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Intern Rights

» Know Your Rights

Congratulations on your internship offer! This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience and develop a clear understanding of your chosen career’s requirements and opportunities.

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 company, too.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Courts have used the “primary beneficiary test” to determine whether an intern or student is, in fact, an employee under the FLSA. In short, this test allows courts to examine the “economic reality” of the intern-employer relationship to determine which party is the “primary beneficiary” of the relationship.

Review the Fact Sheet for Internship Programs on the US Department of Labor website to view the test for unpaid interns and students.


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Trouble in Paradise?

If you are not learning, feel uncomfortable or know that what’s being asked of you is not appropriate, take the following steps:

  1. Make sure you’re safe. Determine the best course of action and leave the internship site, if necessary.
  2. Alert your Faculty Advisor and Chapman University’s Internship Coordinator.
  3. In some cases, file a report. 

Get the most out of your internship

Internships are exciting opportunities! Take ownership of yours.

  • Ensure its success by setting goals and define ways to stay motivated
  • Know what to avoid
  • Ask your Site Supervisor and Faculty Advisor for feedback throughout your internship

Career & Professional Development

Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Drop-In Hours

If you don't have an appointment, you can swing by the Career House to meet with a fellow student Peer Career Advisor during Drop-In Hours.  View the Drop-In schedule »

Appointments

Both virtual and in-person career appointments are available for students and alumni. 

Schedule career appointments via Handshake »

Events

Explore upcoming career events on Handshake or events.chapman.edu

Links

Meet the Team » 
Handshake »
Career Blog »
Address Career House
342 N. Glassell
Orange, CA 92866
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