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Community Internship Partnerships

Overview

Community partners play a vital role in the academic internship experience by offering real-world training and mentorship. They contribute to student development and benefit from increased visibility, talent pipelines, and stronger institutional relationships.

What is an Academic Internship?

Academic internships are high-impact learning experiences that integrate classroom learning with professional development in a workplace setting. They include goal-setting, reflection, and are tied to course credit. Community partners provide mentoring and oversight.

Becoming an Internship Partner

To become an official internship partner, please visit the Career Center.

Internship Timing & Promotion 

Internships typically follow the semester calendar (Fall: Aug–Dec, Spring: Jan–May, Summer: May–Aug). Recruit one semester in advance. Post internships via Handshake, or send descriptions to the Academic Internships Office for distribution.

Expectations for Internship Site Supervisors

• Provide a safe work environment and conduct an orientation.

• Offer educational/professional tasks—not just clerical work.

• Assign a qualified mentor to guide the intern.

• Ensure sufficient weekly hours to meet course requirements (90–150 hrs).

• Sign documentation verifying placement, roles, and understanding.

• Share relevant policies (e.g., TB test, background check, etc.).

• Maintain communication with the course instructor.

Addressing Issues with Student Interns

If problems arise, supervisors should first try to resolve them with the student directly. If needed, they should consult the internship faculty who will facilitate further steps to support both parties.

Internship Standards: NACE & FLSA

NACE internships must involve meaningful learning aligned with academic goals, supervision by qualified professionals, and skill development. Under FLSA, unpaid internships must benefit the intern and align with academic calendars, not displace regular employees, and include no promise of employment.