Center for Professional Excellence

Information for Internship Employers

Why are so many employers eager to partner with Elmhurst’s internship program? Because we connect them with high-achieving students who are well-prepared to complete special projects and fulfill “floating” responsibilities. This gives senior staff more time for other priorities. It also enables employers to preview the professionals of the future while fostering their career development, leadership skills, personal growth, and intercultural awareness.

Internships are designed to help students explore fields related to their majors and career goals. Student interns excel at applying what they’ve learned in class to the working world, so their assignments must make use of their academic background. Projects should also be substantive and relevant to the organization as a whole.

How to Hire an Intern
Internship Sites’ Roles
Interns’ Roles
The CPE’s Roles

How to Hire an Intern

1. Complete an Internship Information Form (IIF).
   Describe prerequisites: skills, areas of interest, GPA, etc.
   Describe opportunities for skill development and professional growth.
2. Directly contact students who have submitted resumes. Then screen, interview, and select a student.
3. Meet with the intern to arrange a starting date and work schedule.
4. Notify the career education office that the internship position has been filled.

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Internship Sites’ Roles

1. Upon hiring a student, schedule an introductory meeting to:
   Review the student’s goals and learning objectives;
   Discuss recommendations and responsibilities that will address the student’s objectives; and
   Orient the student to the work site.
2. Meet regularly with the intern to assess his/her progress, provide feedback, review learning objectives, and recommend learning strategies.
3. Allow the student to attend two mandatory internship meetings at Elmhurst.
4. Complete a final assessment and review with the student.

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Interns’ Roles
Student interns must:

• Submit a resume outlining their education, qualifications, and experience;
• Prepare learning objectives and goals based upon a thoughtful self-assessment;
• Attend an internship orientation meeting and conclusion meeting;
• Comply with employer requirements and recommendations;
• Submit regular feedback to the College about their experience; and
• Submit a paper reflecting on their experience.

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The CPE’s Roles
To facilitate the internship program, CPE staff will:

• Announce internship opportunities provided by employers;
• Monitor student resume preparation and applications;
• Orient students to the internship process and monitor their self-assessment and goal-setting;
• Monitor student progress and provide guidance as required; and
• Evaluate student performance with employers, and assign academic credit/grade via faculty.

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