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Employer Services
Internship Assistance
Starting an Internship Program
The following simple steps can be used as guidance in ensuring a quality internship
experience for both you and the students. Before recruiting for a position:
- Create a job description. Students should be assigned pre-professional
level work in which they are actively involved rather than merely observing.
The nature of the position should be clearly described, including specific
responsibilities and the department or division to which the student will
be assigned. Examples of special projects should also be included when applicable.
- Identify the qualifications the students must possess. Some employers
request that a student have a strong interest in the field, while others require
specific coursework or evidence of certain skills or qualities. Related experience
is generally not expected, since the objective of an internship is to provide
such experience.
- Develop a training plan. While students bring academic preparation
to their employers, they will need orientation and training in their specific
responsibilities. A good training plan includes a progression of assignments
reflecting students' developing competencies. Employers who formulate well-designed
training plans can count on an excellent return for these efforts.
- Decide who will supervise, who will mentor. A supervisor should have
direct responsibility for training and evaluating the student on the job.
A mentor, who may or may not be the student's supervisor, can provide guidance
to the "apprentice" in other ways, such as assisting with the student's professional
development needs.
- Determine the time commitment. Students are available on either a
full-time or part-time basis. Full-time positions during the fall or spring
should ideally be timed to begin in late August or early September, or January
as it will most likely require the student to withdraw from classes that semester.
Part-time or summer full-time positions may start at any time. You may want
to refer to UC Berkeley's academic
calendar.
- Establish the salary. Salaries should reflect the nature of the work
performed and vary from one field to another. Some organizations also provide
health benefits such as vacation leave or group health insurance. Employers
located outside the Bay Area often provide transportation and relocation assistance.
If you have additional questions, please
contact the Employer Relations & Recruiting Office at (510) 642-0464
or by email.
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