The Panther Edge Internship places UWM students in paid intern roles at a variety of partner organizations. At its core, the Panther Edge Internship is a work-based learning experience that maximizes the benefits for both interns and employer partners. All interested off campus organizations are encouraged to become a partner.
Program Information
General Program Timeline
- Year-Round (Rolling Basis): Employer onboarding, information sessions, and contracting take place continuously throughout the year. Employers may establish partnerships with UWM at any time, with internship positions posted and promoted to students according to the program’s established recruitment and hiring timeline
- May – June: Job posting solicitation for the upcoming fall semester and initial outreach to student applicants by UWM.
- July – August: Applicant pool development and initial screening by employer and onboarding to UWM payroll.
- September: Intern screening and initial work begins. Interns enroll in the internship course; internship work continues while allotment of funds remain.
- October 10: Deadline for fall semester hires. Internship positions on Handshake are closed.
- Last Week of November: Spring semester hiring fair occurs where employers have the opportunity to interview and hire student interns on-site. Following the hiring fair, UWM will continue promoting internship opportunities and recruiting students through the February 1 spring hiring deadline.
- February 1: Deadline for spring semester hires. No additional student hires will be accepted into the Panther Edge Internship Program for the spring semester after this date.
Cost for Employers
- Non-Profit and Public Agency $750 contribution per intern hired for each semester
Partner Benefits
- A connection to UWM students
- Streamlined access to talent
- Access to a diverse student population
- Increased visibility within the community
- Priority for company-specific career events to be held on campus
- UWM coordinates internship recruitment, application development, onboarding, student support, and troubleshooting
- UWM manages student payroll, including employment eligibility administration and hiring process
- Regular professional development and networking opportunities
Student Benefits
- Open to all UWM students who are eligible for Federal Work-Study, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis
- Fully paid position
- Intentional recruitment and wraparound support by UWM
- Presentation of Learning (summative reflection event open to the public)