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Student Development and Enrollment

Employer Services

Steps to Providing an Internship

Step 1: Define the Parameters of the Internship Program

Set Goals and Policies for the Internship Program 

  • Look at current business activities and consider what ongoing work you would like to expand or projects you would like to initiate or complete
  • Consider projects that are beneficial to your organization and provide challenging learning experiences for students
  • Examine your company's recruiting needs (i.e. employees retiring or departments that are expecting growth)

Who will supervise and mentor the intern?

A supervisor should be selected because he/she likes to teach or train and has the resources to do it. The supervisor will help the intern keep their project on time and on budget. The mentor may be a department head, project leader, long-time employee or acting supervisor who is knowledgeable on the project where the intern will work and can provide some orientation and wisdom to the student. 

Will you pay the intern? 

Internship opportunities can be paid or unpaid. Determine ahead of time if you will be able to compensate your intern. This could be in the form of an hourly wage or a stipend. We strongly recommend a paid internship. A majority of students will face hardships if they have to give up their part-time job for an internship. 

Step 2: Write a Plan for the Internship Opportunity 

  • Identify goals, timelines, workspace and a general description of the project
  • Create a job description for the position
  • Post to BSUCareers, (contact Career Services for a user name and password)

Step 3: Recruit a Qualified Intern 

Fill out the Interest form [doc] return it to:

career@bemidjistate.edu - or
Fax: (218) 755-4115 

Or Mail to:

Angela Schmidt, Recruitment Coordinator
Career Services
1500 Birchmont Drive NE, #18
Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 

Tips for the Search Process

  • Begin searching at least two months before you expect a student to start working: The longer you accept applications; you will increase your chances of finding the best person for the job. 
  • Once you have determined your top candidates, arrange an interview in a timely manner (best practices: 3-5 days). Please refer to the Career Service’s handout that lists Bemidji State University’s majors and concentrations.
  • Choose interns carefully: According to National Association of College Employers (NACE), the percentage of interns receiving full time job offers as a result of their internships was 69.6% in 2008.