Employer Resources

Visit the Internships page geared toward students for a list of programs and more details.

An internship is a short-term, hands-on work experience with a professional organization designed to increase a student’s knowledge of a career field.

Under quality supervision, internships are learning experiences designed to be an extension of the classroom and include

• intentional learning objectives;
• training to develop skills;
• a defined beginning and end;
• routine feedback;
• resources, equipment and facilities provided by the host employer necessary.

Internships are different in that learning objectives or goals serve as the foundation for the work performed. Students take on internships to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a professional setting and do so by gaining knowledge, skill, and a first-hand look into a particular industry.

If a position you are hiring for is primarily clerical, is replacing the work that would normally be done by a current employee, is completed with compensation as the primary motivator, or is not professional in nature it is not an internship. This type of position can be posted for students as employment.

Internships can be paid or unpaid and a quality internship does not exploit or take advantage of the student. The need for compensation is dependent upon the nature of the student’s position and whether or not it meets the criteria under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Unpaid internships are usually for non-profit organizations.

Employers will be asked to acknowledge that they have read and reviewed recruiting policies and the following information appropriately before being allowed to submit an internship posting.

• Department of Labor’s Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
• NACE Position Statement: U.S. Internships

In a paid internship, interns are considered employees of the business/organization and the employer must cover the intern under their worker’s compensation policy. In an unpaid internship, if the internship meets FLSA criteria and is approved by the career advisor, FVCC provides workers’ compensation for the student. You will share these details as well as salary amount on the signed Internship Agreement.