Employer Checklist

The following checklist outlines the basic questions that every employer should ask before working with a student. Resources and articles are also provided on the site for any additional questions.

THE BASICS:

DUTIES: What projects do we have available for an intern?

Employers should have a list of projects or duties outlined for a potential. Once the projects are outlined this will allow you to develop a schedule, or list of credit hours, required for your internship.

Faxing, filing and phone work can be expected as a part of the program, however duties within the field are required. Many students must submit a report outlining their internship experience for a semester grade. Ultimately, students should learn about the company, the career field and the overall day-to-day projects involved with the organization.

SCHEDULE: How many hours does an intern need to work?

Typical internships can last two to three days per week from 10 to 12 weeks. Students can work anywhere from 10 to 20 hours per week depending on your company needs as well as the student credit requirements.

SUPERVISION: Is someone available to supervise the student?

The supervisor should train the intern and track the progress of the student. If the student is working to gain college credit, supervisors will be expected to provide a final review to the college. Some colleges might request an onsite visit with the supervisor to review the intern’s progress.

TRAINING: Who will be available to train and evaluate an intern?

Employers should designate a person to train the intern as well as coordinate weekly projects for the student. Some students are required to document their experiences and submit it to the college for a grade. Employers should also allow students to track their time through a timesheet. Again, some colleges require a copy of the timesheet for their records.

COLLEGE CREDIT: How does college credit work? What is expected of us?

College credit is based on the preference of the employers. Some employers specify that they will only work with students who are obtaining college credit.

Each college has different a different application process for gaining college credit. The necessary paperwork is often provided to the employer by the student. The following outlines a sample application for review.

Sample forms and information required by the employer:

1. Outline of required credit hours:
The college will specify the number of hours and college credits required for an internship. For example, a PR student might have to complete 120 hours to obtain 3 college credits. The employer will need to specify the internship start date, end date and anticipated number of weeks and hours they intend the student to work.

2. Onsite Form:
Employers will need to fill out a form that confirms the company, supervisor and general contact information.

3. Project Form
Employers will need to outline the duties and projects expected of the student during the internship.

4. Signatures:
The employer, student and academic advisor will sign and date the document.

Some employers do not require college credit as apart of their program. In this case, they have the availability to work with students at anytime throughout the year. Non credit internship programs also provide the opportunity to work with recent graduates who are simply interested in gaining more experience in their field. For example an employer might describe their internship with the following description:

"Our internship does not require college credit, but it will be honored upon request."

SUPPLIES: What kinds of supplies, or resources, are required for my student?

Employers should have resources prepared for the student at the time of their start date. Depending on the internship, resources can include a desk, computer, phone, timesheet or any other items necessary to complete job assignments.

Slow time of year: What happens if we don’t have enough projects for our student?

If you find that the summer months are a little slower than the rest of the year, keep your intern busy by finding out if any other departments need help. This will allow the student to gain further experience, network within the company and provide a better understanding of the organization.