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Intern/Co-op Program

In today's marketplace recruiting, hiring, and training the most suitable employees is critical to the success of your business. One of the most effective ways to make sure you're offering the right job to the right person is through the Internship/Co-op Program.

Internships/Co-ops let you observe a potential employee's performance in an actual job situation. Through internships/co-ops you're able to evaluate a student's real potential in light of your company's needs before you offer him/her a full-time professional position.

What Are The Differences?

There are some basic differences between an internship or co-op:

Internship

Co-op

Part-time or full-time

Always full-time

Paid or non-paid

Always a paid experience

Part-time in Fall or Spring/Full-time or part-time in Summer

Full-time position in Fall, Spring and/or Summer (May occur on an extended or alternating basis)

May be for academic credit

Not for academic credit

What Are The Benefits?

Through the Internship/Co-op Program employers can:

  • Pre-screen potential professional employees in an on-the-job setting
  • Reduce the cost of recruiting college students
  • Reduce the cost of training potential full-time professional employees
  • Hire productive, enthusiastic employees
  • Increase company visibility among the college community
  • Add professional staff during peak work times or for special projects
  • Make better use of valuable staff time by turning over routine professional tasks to student interns/co-ops

What Are The Requirements For Participation?

Student interns/co-ops should be considered professional employees who are providing a service to your company. As an employer, you should:

  • Plan a meaningful, challenging work experience
  • Complete a Learning Contract with the student
  • Provide necessary training and supervision
  • Complete a performance evaluation and share it with the student

If students are receiving academic credit for their internships, their department may have additional requirements.

What Are The Costs?

The exact salary and benefits you pay student interns/co-ops are determined by you and the student. Usually you should expect to pay between 60% - 80% of a full-time entry-level salary. We will be happy to advise you on appropriate salaries based on the major of the student. You pay the student directly.

How The Program Works

Call Business Career Services at (515) 294-2542 to get information on accessing our online system--ISU CMS.

  • Choose 1 of the following 2 options to find qualified Iowa State students:
    1. Job Posting
    2. On-campus interviews
  • You will enter your position and requirements
  • Select the student intern(s)/co-op(s) through your selection/interviewing method
  • Inform the Career Coordinator when you hire an Iowa State University student(s)
  • Employ the student for at least a full semester

Remember: Business/LAS Career Fairs

A chance for employers to meet with potential candidates for permanent employment or internships!

Fall Career Fair - Advisor: Tammy Stegman

Spring Career Fair - Advisor:  Sarah Van Vark