How to Develop an Impactful Internship

Offering an impactful internship requires strategic forethought and takes into account the intern's experience and the requirements of CSUSM. Review the highlights below, and see our Academic Internship Partner Guide for a more in-depth look at developing your unique internship experience.

Meet Academic Internship Requirements

The CSUSM Career Center reviews all academic internships to ensure they provide a meaningful learning experience. Internships should include the following components:

Position Description
Clear, detailed duties and expectations. At least 80% of responsibilities must be professional or paraprofessional, with clerical work limited to 20% or less.
Training & Onboarding
Develop a training and onboarding plan with clear expectations to support student success and learning outcomes.
This may include orientation, job shadowing, mentorship, progress reviews, professional development, assigned materials, and skills training.
Mentorship
Successful internships require consistent mentorship and supervision by a qualified staff member who guides, trains, and provides feedback to support student learning and professional development.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes ensure the internship is intentional and helps students develop knowledge, skills, and abilities for academic and career success.
Outcomes should include relevant industry-specific and transferable skills to support evaluation of the student’s progress.

Design an Effective Internship Structure

A well-structured internship supports student learning and organizational success.

Use the Academic Internship Design Worksheet to help plan your internship experience.

Key Components of a Quality Internship

A clear position description
Offer letter with pay rate and internship dates
Learning objectives connected to the student's major
Career-focused learning experiences

Structured training and supervision
Routine feedback and evaluations
Necessary resources, equipment, and support at no cost to the student

Internship Structure

Create a semester-long plan that includes:

Orientation and onboarding
Initial training
Weekly supervisor or mentor meetings
Mid-point and final evaluations
A culminating project when possible

Hours, Schedules, and Time Keeping

Internship courses range from 1–4 units, requiring approximately 30–40 hours per unit.
Most students complete 90–120 hours during a semester-long, 3-unit internship.
Internship schedules should align with the CSUSM academic calendar.
Unpaid internships should generally not exceed 20 hours per week.
Interns must track and verify hours, and may ask supervisors to sign off on a timesheet.

Modalities

Internships may be On-site, Hybrid, or Remote.

Remote internships should include weekly supervisor meetings, clear job duties and assignments, accessible communication tools, defined work hours and boundaries, and clear expectations regarding required technology or equipment.

Intern-to-Supervisor Ratio

Limit supervision to no more than three interns per supervisor unless otherwise approved by the CSUSM Career Center.

Meet Internship Policies & Risk Management Requirements

To support student safety and minimize risk, employers must follow CSUSM internship guidelines and applicable insurance, workplace safety, and supervision requirements.

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Driving for Business Purposes
If interns are required to drive for work-related activities, employers must verify or provide appropriate insurance coverage. Students may not transport clients or consumers at any time.
Vulnerable Populations
Unpaid or stipend-paid interns may work with minors or vulnerable populations only under direct supervision by a paid staff member, and may never be left alone with them.
Workplace Safety
Employers must disclose potential workplace risks — including isolated locations, late-night work, high-crime areas, hazardous materials, or heavy machinery — and explain the safety measures in place.
Home-Based Business Operations
Home-based businesses require additional review, proof of insurance, and may require a site visit. Approval is not guaranteed, and a remote internship may be recommended as an alternative.
Unpaid or Stipend-Paid Internships
CSUSM strongly encourages paid internships. Unpaid or stipend-paid internships must meet Department of Labor guidelines and require a signed Community Partner Agreement.
Background Checks and Medical Tests
Any required background checks, screenings, or medical tests must be disclosed in advance, including who is responsible for the cost. CSUSM does not cover these expenses.
Scheduling
Academic internships should align with the CSUSM academic calendar so students can complete internship hours while actively enrolled in an internship course. This is especially important for unpaid and stipend internships.
International Students
International students may only participate in internships while enrolled in an internship course, and must obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization and an updated I-20 before beginning the experience. Visit the CSUSM Global Programs & Services website for additional information.
Ineligible Positions
Academic internships may not be approved if they involve excessive risk, lack meaningful learning opportunities, insufficient supervision, conflicts of interest, or violations of university or legal policies. Positions commonly rejected include:
- Primarily clerical, data entry, direct sales, telemarketing, or campus ambassador roles
- Positions in the marijuana/cannabis industry
- Unsupervised work with minors or vulnerable populations
- Home-based or in-home care positions without approved risk review
- Opportunities lacking qualified supervision, mentorship, or training
- Third-party recruitment postings, or unpaid positions without a Community Partnership Agreement
For additional details and examples of ineligible positions, please refer to the Academic Internship Partner Guide