Think about what type of intern experience you are seeking, and be aware
of any requirements in your academic program so you can plan ahead.
Factors to consider include:
- Type of work setting and/or job function
- Location (in proximity to campus, or elsewhere requiring temporary relocation?)
- Compensation (paid or non-paid?)
- Hours (part-time hours while taking classes, or full-time hours devoted totally to work?)
- Duration (academic semester, break period, summer, or some other length of time?)
- Academic credit (is it needed? - if so, how many credits? - will this entail paying extra tuition?)
- Student status (if not earning a credit, will you be considered a
continuing student for future enrollment? - will your status be affected
for insurance or tax purposes?)
Internships can exist in every kind of business, industry, organization,
and sector - both public and private. Ideally such programs should
involve a close partnership between the university, the participating
student, and the employer in which all accrue some form of benefit.
Employers should comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act with regards
to intern compensation (
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/scope/er15.asp).
Regardless of whether your position is paid or unpaid, all interns
should be provided basic protections in the work setting consistent with
laws, ethical considerations and sound business practices.