Benefits of Hosting an Intern
- Provide new and fresh perspectives
- Give employees a chance to mentor students
- Increase productivity and accomplish goals
- Recruit potential future hires
How is an Internship Different From a Job?
Internships are intentional learning experiences outlined by specific learning objectives, which sets them apart from other types of employment. Review the differences between internships, freelance work, and traditional employment below:
INTERNSHIP |
FREELANCE/
|
JOB |
|
Description |
learning experience | project based | regular paid employment |
Reason for Hire |
to assist with projects, talent pipeline, does not displace employee | to complete projects employer does not have the capacity for | to fill an open position |
Length of employment |
temporary, typically length of semester | temporary, until project is complete | permanent |
Results of work |
student learning |
company success |
company success |
Who benefits most |
student |
employer |
employer |
Employee expectations |
learn and develop new skills |
fulfill project-based work organization cannot |
fulfill job responsibilities |
Employer expectations |
supervise, mentor, educate |
guide, advise |
train, supervise |
Salary |
paid or unpaid* |
paid |
paid |
Or are you looking for a volunteer?
Volunteers give their time to help a cause or organization. Typically the work focuses on social causes and is unpaid.
For-Credit Internships
Students who register their internship for school credit are enrolled in a 3-credit studio course facilitated by Career Development. It is not required for all students to register for credit, though international students and a few programs of study are required to do so. More details on the coursework below:
MICA determines if an internship meets the requirements to award school credit.
Career Development evaluates internships based on the outlined responsibilities and goals established by the student and the employer to determine if the experience meets MICA’s academic standards.
- 120 hours minimum worked with the internship site
Ensure the student can achieve 120 hours during the decided schedule. Not achieving this hour requirement puts the student’s grade in jeopardy.
Student Coursework:
-
Internship Learning Agreement (approved by MICA and the supervisor)
-
120 logged working hours
-
3 Informational Interviews
-
Student Midpoint & Final Questionnaires
-
Supervisor Midpoint & Final Evaluations
-
Online Group or Written Discussions
-
Internship Summary
-
Final Presentation
- Pass/Fail Grade
Read more at Internship Eligibility Guidelines
MICA’s Equal Opportunity Policy
MICA seeks to provide an educational environment based on mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment. Visit www.mica.edu/equal_opportunity to learn more.
Questions? Concerns?
If problems arise with a MICA intern, provide them with appropriate feedback and action steps to correct the issue. The Assistant Director for Internships in Career Development is available to discuss the situation and help determine the best course of action. In serious cases, a student may be released from their internship position. For-credit internships do not mean a supervisor has to tolerate negative or unprofessional behavior.
careerdevelopment@mica.edu / 410-225-2420