Internships offer a cost-effective way for employers to train motivated students, as well as create a pipeline of talent for a future work force. Interns bring new and innovative ideas to employers and often act as advocates in recruiting others students and promoting the organization on campus.

Students in all majors are taking advantage of the opportunity to integrate their classroom study with practical, real-world internships experiences.

Specific ways the UW-Eau Claire Internship Program will benefit your organization:

Assistance in getting the job done
• Support current employees with regular work assignments.
• Focus on a special short-term project (three to six months).

Improve campus recruitment efforts

• Work with potential entry-level employees prior to making a full-time commitment.
• Provide a competitive edge in recruitment by developing student interest and commitment to the employer prior to graduation.
• Generate positive word-of-mouth advertising for your organization when students return to campus.
• Reduce turnover and training among entry-level employees who were former interns.

Share ideas

• Develop close working relationships with university faculty and staff.
• Give input regarding academic programs and skill development.
• Access campus expertise, which may generate innovative ideas and strategies.

Getting Started

A well-developed internship program benefits both the employer and the intern by managing expectations and removing the “guess work” from the process. Before interviewing and hiring:

• Decide who will mentor or supervise the intern.
• Set objectives for the internship, outlining projects, responsibilities and training.
• Determine the particulars, such as length and timing of the internship, working hours, applicant selection criteria and compensation.
• Create a specific job description.
• Describe the organization and outline duties and necessary skills.
• Determine the hiring and training procedures.
• When you are ready, register with Blugold CareerLink, UW-Eau Claire’s online job posting and resume database.

In Blugold CareerLink you can:

• Receive and review resumes and cover letters from students applying online.
• Set up on-campus interviews.
• Search student resumes.

We encourage you to talk to Career Services staff about tailoring a program that is best suited to attract UW-Eau Claire students.

Planning and Implementing the Internship

• Once you have hired an intern and determined the start date, there are a number of details to consider to create a successful start.
• Provide intern with their supervisor’s name and contact information, as well as where to meet on the first day.
• Arrange for workspace, phone use, a mailbox, e-mail accounts, payroll forms, parking and any other needs prior to the intern’s arrival.
• Provide informal or formal training. Cover the basics, including an overview of the organization, an office tour and introductions to staff. Also review dress code, hours and other relevant policies.
• Develop specific projects and assignments.
• Allow time for the intern to sit down with their supervisor to review the job description and expectations.
• Establish performance criteria and offer regular feedback throughout the internship. Based on the intern’s performance, you may want to add or decrease the scope of projects and responsibilities.
• If there are any issues or concerns, the employer should contact the UW-Eau Claire internship coordinator.

Tips for managing interns
In order to ensure a positive experience, follow these tips:

• Recognize that some students may need extra attention the first few weeks on the job. For many this may be their first experience in a professional work environment.
• Plan work assignments progressively so interns can transition from more routine activities early in the program to more complicated responsibilities as the program progresses.
• Provide interns with enough work. One of the most common complaints is students had too little to do.
• Assign interns meaningful work, not jobs or tasks no one else wants.
• Encourage interns to participate in social events, attend professional society meetings and get involved with civic or community work.
• Provide interns with feedback on a regular basis. Occasionally meet with interns off site to gain insight on their experiences.
• Before the conclusion of the internship, conduct an exit interview with the intern to solicit feedback on the experience and suggestions for improving the program.

Questions? Contact:

Erin Leifker
Outreach Manager
230 Schofield Hall
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(715) 836-2927
leifkeee@uwec.edu

Staci Heidtke
Arts & Sciences Internship Manager
230 Schofield Hall
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(715) 836-5358
heidtksl@uwec.edu

Career Services Office
230 Schofield Hall
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(800) 939-8973 or (715) 836-5358
careers@uwec.edu