Employer Internship FAQ

Q.	What services does your office offer me in securing interns for my organization and in the internship process?
A.	The Career Management Services office will serve as a liaison between your organization and our students and faculty. We offer assistance (free of charge) in the following areas: internship program and job description development advertising and posting of positions pay and salary information resume collection on-site interviewing, standardized evaluation process for student and employer.
Q.	What is the pay range for a student intern?
A.	Most internships are paid positions, but, depending on the company and the individual student, pay may vary. The typical pay range for graduate student interns is from $12-$30 per hour, similar to that of a low-end consultant. Some companies prefer to pay students with a one-time stipend for the semester. This amount varies as well, but a good range is from $1000-$2500. Similar to any position, pay is negotiable depending on experience level and other benefits (i.e. flexible work hours, telecommuting, etc.).
Q.	Are students willing to work without pay?
A.	Many students are willing to work on a volunteer basis, especially in today's labor market. Students interested in gaining as much experience as possible and with flexible schedules are encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities. Keep in mind that the size of the candidate pool for a position may be smaller if the position is unpaid. Many non-profit organizations have great graduate-level projects.
Q.	What are the benefits of allowing international students to apply for an internship?
A.	We offer a diversity of students and experience levels. By hiring an international student for an internship, you will bring diversity to your work place and, many times, an advanced level of expertise to your industry. Most of our F-1 students are top academic achievers in the MBA program. There is no additional cost or time associated with hiring an international student for an internship position. Many international students, similar to U.S. citizens, are simply looking for additional U.S. experience and will not request sponsorship.
Q.	How long is an internship?
A.	A typical internship can last between 12 and 15 weeks, depending on your needs as an employer. However, this time frame can vary. Many of our students are on a flexible MBA track, which provides them the ability to work at various times during the year and on either shorter (one month) or longer (one year) projects.
Q.	May I keep the same intern for more than one semester?
A.	Many times, a company realizes that a student intern is the perfect match and would like the student to work additional semesters. This is not a problem, as we encourage a long-term commitment for both the student and employer. The student continues to develop work skills while becoming a more productive part of the company.
Q.	How many hours per week is the intern required to work?
A.	The number of hours the intern is expected to work depends on your needs as the employer. Summer internships are usually full-time positions and are approximately 40 hours per week. Fall and spring semester internships are generally part-time positions, typically 15 to 20 hours per week. The number of hours is flexible.
Q.	What is the process for hiring an intern?
A.	You should complete the Internship Posting form to begin the hiring process.
Q.	What are my legal obligations when hosting an intern?
A.	Some of the considerations in hiring an intern are Risk Management. You and your organization will assume liability for interns/co-ops working on your premises as with any other employee. This is true for both paid and unpaid (volunteer) interns. A student intern is also accorded additional institutional protections and processes through the university that apply in cases of liability, confidentiality, or harassment Compensation. Internships are an explicit exception to the Fair Labor Standards Act and not subject to minimum wage laws. However, it is advisable to pay at least minimum wage to stay within legal restraints. Interns are not eligible for unemployment benefits after the internship concludes. Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination. Internship sites must be equal opportunity employers and cannot practice "unlawful discrimination". See Office Policies for Employers for more information.