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 professioanl fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

  • Internship 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 him or her 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 distinguish it from a short-term job. A high-quality internship experience should include analysis, critical thinking and problem solving, and at least one of the following: 1) Job rotation, 2) Responsibility for special projects, 3) Assisting a manager in his or her duties, and 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.

Click on the plus signs below for more information about your responsibilities as an employer in regards to starting a new internship, submitting an internship description, and supervising and evaluating your intern.

Benefits to the Employer

  • 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.

  • Organizations can improve their access to diverse populations.

Responsibilities of the Employer

  • Provide a supervised internship experience related to a program offered by CBE: Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Management or Marketing.

  • Provide a complete description relating to the position outlining the duties and responsibilities, scope of learning, hours of work, compensation, name of direct supervisor and the process for applying for the internship. We can provide you with a template.

  • Communicate with the student employee regarding work schedules, supervision, safety regulations, appearance, personnel policies and other procedures.

  • Supervise and evaluate the work performance of the intern.

  • Communicate with faculty internship coordinators for purposes of evaluation and program improvement, or in the case of dissatisfaction with student performance.

Steps for Establishing a New Internship

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

  • Draft a job description using the guidelines below that clearly explains the duties and scope of learning for the intern.

  • Determine the time frame and amount of hours worked. Summers generally work best for most interns.

  • Determine what you will pay the intern.Identify workspace for the intern, as well as any additional resources an intern needs to do his or her job.

  • Determine the academic background and experience you desire.

  • Determine who will be responsible for supervising, training and mentoring the intern.

  • Determine how the intern's performance will be evaluated and how feedback will be provided.

  • Outline the recruitment and application process.

  • Complete the Employer's Internship Position Description form.

Guidelines for an Internship Position Description

To submit an internship to CBE, use the Internship Position Description form. Please note the guidelines below prior to filling out the form.

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 his or her duties

  • Anything else that constitutes a significant learning experience

2. Academic Background/Experience/Skills

  • Desired Indicate the preferred academic major, 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 a paid work experience. 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 and title of the hiring official, address, phone number, email address and website.

Establishing an Internship

Design an internship that fits your organization’s needs.  Outline what you are hoping to achieve from having an intern.  Ensure that there is 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 amount of hours worked.  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 his or her 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.
     
  9. Complete the Employer's Internship Position Description form