UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Internships

For Employers

What is an Internship?

"An academic internship is a form of experiential education that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting" (NACE).  Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

  • Internships are typically a 10, 12, or 14 - week learning experience over the summer or part-time during the academic year. Ideally positions are established on an annual basis and filled by alternating students.
  • An internship is a carefully monitored work experience in which a student has intentional learning goals that enable them to apply classroom knowledge to the workplace.
  • Interns receive compensation for their contributions to the organization.
  • Internships include learning objectives, reflection and evaluation.
  • Learning goals are an important aspect of an internship that distinguishs it from a short-term job. A high-quality internship experience should include analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving. At least one of the following is expected: 1) Job rotation, 2) Responsibility for special projects, 3) Assisting a manager in their duties, and/or 4) Any other elements which constitute a significant learning experience.
  • Internships for academic credit are part of CBE’s educational program and are carefully monitored and evaluated by faculty.

The internship program within the College of Business and Economics (CBE) is an excellent example of a working partnership between employers and an institution of higher education. The integration of practical experience and academics creates a win-win situation for the employer, student and university. CBE has long recognized the value of experiential learning to strengthen its academic programs. CBE strongly encourages internships for all students.

Design an internship that fits your organization’s needs.  Outline what you are hoping to achieve from having an intern.  Ensure that there is a commitment by your organization’s management to hire, train, supervise and mentor interns.

  1. Draft a job description that clearly explains the duties and scope of learning for the intern.
  2. Determine the timeframe and number of hours necessary.  Summers generally work best for most interns.
  3. Determine what you will pay the intern.
  4. Identify workspace for the intern, as well as any additional resources an intern needs to do their job.
  5. Determine the academic background and experience you desire.
  6. Determine who will have supervisory, training, and mentoring responsibility for the intern.
  7. Determine how the intern’s performance will be evaluated and how feedback will be provided.
  8. Outline the recruitment and application process.


CBE faculty must approve the internship for college credit. The following information is essential:
 

1. Duties and Scope of Learning

Since an internship is a learning experience, the job content should reflect this goal. The job description should address the level of analysis and decision-making an intern will have and include at least one of the following:

  • Job rotation
  • Responsibility for special projects
  • Assisting a manager in their duties
  • Anything else that constitutes a significant learning experience

2. Academic Background/Experience/Skills

  • Indicate the preferred academic major(s), experience, and skills sought.
  • If there is a GPA requirement, please list it.

3. Supervision

  • Please include the name, title, e-mail address, and phone number of the staff member who will be supervising the intern.

4. Salary and Benefits

  • CBE internships are paid work experiences. Compensation should be fair and competitive, with consideration for training and experience. Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
  • Compensation could include reimbursement of academic credit costs for the intern.

5. Time Frame and Hours

  • Include the starting and ending date of the internship, the number of hours an intern will work per week, and the total hours for the internship.

6. Application Process

  • Provide a detailed description outlining the process for applying for the internship, including the application deadline.

7. Employer Contact Information

  • Please provide the name of the organization, the name/title of the hiring official, address, phone number, email address, and website.
  • Internships provide a source of skilled, motivated pre-professionals.
  • Interns offer fresh perspectives to old problems.
  • Employers receive increased visibility for their organizations at UWRF.
  • Internships allow professional staff increased freedom to pursue more creative projects.
  • Internships provide a flexible, cost-effective workforce not requiring a long-term employer commitment.
  • Internships offer a cost-effective way to recruit, evaluate, train, and retain potential employees.
  • Internships offer organizations access to diverse populations.
  • Provide a supervised internship experience related to a program offered by CBE: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Management, and/or Marketing/Professional Sales.
  • Provide a complete description relating to the position outlining the duties and responsibilities, the scope of learning, hours of work, compensation, the name of the direct supervisor, and the process for applying for the internship.
  • Communicate with the student employee regarding work schedules, supervision, safety regulations, appearance, personnel policies, and other expectations.
  • Supervise and evaluate the work performance of the intern.
  • Communicate with faculty internship coordinators for the purpose of evaluation and program improvement. Additionally, faculty can assist in the case of dissatisfaction with student performance. 
  • Complete the Employer Evaluation form.