Career Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Can I recruit on campus for internships?
Yes. Please go to Hoya Career Connection. If you do not currently have a HCC account, please click "register" to create one. If you have previously registered for the system, log in and click "On-Campus Recruiting" to request a schedule. For more information, please refer to the Career Education Center's Employer Handbook (PDF, 880 KB).
What is an internship?
An internship is a structured learning experience in a work setting. An internship is a great way for students to explore a career field and gain valuable workplace experience. Organizations frequently use internships to recruit and hire potential candidates. Most internships take place in the summer but many are available throughout the year. Internship programs can be found at private corporations, government offices, and nonprofit organizations.
How will my organization benefit from providing an internship?
Internships are a great way to bring in talented students to contribute to the organization. Interns provide additional support and increase your workforce, helping you accomplish the goals and mission of the organization.
Internships also provide an effective, low-risk evaluation and training ground for prospective full-time employees. As the intern prepares to graduate, you have an opportunity to hire a full-time, pre-screened employee who fits your needs and is already familiar with the organization
How do students benefit from internships?
Internships are important to students' career development. Internships help students:
- Determine if this is an appropriate career path
- Find out how to prepare for a career in a certain field
- Build a strong resume
- Develop a network of professional contacts for future opportunities and references
- Learn which workplace skills they need to develop
- Find out what to expect when making the transition to a full-time job
How many hours do interns usually work?
During the academic year, interns usually work 10-20 hours a week. We encourage students with a full course load to limit their weekly hours to a maximum of 20. Students can sometimes arrange a lighter academic schedule to accommodate more time at an internship. Summer internships are usually full-time. However, hours can be coordinated in any way that works for both the employer and student.
What is appropriate compensation?
Compensation varies widely and is dependent on the organization's needs and budget, and on the intern's job function. For paid internships pay levels range from minimum wage to $10.00 per hour. Internships requiring technical skills or specific computer expertise usually pay $1.00 - $8.00 more per hour. Organizations that cannot afford to pay a salary may reimburse the intern for transportation or provide housing.
Ideally, students are paid for internships. Many students will take unpaid internships if the experience itself is sufficiently valuable. Organizations can make up for the lack of pay by giving the intern responsibility and encouraging him to work on projects, participate in meetings, and receive training and mentorship from full-time employees.
Does Georgetown University have a co-op program?
No.
Are there any employer standards or codes of conduct our organization should be aware of when hiring an intern?
The Career Education Center adheres to and requires employers to abide by the National Association of College and Employers “Principles for Professional Conduct For Career Services & Employment Professionals.” Full text is available here. Employers must also comply with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) guidelines.
- Internship Coordinator
Designate an Internship Coordinator for your organization. This person will be the contact for the university and the intern. In smaller organizations, it could be the immediate supervisor; in larger organizations, someone from human resources or the department hiring the intern could fill the role. Many large organizations are hiring full-time internship coordinators to recruit and manage the internship program.
- Work Assignments
Discuss the organization's mission, goals and needs with the student and how they relate to the internship. Giving an intern meaningful work assignments is critical to the success of your organization's internship program.
- Mentor
Consider providing a mentor with whom interns can talk. The mentor should provide advice, support and training to the intern to ensure their academic and professional growth.
- Orientation
Orientations may include: briefings on the mission, culture and rules of the organization, meetings with key personnel, and an overview of expectations. A comprehensive orientation gives interns a better understanding of the organization and his role in it.
- Evaluation
Evaluations that monitor an intern’s performance can help interns develop professionally.
- Internship openings on your Web site
We recommend that you place information about internships at your organization on your Web site. This will give students 24-hour access to the information needed to apply to internships at your organization.
- Academic credit for internships
The Career Center cannot approve internships for academic credit. Students must check with their department and/or school to determine if credit can be given for the internship.
When is the best time to advertise for internships?
Georgetown students are looking for internships year-round. You can advertise your internship any time during the year, but here are some times you may want to consider.
Fall Semester: To have an intern start in September, it is best to post an announcement in April or May, and to continue posting until classes begin in late August.
Spring Semester: To have an intern start in January, it is best to post an announcement in November or December before the winter break and continue posting at least until the beginning of January.
Summer: To hire an intern for the summer, you should use one of the following approaches:
Very selective internships or those requiring a background check: begin advertising early in the fall semester for November or December deadlines.
General Internships: begin advertising early in the spring semester for March or April deadlines.
