Students

1. What is an internship?
   
   An internship is an academic, curriculum-based practical work experience in a particular field of study that enhances student learning, and for which a student is enrolled. While a qualified supervisor in the workplace directs the larger part of learning, the student is also supervised by a discipline-specific faculty advisor or department administrator who monitors the student's progress and resolves any concerns of the student or the experience provider under policy established by the department/school internship committee.
   
   
   
2. Is there a difference between a summer job and an internship?
   
   Yes. An internship is a job that directly relates to your chosen field of study for which you are enrolled. A summer job is not directly related to your major and does not have roots in applying academic principles.
   
   
   
3. Why should I do an internship?
• Internships give resume-building experiences while applying academic concepts and principles.
• Internships increase your marketability to employers and reduce shock when actually entering the job force.
• Internships facilitate a higher starting salary and increase opportunities within company for faster advancement and growth.
• Internships allow you to gain exposure to real-world problems and issues that perhaps are not found in textbooks.
• Internships increase self-confidence in the workplace while developing an expanded network of associates and professionals.
• Internships offer opportunities to evaluate specific companies or specific careers prior to committing with full-time employment, a "try before you buy" experience.
• Internships help you cultivate adaptability and creativity in an ever-changing world.
• Internships provide opportunities to spread the gospel through your example and lifestyle.



4. What is the process of receiving credit for my internship?
   
   Process for receiving credit.
   
   
   
5. How do I find an internship?
   
   Talk to your department's internship coordinator for a list of current internship offerings or branch out on your own search of classified ads, job-search Web sites, etc. Visit our resource page for additional leads and aids.
   
   
   
6. What is the Internship Master Agreement?
   
   The Internship Master Agreement is a legally binding agreement that protects the experience provider, university and intern. If an employer will not sign the Internship Master Agreement, the organization can send its proposed legal agreement or redlined Internship Master Agreement to the BYU Internship Office for approval with legal counsel. If the organization submits its own legal agreement, the itnernship cannot be started until an agreement has been reached between BYU and the employeer. Please allow an additional two weeks for processing.
   
   
   
7. What if the internship is international?
   
   If the internship is international, you must contact the International Study Programs Office in the Kennedy Center at 422-8687, or kennedycenter@byu.edu.
   
   
   
8. What are my responsibilities in the internship process?
   
   First, you must meet all of your department's pre-requisite requirements and, as a student, you are responsible for securing an internship for yourself (this process is similar to obtaining a job: you must find, apply and receive an offer). Once you have secured your internship, immediately contact your department's internship coordinator who will lead you through the rest of the process.



9. Do I need medical insurance while doing my internship?
   
   Yes. You must be insured with health insurance just like during a regular semester. If you are injured on the job, refer to question 10.



10. What is my responsibility regarding Workman's Compensation?
    
    If the employer is paying you, then Workman's Compensation will pay. If the employer is not paying you, then the university's insurance will cover accidents. This functions as a general rule-of-thumb, but for more precise information, please contact your state's Workman's Compensation Program.



11. Are all internships paid?
    
    Compensation is to be defined by provider and intern prior to employment start date. The employer has no legal obligation to pay the intern. Make sure you clarify any questions or concerns you may have regarding compensation and responsibilities prior to starting employment.



12. What if I want to drop my internship?
    
    If you wish to quit your internship experience, you must contact your department internship coordinator.



13. Who is my Department Internship Coordinator?
    
    BYU has 100+ department internship coordinators. To find out which is assigned to your department, ask your college advisement center or locate your department on the Department Internship Coordinators List.



14. Who do I contact regarding Disney internships?
    
    Disney offers "internships" throughout the year, but most of the jobs involved with its Internship Program are considered summer jobs or apprenticeships because they are not applicable to university study. These apprenticeships are handled through Career Services unless a particular experience has been approved as an internship. If this is the case, follow the standard procedures outlined for internships. Please note that most of these jobs are on a different schedule than BYU's academic calendar. Plan appropriately.

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International Students

1. What additional steps are required for international students to participate in an internship?
   
   In addition to the standard internship process, an F-1 is required. International students must check with the International Services Office for personal eligibility and submit to the same office a letter from the prospective employer, a letter from the student's academic advisor or department internship coordinator, a current and original 1-20, and proof of enrollment in an internship class. Each item requires specific information as outlined on the “Curricular Practical Training” document given to international students by the International Services Office.
   
   
   
2. Can an international student be paid for an internship and receive credit?
   
   International students may receive pay for an off-campus work experience if the experience is directly related to the student's field of study and the student is enrolled for the experience or the internship is required for graduation.
   
   
   
3. Can internships function as a bridge to post-graduate, full-time employment for international students in the United States?
No. International students who come to BYU on an F-1 visa (i.e. student visa) have signed a commitment to the U.S. to return to their home country upon completion of their approved U.S. education process. Many F-1 students, in fact, do hope to somehow transition their student status into U.S. residency (many other F-1 students look forward to returning to their home country). There are several legal events that can lead to residency for theses students which include marrying a U.S. citizen or being sponsored by a U.S. employer as a uniquely qualified employee. The key issue is that the educator can not and should not become part of a potential transition process into U.S. residency. We provide an education, but neither encourage or discourage F-1 students from seeking employment in the U.S. Further, we should make clear to international applicants to our programs that we welcome them to BYU and expect that they will be returning to their home country to seek employment after graduation. In doing this, we help F-1 students with no reasonable plan for returning home understand that they could effectively be stranded here on graduation with no employment opportunities. The key concept to bear in mind is that the USCIS and BYU have no intention of facilitating employment of F-1 students in the U.S.

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Employers

1. What is an internship?
   
   An internship is an educational pedagogy which integrates classroom study with planned and supervised on-the-job experiences in vocational, educational or cultural settings outside of the formal classroom environment.
   
   
   
2. Is there a difference between a summer job and an internship?
   
   Yes. Internships are academically based and must be governed in accordance with the university's standards. If the position is a summer job, then it should be referred to as an apprenticeship and all coordination must go through Career Services.
   
   
   
3. How does my company benefit from hiring an intern?
• Internships give the opportunity to evaluate prospective employees virtually risk free.
• Internships create the opportunity to recruit future employees since interns have had the chance to prove themselves as employees.
• Internships can save money since an intern receives less pay and fewer benefits than a full-time employee.
• Internships provide fresh, enthusiastic and productive employees.



4. What is the Master Agreement ?
   
   The Internship Master Agreement is a legally binding agreement that protects the experience provider, university and intern. If an employer will not sign the Internship Master Agreement, the organization can send its proposed legal agreement or redlined Internship Master Agreement to the BYU Internship Office for approval with legal counsel. If the organization submits its own legal agreement, the itnernship cannot be started until an agreement has been reached between BYU and the employeer. Please allow an additional two weeks for processing.



5. How do I obtain a BYU intern?
   
   Link to: BYU's Internship Process



6. What is my responsibility if I hire a BYU intern?
   
   The experience provider must agree to the learning objectives established by the student and to monitor student progress by making regular reports to the faculty advisor or department administrator. Progress reports should include attendance as well as qualitative assessments of student learning. The experience provider must agree to a contractual agreement designed to protect all parties involved (approved by university legal counsel).



7. Do I have to pay the intern?
   
   Compensation is to be defined by provider and intern prior to employment start date. The employer has no legal obligation to pay the intern; however, the level of compensation offered strongly correlates with the quality of candidates who apply for the position.



8. What is my responsibility regarding Workman's Compensation?
   
   If the employer is paying the student, Workman's Compensation will pay. If the employer is not paying the student, then the university's insurance will cover accidents. This functions as a general rule-of-thumb, but for more precise information, please contact your state's Workman's Compensation Program.



9. What do I do if there is a problem with my intern or the internship program?
   
   If any problems arise, please contact the department internship coordinator with whom you've been working.

Faculty

1. What if there is no Department Internship Coordinator in my department?
   
   Some coordinators aren't very visible within the department. Please check our list of department internship coordinators to double check. If you cannot find the information you seek, please contact us.



2. What's the enrollment process for internships?
   
   Internship Process in a Nutshell



3. What is an internship?
   An internship is an academic, curriculum-based practical work experience in a particular field of study that enhances student learning, and for which a student is enrolled. While a qualified supervisor in the workplace directs the larger part of learning, the student is also supervised by a discipline-specific faculty advisor or department administrator who monitors the student's progress and resolves any concerns of the student or the experience provider under policy established by the department/school internship committee.



4. Which course numbers are designated by the university's Curriculum Council for internships?
   
   199R, 299R, 399R, 496R, 599R, and 688R. All students engaged in internships must be enrolled in one of the designated course numbers, and those numbers should not be used for any other purpose. No other numbers should be used to give credit for internship experiences.



5. How many hours per semester does an internship have to be to qualify for credit?
   
   The minimum number of internship hours for each hour of credit earned is 42 hours. Exact amount of hours is to be determined by department.



6. What if the internship is international?
   
   If the internship is international, you must contact the International Study Programs Office in the Kennedy Center at 422-8687, or kennedycenter@byu.edu.



7. What is the Master Agreement?
   
   The Internship Master Agreement is a legally binding agreement that protects the experience provider, university and intern. If an employer will not sign the Internship Master Agreement, the organization can send its proposed legal agreement or redlined Internship Master Agreement to the BYU Internship Office for approval with legal counsel. If the organization submits its own legal agreement, the itnernship cannot be started until an agreement has been reached between BYU and the employeer. Please allow an additional two weeks for processing.
   
   

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Department Internship Coordinator

1. What is an internship?
   
   An internship is an academic, curriculum-based practical work experience in a particular field of study that enhances student learning, and for which a student is enrolled. While a qualified supervisor in the workplace directs the larger part of learning, the student is also supervised by a discipline-specific faculty advisor or department administrator who monitors the student's progress and resolves any concerns of the student or the experience provider under policy established by the department/school internship committee.



2. Which course numbers are designated by the university's Curriculum Council for internships?
   
   199R, 299R, 399R, 496R, 599R and 688R. All students engaged in internships must be enrolled in one of the designated course numbers, and those numbers should not be used for any other purpose. No other numbers should be used to give credit for internship experiences.



3. How many hours per semester does an internship have to be to qualify for credit?
   The minimum number of work experience hours for each hour of credit earned is 42 hours. Exact amount of hours is to be determined by department.



4. What if the internship is international?
   
   If the internship is international, you must contact the International Study Programs Office in the Kennedy Center at 422-8687, or kennedycenter@byu.edu.



5. What is the Master Agreement?
   
   The Internship Master Agreement is a legally binding agreement that protects the experience provider, university and intern. If an employer will not sign the Internship Master Agreement, the organization can send its proposed legal agreement or redlined Internship Master Agreement to the BYU Internship Office for approval with legal counsel. If the organization submits its own legal agreement, the itnernship cannot be started until an agreement has been reached between BYU and the employeer. Please allow an additional two weeks for processing.



6. How long is the Master Agreement valid?
   
   The contract is permanent unless otherwise stipulated by the experience provider or university.



7. If an experience provider has already been sponsored by another department with a signed Internship Master Agreement, does the experience provider need to sign another agreement for my department?
   
   Once an agreement is signed with a department, it is considered a university agreement and becomes valid for all departments. The department coordinator will still have to approve the actual internship experience, but not the provider, unless the agreement was written by the experience provider for a specific department and is a limited approval on the current experience provider database.



8. Which of the forms are required by the university?
   
   The Internship Office requires the Experience Information Sheet and the Internship Master Agreement. The Student Internship Agreement must be signed by each student, and is kept in the student's file with the department internship coordinator.



9. What are my responsibilities regarding the internship process?
   
   As a coordinator, you should:

   • function as a facilitator of the internship process.
   • help the student locate an appropriate internship by posting positions, recommending potential employers and maintaining steady relationships with potential experience providers.
   • ensure that all parties involved sign the proper paperwork and that the student participates in a quality internship experience.
   • process the paperwork as soon as possible by filling out a routing slip and sending all signed contracts to the Internship Office.

   
   Please contact us if any issues arise.

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Deans & Department Chairs

1. What if there is no Department Internship Coordinator in my department?
   
   Some coordinators aren't very visible within the department. Please check our list of department internship coordinators to double check. If you cannot find the information you seek, please contact us.



2. What's the enrollment process for internships?
   
   Internship Process in a Nutshell



3. What is an internship?
   An internship is an academic, curriculum-based practical work experience in a particular field of study that enhances student learning, and for which a student is enrolled. While a qualified supervisor in the workplace directs the larger part of learning, the student is also supervised by a discipline-specific faculty advisor or department administrator who monitors the student's progress and resolves any concerns of the student or the experience provider under policy established by the department/school internship committee.



4. Which course numbers are designated by the university's Curriculum Council for internships?
   
   199R, 299R, 399R, 496R, 599R and 688R. All students engaged in internships must be enrolled in one of the designated course numbers, and those numbers should not be used for any other purpose. No other numbers should be used to give credit for internship experiences.



5. How many hours per semester does an internship have to be to qualify for credit?
   
   The minimum number of internship hours for each hour of credit earned is 42 hours. Exact amount of hours is to be determined by department.



6. What if the internship is international?
   
   If the internship is international, you must contact the International Study Programs Office in the Kennedy Center at 422-8687, or kennedycenter@byu.edu.



7. What is the Master Agreement?
   
   The Internship Master Agreement is a legally binding agreement that protects the experience provider, university and intern. If an employer will not sign the Internship Master Agreement, the organization can send its proposed legal agreement or redlined Internship Master Agreement to the BYU Internship Office for approval with legal counsel. If the organization submits its own legal agreement, the itnernship cannot be started until an agreement has been reached between BYU and the employeer. Please allow an additional two weeks for processing.

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