Six fundamentals for every internship

When you are reading the internship job posting, look for the following components, which indicate a well developed intern position:

1. Position is clearly defined and related to your academic coursework and/or professional goals
2. Job responsibilities are similar to those of entry level employees with a bachelor's degree; tasks should require critical thinking and complex problem solving
3. Training and orientation to the job and company provided when the internship begins with additional training opportunities offered as needed
4. Opportunities to assist and shadow other professional staff on their projects and tasks and eventually coordinate your own
5. Frequent guidance and feedback provided by a professional with expertise and an educational or professional background in the field
6. Inclusion in the operations and happenings of the office through attendance at staff/department meetings, committee membership, etc. 

Safety concerns

These come up rarely, but if any of the following occur, contact the Pomerantz Career Center, the instructor of your internship course, and/or local police or University Public Safety

• Requests for personal financial or identity information such as your bank account or social security number by anyone other than an HR representative setting up payroll 
• Exposure to physical, chemical, or biological safety hazards
• Discriminatory behavior or harassment from coworkers, supervisors, or anyone else in workplace.
  ​​​​​Although the University of Iowa can't control an off-campus internship experience, students should expect their employers to provide a positive learning experience free from discrimination or harassment of any kind. University recourses are available to help students understand their rights as interns and to support students if they encounter harassment or discrimination.