Approval of Internship Program

The Internship Program Committee evaluates proposed internship programs, which are designed by the student and the cooperator, and determines whether programs are acceptable. Criteria for approval are based on characteristics of the employer and the job-related activities outlined in the proposed program. First, the intern must be provided an entry-level position with an approved farm, business, or government agency. Employment with a family-related entity is not permitted. Second, the program should provide practical work experience focused on the specific goals and career objectives of the student. The intern should be exposed to several important aspects of the business that are directly related to his or her major.

The proposed program must specify the terms of agreement between the intern and the employer. These terms would include dates to begin and end the internship program, working hours, days off, wages, board (if applicable), insurance provisions, specific responsibilities of the intern, and any other employment related information. The proposed program should include pertinent information about the types of tasks the intern will perform and the relative amounts of time devoted to each of these tasks. A tentative schedule of tasks is desirable.