Internships combine classroom learning with part-time or full-time practical work experience. Employers are matched with University of Montana students who offer fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and exposure to leading-edge technologies. Interns are required to take at least one academic credit in an x98 (198, 298, 398, ...) course number. Registering for internship credit is extremely important, as this is the only way in which interns are covered by the Montana University System's (MUS) intern liability insurance policy.

• Determine the intern's role in your organization. Develop a job description that outlines duties and responsibilities, and decide whether the internship will be paid or volunteer.
• Complete an online Intern Request Form on our website or complete one manually that we can send you upon request. You may also enter and edit your own internship opportunities on Griz eRecruiting by following the link on our website to Post an Internship. Regardless of the method you choose, please include complete qualifications, responsibilities, benefits, and application requirements (e.g. resume, cover letter, transcript, application, recommendations, and application deadline).
• Decide whether application materials are collected by Internship Services or are sent directly to you by the student. If you want application materials sent directly to you, you need to specify your preference for paper or electronic formats.
• Review internship candidates as applications are received by your organization.
• Conduct interviews at your office or on campus (we can coordinate times and locations).
• Notify our office as soon as you have selected an intern. If you have posted a deadline date, please wait until that date to make a hiring decision since students often submit application materials on that date. If you hire before the deadline date, please notify our office so we can remove your advertised internship.

• The Intern is required to fill out a Learning Agreement. Review it with the student, making sure job duties and responsibilities are correct and complete. Assist the student in developing learning objectives (developing learning objectives is often a joint effort among the student, employer, and faculty). Sign the Learning Agreement.
• Take time to orient the intern to your work environment and your employees.
• Provide regular direction to the intern, and make sure the intern and other employees know the role of the intern.
• Provide feedback from beginning to end.
• Schedule regular meetings with your intern. A Supervisor's Evaluation of the Intern will be mailed to you near the end of the semester. Fill out the evaluation and discuss it with the intern before returning it to our office.

• Set objectives that are challenging, yet attainable within a limited time frame. Early in the internship, schedule a meeting to make sure that the intern's expectations for the internship match yours.
• Provide the intern with a complete orientation to the work environment and company policies/procedures. Suggested discussion topics include: standards of performance, appropriate attire, communication procedures, decision-making channels, confidentiality, and background on the intern's assigned project. If the intern is new to the area, it is a good idea to send information in advance about housing, the area, and weather.
• Increase complexity and responsibility of assignments as the intern is trained and adjusts to the work environment. Make every effort to keep the intern involved with meaningful and challenging work assignments that relate to his/her academic and career goals.
• Explain how the intern's work relates to your company's goals and makes a meaningful contribution. Make the intern feel like part of your team.
• Designate a staff supervisor for the intern and schedule regular supervisory meetings. Don't assume that interns will come to you with problems.

We are available to assist employers and interns encountering difficulties during an internship. Internship Services staff conduct a limited number of staff visits each year. At your request, we may also be able to facilitate conflict resolution with your intern. Please feel free to call us if we can help in any way.