Frequently Asked Questions

Promoting an Internship

• I need help with my business, can I hire an unpaid intern for this?
  Successful internship experiences should combine mentoring, training, and purposeful project assignments. A significant amount of time, energy, and resources are needed to host an intern. Businesses and organizations looking for help should consider part-time employment with the CSUSM Career Center. 
• I own a home-based business. Can I hire an intern?
  Home-based businesses may be approved once required criteria are met. Furthermore, a site visit may be required but does not guarantee approval.   
• How do I promote my internship opportunity?

  Organizations wishing to promote an internship must apply for a University Community Partnership with the CSUSM Career Center. A partnership is necessary to ensure students are provided with a safe learning site and learning-based internship opportunities. A Academic Internship Partner Application must be completed for all organizations wishing to host an intern or promote their internship opportunities.

  For unpaid opportunities, a University Community Partnership Agreement will be sent to your organization upon review and approval.  Once we receive a signed agreement, your oportunity will be posted in our Academic Internship database. 

  For paid opportunities, upon review and approval of your application, your opportunity will be posted in our Academic Internship database. 

• What if I want to post both a paid and unpaid internship opportunity?

  Organizations wishing to promote an internship must apply for a University Community Partnership with the CSUSM Career Center. A partnership is necessary to ensure students are provided with a safe learning site and learning-based internship opportunities. A Academic Internship Partner Application must be completed for all organizations wishing to host an intern or promote their internship opportunities.

  Although you may be offering a paid opportunity as well, all unpaid opportunities require a University Community Partnership Agreement be on file.  Once you have submitted the partnership application, we will send an agreement for signature.

• When is the best time to promote my internship?
  While internships are year round, it is recommended you submit a Academic Internship Partner Application (for new community partners) or New Internship Opportunity Form (for existing community partners) up to 5 weeks prior to the start of the semester. Fall semesters begin late-August, Spring semesters begin late-January, and Summer sessions vary from June to August.
• Are there other ways I can promote my internship?
  Recruitment events are held on campus throughout the academic year. Please reference the Career Center Events wepage.
• How do I post my opportunity in the database?
  Currently, the database is only accessible to CSUSM students and faculty. The Career Center will post your approved internship opportunity within 5-7 days of receiving your application, and if applicable a signed agreement.
• Can I provide academic credit?
  The University is the only entity that can administer academic credit for internships. Some students are eligible to receive credit based on their academic major and the appropriateness of the internship for the course. A list of internship courses is available for reference. 
• Do I need to pay the intern?
  The U.S. Department of Labor has defined parameters for unpaid internships. Students completing non-academic internships at businesses/ for-profit organizations must be paid at least minimum wage. Compensation for academic internships is highly encouraged to assist the student offset the cost of taking the internship course. 
• How many hours should I provide?
  Credit internship courses will require students to complete 90-120 hours per semester. Students should not be completing more than 20 hours per week for an unpaid internship. 

Hosting an Intern

• I already have a student selected, do I still need to become a community partner?
  Organizations hosting students for an academic internship are required to establish a university community partnership. This is to ensure the student is being provided with a safe and an academic-oriented opportunity. Furthermore, it promotes ongoing collaboration between community partners and the university. 
• Do I need to fill out additional paperwork upon hiring the intern?
  No additional paperwork is needed on behalf of the community partner once the application and agreement (if applicable) has been finalized. The student is responsible for creating a placement in the internships database and an internship placement confirmation will automatically be sent to the internship site supervisor. In some cases the student's faculty or instructor may request additional forms to be completed. 
• How do I track and report the student's time?
  If the internship will be taken for credit/a course fulfillment, the student is responsible for tracking their time. The student's faculty or instructor may request additional paperwork.

Current Community Partners

• How do I update my information on the database?

  Currently, the database is only accessible to students and faculty. Please contact us with your requested changes at internships@csusm.edu and we'll be happy to assist you.

  If you want to update a current opportunity please use the New Internship Opportunity Form and we will deactivate the outdated opportunity.  

• How do I promote an additional internship opportunity?
  Please use the New Internship Opportunity Form. Your opportunity will be reviewed and if approved, posted on the database.
• How long will my internship be posted?
  The internship opportunity will be available for up to a year, unless otherwise indicated.