To help ensure internships of the highest quality, we work with potential employers to develop opportunities that are carefully monitored, substantive previews of a career or profession with clear learning goals for the student. Such internships incorporate a rigorous selection process; goal setting at the outset; substantive work assignments; and dedicated training, supervision, and evaluation. In return, you can expect the work of the Macaulay Honors College intern to add real value to your enterprise.
*Internships may include research assistantships and arts apprenticeships.
Just as with your regular staff, performance management practices are key to the success of the internship both for you and the student.
- You should clearly discuss goals and expectations prior to and at the start of the internship as part of a formal training and orientation process.
- Dedicated supervisors should continually review performance against those goals. We are happy to guide you in the development of these standards. For family-owned businesses, the supervisor cannot be a family member.
- While all entry-level positions involve clerical work, you should limit such tasks to 35% of the total workload.
- Internships are also learning experiences; tasks should be varied, involve decision-making and engage and develop the intern’s abilities.
Substantive tasks may include:
- Research
- Copyediting and writing
- Creating a website
- Designing publications
- Developing procedures
- Performing lab tests
- Interviewing patients
- Conducting surveys
- Writing marketing plans
- Facilitating workshops
- Performing software/hardware revisions
- Community outreach
- Preparing legal briefs
- Creating financial forecasts and cost recovery reports
*Political lobbying or campaigning may not occur during internship hours. Student-run organizations, charters, or student club activities will not qualify as internships.
Employers must provide students with materials required to complete tasks, including, but not limited to: work space, computer, and phone.
An employer’s private home is not considered appropriate for internships.
If students complete work primarily from an outside location or virtual/remote space, intern and supervisor should meet in-person/virtually once a week.
Please contact csm@macaulay.cuny.edu to ask any questions or discuss any arrangements.
In addition, employers should provide students with funds to cover any additional expenses related to the internship (e.g. travel to other sites, materials).
Any internships that begin during Winter Break must meet the hourly requirements listed above.
Summer internships: Part-time, 6-10 weeks, 15-30 hours a week; Full-time, 6-8 weeks, 31+ hours per week.
Students must submit the Internship Learning Agreement no later than the second week of their internship. We highly recommend students submit as soon as they accept the offer.
