Internship
Information
Welcome to St. Cloud State University’s Internship Program! The following information should help you decide if offering an internship within your business or organization would be beneficial to you. For more information contact Bobbi Murphy, Employer Relations, SCSU Career Services Center, 320-308-3753 or email ramurphy@stcloudstate.edu .
What is an internship?
Internships are a partnership between employers, students and St. Cloud State University. Though each party has separate goals, all are united in their desire to provide students with engaging, practical experiences for working and learning.
An internship offers a student an opportunity for practical experience in a major or career field with a specific company or organization. A typical internship lasts one semester and enables students to learn by taking on meaningful and responsible roles as workers and being part of daily activities at a work site. An internship can be full time or part time, for credit or not for credit, paid or unpaid and can concentrate in one functional area or encompass several departments within a company.
Click Here for List of SCSU Internship Contacts - by Department (PDF)
Why should my company or organization offer an internship?
- The College's internship program offers companies access to highly talented and skilled SCSU students who are eager to learn.
- Employers find internships to be a valuable strategy for reducing turnover and gaining assistance with short-term staffing needs, special initiatives and seasonal projects.
- Many take this opportunity to choose high-potential students and evaluate their performance as prospective full-time employees.
- Local businesses and organizations that hire SCSU interns are doing their part to keep well-trained graduates in the St. Cloud area business community after college.
- Internships also provide the opportunity for business to provide feedback to the university on the needs of business and make suggestions to curriculum.
About Compensation
Approximately two-thirds of our internships are paid, which tends to encourage
a larger pool of highly qualified applicants. Pay is negotiated between the
employer and the intern, and is typically between minimum wage and $15 per
hour. Stipends are an option as well, although you may wish to check with
your human resources department to explore any legal issues regarding alternative
payment. Paid or not paid, the quality of the internship experience is extremely
important.
If you want a job, get some experience. If you want some experience, get a job."
