Make Internships Learning Experiences
Empowering students through impactful internship experiences.
Completing an internship while in college can be an important part of launching one’s career. The Center for Student Experience and Talent (SET) provides tools and support for academic departments or instructors as they guide students through the internship experience. You’ll receive customized support and guidance to develop internship courses when you connect with SET staff.
Best Practices
Creating successful internships: Best practices for instructors, better preparation for students.
Below are best practices for instructors looking to guide their students through successful internship experiences. These practices ensure a well-developed and structured internship benefiting, students, employers, and instructors.
Start Early
Start exploring and applying for internships at least six months in advance of the desired start date for the experience.
Weekly Supervisor Check-Ins
Have a dedicated supervisor/mentor at the internship site who is committed to a student’s professional growth and is available for regular weekly meetings.
Site Visit
Conduct a site visit before the student’s first day.
Onboarding and Training
Confirm there is a clear process for criminal background checks, onboarding, and training of new interns.
Internship Documents
Utilize department or SET internship documents to enhance the quality of a student’s internship experience.
Networking and Extension
Extend internships beyond one semester, if possible, to build relationships and professional networks.
Credit and Wage
Ensure students can earn credit and a wage as a result of the internship experience.
Course Building
Integrate a course with reflection and assessment as part of an internship, allowing students to reflect on their professional growth and the impact of the organization within the community.
Legacy Project
Include a legacy project that allows for integration into the day-to-day operations of the staff at the site.