HIRE STUDENTS & ALUMNI
   

Internship Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Best Time to Announce an Internship?

To get optimal exposure and advertising for your position(s), here are some suggested timelines:

Internship Term
(UO Academic Quarter Calendar)

 Send internship
announcement by

Fall Term

Early May (to reach students before the summer break) for fall internships (late September / mid December)

Winter Term

 Early October for winter internships (early January / mid March)

Spring Term

Early January for spring internships (late March / early June)

Summer Term

Early March for summer internships (mid June / late September)

Is Academic Credit Available?

The Career Center acts as a centralized resource for most students interested in an internship. Students negotiate with a academic department or program to see if credit is available for their internship. Departmental policies vary. Career Center staff can refer prospective interns to other credit resources on campus.

Students are encouraged to verify with campus programs on eligibility requirements and proposal submission forms. Most programs require students to be in their junior or senior year of study and have good academic standing in order to earn credit for their learning experience. In general, students who self initiate an internship should complete an internship proposal that outlines their learning goals, duties and responsibilities, and the role of their site supervisor.The site supervisor and the student should sign the proposal before it is submitted to any program.

Note: As an employer, you cannot guarantee credit. The student initiates credit with a program or department, and must meet their requirements.

Responsibilities

Supervisor:

  • Negotiate a contract that outlines specific projects, goals and timelines.
  • Explain the nature of your organization, providing insight into norms and expectations.
  • Clarify the intern’s responsibilities and roles.
  • Provide an initial orientation with on-going training, feedback and evaluation (a regular weekly meeting is suggested).
  • Communicate openly with your interns.

Intern:

  • Arrange credit (if desired) through UO department; meet all deadlines and requirements.
  • Understand duties, hours, compensation and benefits, and duration of internship.
  • Identify a clear set of learning goals.
  • Complete all projects required by supervisor, as well as assignments/projects required for academic credit.
  • Act professionally, demonstrate good work ethics, and abide by organization’s policies.
  • Communicate openly with supervisor.

Worker's Compensation and Liability Coverage

Employers who participate in most campus internship programs have interns sign a liability statement that clarifies the responsibilities of the student, site and the University of Oregon.

Note: The University of Oregon does not provide worker’s compensation or liability insurance for student interns.

How Can I Get More Information?

Contact Tina Haynes at the Career Center: thaynes@uoregon.edu or (541) 346-6006.