Internship Program Guidelines:
Internship Facts and Information for Employers

Bridgewater State University students are eager to gain practical work experience, develop new skills, network and apply classroom theory in a professional setting. Each year, more than 400 students take part in internships, both credit and non-credit. The benefits are numerous for interns and employers alike.  Below you will find answers to all of your questions about taking on an intern from Bridgewater.  We encourage you to also review our Recruitment Policies and Procedures to learn about any special requirements for your program: http://www.bridgew.edu/CareerServices/RecruitmentPolicy.cfm  If you have any other questions or concerns, contact our office at 508-531-1328. 

Who can post an internship?
An organization that can offer an academically sound internship experience can post an internship if they meet the following criteria required by the university:

  • Your organization must have been in operation for at least one calendar year

  • The internship site must be in commercially zoned property

  • Provide an on-site supervisor / mentor that meets with the student daily or weekly

Additional internship requirements can be found at: http://www.bridgew.edu/CareerServices/RecruitmentPolicy.cfm

When do internships occur?
Fall:  September - mid-December
Spring:  January - mid-May
Summer:  May/June - mid-August

Who can do an internship?
Sophomores:  Non-credit experience only (paid or volunteer)
Juniors and Seniors:  Credit and Paid, Credit Only (non-paid), Non-credit, Paid, or Volunteer
Graduate Students:  Requires program advisor approval

What is the difference between an internship for credit vs. non-credit?
An internship for credit involves a site supervisor, a faculty internship supervisor and the student intern.  The student must complete an internship application, have the internship site and credit hours approved by their faculty supervisor, then register for the internship.  Both field duties and academic work is expected of the student.  Clocked hours, credit, a grade and an evaluation complete the experience.

A non-credit internship involves a site supervisor, the Internship Program and the student intern.  Students must obtain approval from an employer for a non-credit experience.  Students are encouraged to keep a weekly journal.  No credit, grade or evaluation is required.

How many hours constitute an internship?
A minimum of 45 clocked hours in the field is required for each credit hour granted in an internship or practicum.  Three credits equals 135 clocked hours for a 15 week semester (fall or spring) or 10 weeks during the summer.  Students may work between 10-15 hours on-site each week.

Can interns be paid?
Yes, employers currently listed in our Internship database offer an hourly wage ranging from $8.00 - $20.00 per hour.  Compensation is generally commensurate with experience and varies by industry and demand.  Stipends are also an option that employers might consider.

Do interns have to be paid?
An internship can be a paid or unpaid opportunity.  Most of the internships that BSU students complete are paid either by a stipend and/or hourly wage.  University policy allows students to earn credit for the internship whether it is paid or unpaid.  Employers are encouraged to review the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division's Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act and be aware of the government's policy regarding internships and payments.

What is the GPA requirement for an internship?
The minimum cumulative grade point average required to participate in an internship is 2.5.  (GPA may be higher in some academic departments.)

What is the "internship academic component?"
When the faculty internship supervisor approves a student for internship credit, he/she will administer/assign an academic component to the internship.  An example might be the student keeping a weekly log or journal of their internship experience or writing an 8-10 page paper on a selected topic.  Faculty normally monitor a student's internship through bi-weekly or monthly meetings with the student.  Some faculty choose to coordinate group meetings with all of their interns.

How often and in what ways should faculty internship supervisors communicate with on-site supervisors?
This is at the discretion of each faculty member.  An example may be a site visit, one or two emails mid-semester, and then mailing the student performance evaluation two weeks prior to the completion of the student's internship.

How does an employer list an internship with Bridgewater State University's Career Services Office?
Career Services houses all internship descriptions posted by each organization in CareerLink, BSU's recruiting system.  Employers create a profile at http://www.bridgew.edu/CareerServices/careerlink.cfm.

Career Services will activate each new employer profile within one-two full business days.  You will then be able to log in with a username and password.  Employers must provide a complete job description, have been in operation for at least one year and be located in commercially zoned property in order to list their internship(s) with our online service.  Contact Career Services at (508) 531-1328 if you have further questions.

Does Career Services provide placements for student interns?
No, the Career Services Office acts as a clearinghouse of internship resources and opportunities for students.  Students normally apply to 2-3 internship sites, interview and select organizations that will offer a practical work experience in which they have the opportunity to learn new skills, network and apply classroom theory in a professional setting.

What is the role of the employer and/or site supervisor?
The employer should make available and/or act as a professional on-site supervisor in the work environment in the following ways:

  • Assign one designated on-site supervisor.

  • Provide the student intern(s), on company letterhead, a list of clearly defined responsibilities that complement the student's academic program.

  • Set a work schedule with the intern that accommodates the number of hours needed to be fulfilled for the amount of credit being earned.  In most cases the intern takes the responsibility of tracking his/her hours.

  • Keep the number of clerical duties assigned to a minimum so that the student intern and the employer both benefit from this "trainer/trainee relationship".  Duties should be hands-on, career-related responsibilities.

  • Inform the student about any and all company/organizational guidelines, policies and any safety issues prior to the student's start date.  (On orientation program is highly recommended.)

  • Act as a mentor to the student intern(s), bridging the theoretical book knowledge along with hands-on practical applications resulting in specific learning outcomes.

  • Provide the student intern(s) with daily or weekly supervision, provide feedback on the intern's progress and assess the appropriateness of the intern's duties.

  • Complete a performance evaluation provided by the internship faculty supervisor at the University.

What if I have further questions about the internship program?
If you have any questions regarding posting an internship or how you can work with our office in regards to internship programs, please contact our office at 508-531-1328. 

Note:  The Internship & Job Fair is a great way for employers, faculty and students to connect over discussions surrounding coursework, practical applications and student collaboration regarding full-time professional positions and internships.  Held each fall , the Internship &Job Fair is open to all BSU students, alumni and community members.  If you would like to be an employer participant, please contact the Career Services Office at 508-531-1328 for more information.

Last Modified: September 13, 2011