the typical compensation?

An hourly wage can vary depending upon the experience; generally the hourly wage for an intern ranges from $9.65 to $20.00 per hour. If you are unable to budget an hourly wage, consider offering a monthly or semester stipend to the student.

Is my company responsible for providing insurance or benefits to an intern?

No, normally only full time employees are eligible for benefits provided by the employer. Interns are short term employees and are not eligible. Check with your Human Resources department with questions.

When should I start looking for an intern?

Internship openings are usually posted at least two months prior to the proposed start date. This timeframe allows candidates to submit application materials to the company and for you to review the applications, conduct interviews and make your final selection.

When do internships typically begin and how long do they last?

An internship is generally between three to nine months long and can begin in the summer (May-August), fall (September-December) or spring (January-April).

How does a student obtain academic credit for an internship?

Credit requirements at SMSU vary by academic department. Students will inform you of what they need to complete and what you will need to complete if they are conducting an internship for credit. This responsibility falls on the student to manage.

What if my intern does not work out?

Employers usually have a positive experience with interns. If you have an intern who isn’t meeting your expectations, it is advised that you consult with your Human Resources department and/or seek legal counsel for further information and specific Department of Labor requirements. In most cases, interns are treated as employees and therefore the same laws apply.

Can I offer a full time position to the intern after the internship has been completed?

Yes, if your company and the intern can come to an agreement about full time employment, you can make an offer. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the percentage of interns receiving full time job offers as a result of their internships was 51.7% in 2015.