• A supervised learning experience designed to broaden a student’s knowledge. It allows a student to explore career options, provides on the job training, and encourages mentorship.
• An opportunity for students to put into practice theory and principles learned in class.
• An employment experience designed to make the student competitive in today’s job market.

Why should students do an internship?

• An internship gives students an edge. Research shows  an internship is a company’s No. 1 recruiting tool.
• Internships help students develop confidence and understand how they need to improve and grow.
• Internships can be used by students to "test the waters” to see if the field they're considering meets their career expectations.

Assisting students seeking internships:

• Faculty members are encouraged to speak with students about the advantages of an internship. This is best done early in the student’s NYIT career.
• To be considered as an internship candidate, students should meet with a Career Services staff member to explore internship possibilities. Students planning to gain college credit for their experience must meet with their academic departments and satisfy all stated requirements as outlined in the course catalogs.
• Faculty should urge students to visit the Office of Career Services to investigate internship opportunities. This should be done well in advance of the term in which the student seeks an internship.

When students approach you regarding internships, consider:

• Is this student a good candidate for an internship now?
• Is this student adequately prepared within the discipline for an internship experience? Has the student met the department requirements (coursework, GPA, approval from the program chair, etc.) to become an internship candidate?
• Can I vouch for this student’s ability and motivation? Does this student have a work ethic and intellectual skills to meet the demands of an internship? Does the student represent the strengths of our department and of NYIT?
• What are this student’s particular abilities and interests?

International student interns:

• International students are eligible for all types of internships. Hiring international student interns brings a global perspective to the organization where they intern.
• Under federal law, international students can complete a college-approved internship. The student must be gaining college credit for an internship that is related to the student’s major. Once the college approves an internship site, the student applies for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) with an NYIT International Advisor. International students can also receive wages.

Some thoughts on labor laws regarding interns:

Like any other worker, interns are subject to legal regulations. The Fair Labor Standards Act states that:

• Interns cannot displace regular employees.
• Interns are not guaranteed a job at the end of the internship (although it is possible, but not promised, that employment is an end result of an internship).
• Interns must receive training from the organization, even if work is impeded.
• Interns must get hands-on experience with equipment and processes used in the industry.
• Interns’ training must primarily benefit the intern, not the organization.
• Interns may be entitled to wages during their internship.