Congratulations on your internship offer! This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience and develop a clearer understanding
of your internship employer and industry.
An internship should be an invaluable experience. Make sure yours is the best it can
be by being aware of your rights and the rights of the employer.
Is the Internship Paid or Unpaid?
There are different federal and state rules regarding the payment of interns. Whether
the organization is for-profit or not for-profit also makes a difference. Be sure
to ask questions in advance and know your rights before accepting an unpaid position.
In general, for-profit companies are required to pay their interns minimum wage and
overtime unless the internship is structured as a learning opportunity and the intern
is the primary beneficiary of the relationship. This means that the purpose of the
relationship is for the intern to learn more – not to serve as a temporary employee.
For more information, you may wish to review the Fact Sheet for Internship Programs on the US Department of Labor website to view the federal test for unpaid interns and students.
If you are not learning, feel uncomfortable or know that what’s being asked of you
is not appropriate, take the following steps:
- Make sure you’re safe. Determine the best course of action and leave the internship
site, if necessary.
- Notify your Faculty Advisor and Chapman University’s Academic Internship Coordinator.
Internships are exciting opportunities! Take ownership of yours.
- Set goals and identify ways to stay motivated
- Read all internship emails to ensure you meet applicable deadlines
- Always be on time to the work site
- Complete all assignments from your Site Supervisor andFaculty Advisor
- Maintain a professional attitude and appearance
- Comply with the organization’s rules and regulations
- Stay in communication with your Faculty Advisor throughout the semester
- Ask your Site Supervisor and Faculty Advisor for feedback throughout your internship
