Internship Program Guidelines and Best Practices
A comprehensive internship is usually six to eight weeks. Employers with internship programs and/or opportunities should provide a “real-world” experience beyond the classroom, include high-level of supervision, training and mentorship which mutually benefits the student and organization.
For paid internship opportunities, part-time status is recommended during the semester and can be up to 40 hours weekly in the summer.
Unpaid opportunities can often pose significant obstacles for students, making it difficult for them to pursue valuable experiences. To better support students and increase student interest, employers should address key factors like cost of living, transportation, and office supplies. Additionally, the internship’s modality, remote, in-person, or hybrid, can significantly impact a student’s ability to participate.
To improve internship programs, supervisors and facilitators should consider the following best practices:
- A thorough onboarding and orientation process to help new interns get settled.
- Regular one-on-one meetings to provide personalized guidance.
- An agreed-upon schedule that sets clear expectations.
- A learning plan or proposal with defined project deadlines and tasks.
- A formal mid-term and final evaluation to assess progress and provide meaningful, constructive feedback.
Internships should comply with federal laws as well as NACE guidelines:
- Consult with the Department of Labor’s Fact Sheet and with NACE’s Criteria for an Internship to be Defined as an Internship to ensure your opportunity adheres to our policy.
- Opportunities that provide all resources, equipment, and facilities are highly recommended.
Signature Requests for Legal Documents
Legal documents signed by students with employers and/or external organizations are done so independently and at their own risk. Pomona College does not partake in signing legal or employer documents as part of any course credit requirements or internships. In addition, the College assumes no responsibility for the legal validity or consequences of any such document.
Academic Course Credit
Pomona College does not award graduation or course credit for stand-alone (non-course-based) internships. Students may request to document their non-credit internship experiences on their transcript via an Internship Transcript Notation.
Pomona College Internship Program
Students that meet eligibility criteria with an eligible organization are encouraged to explore applying for the Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP). Please note that a student applying does not indicate guaranteed placement or stipend within this program.