1. FOR EMPLOYERS: <br />Top Frequently Asked Questions <br />1. What is an internship?<br />A planned, out-of-classroom work experience related to one’s studies.<br />Common elements:<br />• Can be paid or unpaid<br />• Can be full-time (generally paid) or part-time<br />• Length of internship - Minimum of one quarter or semester (10 -12weeks) or preferably much longer<br />• Intern may be assigned to one department or may be rotated through several departments <br />• Supervision is ongoing throughout the internship and supervisory relationship must be clear<br />2. Why should I consider an internship?<br />• ‘Test drive’ potential future employees to maximize hiring opportunities<br />• Gain fresh perspectives and the latest knowledge<br />• Help with short-term projects<br />• Develop relationships with students and the University community<br />• Allow current employees to work on higher-level tasks<br />• Allow staff to develop management skills as an intern’s supervisor<br />3. What is the duration of an internship?<br />In many cases, this decision is up to the student, academic department and employer to determine. In general, internships should last a minimum of 10- 12 weeks, the length of a quarter or semester. Shorter internships may not allow enough time for either the employer or the student to obtain maximum benefit from the relationship. However, the quality of the experience is far more important than its length. In addition, some students may be available to intern full-time during breaks or may wish to intern full-time during the summer.<br />Students’ schedules usually change from one quarter or semester to the next, which may change the times students are available.<br />5. How many hours per week?<br />Hours per week are flexible but remember that Dept. of Labor rules do apply to interns even if the internship is unpaid. During the school year, we recommend 8-15 hours/week, as interns’ studies are their first priority. Most students earn a portion of their expenses from paid work; thus a paid internship allows a student to work more hours since the student is not simultaneously trying to earn money from an additional job. In some cases, students may agree to a full time internship for a limited period of time. (e.g. Accounting internship during year-end or a busy season).<br />6. Pay? <br />Both paid or unpaid. Employers and students often approach an internship more seriously if pay is involved. However, high quality and career-related unpaid internships will also attract students. <br />Suggested pay rates:<br />• Students without relevant work experience or classes: unpaid to $10 per hour<br />• Students who are at least juniors with relevant course work completed: $10-$20 per hour<br />• Students who have higher-level skills and need a minimum of training (often graduate students): $15-$25 per hour<br />7. Duties/Responsibilities?<br />Just like for a job, a detailed job description is important. Students want useful, career-related work and recognize that most internships include some administrative work. We can help define the role so our business clients get the right intern.<br />8. Why would I seek an intern through P3?<br />P3 guarantees their interns will be fully prepared and ready to add value upon placement. We understand our business clients needs and profile the perfect intern for your organization! We set expectations and we guarantee satisfaction. Performance is checked regularly and issues addressed immediately including removal if necessary.<br />