Industry Need-to-Knows

 
 
 

Role of an Internship Host

Making the decision to host an intern requires some specific commitments from the host site. These include the following:

  • commit to hosting an intern for 75-150 hours (ave. 8hrs/wk for a single semester internship, or 4 hrs/wk for a year) 

  • provide authentic work experiences for the student appropriate to his/her skill level and nature of  the worksite

  • train student as needed for site-specific duties

  • pay student at least minimum wage (unless volunteering for a non-profit)

  • contact the high school Internship Program Coordinator with any problems, questions, or feedback

How to prepare for hosting an intern

Consider the following:

  • Who will supervise and guide the intern? The mentor, or someone else?

  • Where will the intern’s work area be located? Do they need equipment?

  • What kind of orientation and training will the intern need?

  • What hours will the intern work?

  • How much will the intern be paid?

  • Inform other staff members regarding the intern’s schedule and duties

 
 

Role of an Internship Mentor

Within your organization, choose an individual to be the student’s mentor throughout the course of the internship. This important role is central to successful intern/host experiences. Caring mentors offer support, consistency, and a chance for a young person to develop the knowledge and skills needed for their fullest potential.

  • a responsible adult

    a trusted guide

    a good listener

    a reliable role model

    a professional advisor

    an active sponsor

    a “real-world” trainer

    a teacher of life skills

    an advocate for students

    an opener of doors

  • a disciplinarian

    a savior

    a therapist

    a counselor

    a social worker

    a parent

    a peer

    “just” a boss

 

Mentor Logistics: Internship Must-Dos

  • Hold regular check-ins/meetings with the student to provide feedback, answer questions, etc.

  • Collaborate with the student and, if applicable, the high school CTE teacher to design a project to be completed by the end of the semester.

  • Collaborate with the SRJC internship course instructor regarding two site visits and any correspondence/evaluations (see handbook, p.8)

  • Contact the high school Internship Program Coordinator with any problems, questions, or feedback.

 Program Coordinator Contact Info

  • Nicole Cancilla ncancillakopf@srcs.k12.ca.us

  • Wendy Swanson, wswanson@sonomaschools.org

  • Ginny Mason, Ginny_Mason@crpusd.org

  • Valarie Alston, valston@petk12.org

  • Lauralyn Larsen, llarsen@santarosa.edu Faculty, Work Experience & Internships

    (707) 527-4604

    Vanessa Luna Shannon, vshannon@santarosa.edu Director, Dual Enrollment Pathways and Partnerships, (707) 778-3631

  • Christi Calson

    ccalson@scoe.org

 

Benefits of Having an Intern

There are a number of benefits a business might consider that come with having an intern. Interns are a valuable resource. They may:

  • assist with special projects (tackle a “wish list”), organize research projects, plan special events, and develop special promotional campaigns

  • provide additional help during peak business periods

  • offer fresh, creative perspectives and energy

  • contribute experience with research techniques, computer skills, and current theoretical knowledge

  • serve as additional staff at minimal cost without making a long-term commitment

  • provide an organization with a low-risk opportunity to try out a possible new employee for a future job opening

  • spread the word about your organization and its career opportunities to local students soon to enter the workforce

To pay or not to pay?

Both SRJC and SCOE recommend that you pay your intern. However, if you are considering an unpaid option, please check out the Test for Interns to make sure you are in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act!