What is an internship?
An internship is the placement of a student in a work environment to enable him or her to acquire knowledge and skills consistent with professional expectations and standards. Internships provide students a professional experience where they can apply theory, knowledge, and skills in a practical manner. Internships include the supervised practical training and mentoring of a student who works to foster professional, personal, and intellectual development.
Are internships paid or unpaid?
Hospitality internships have to be paid at OSU. Internships at for-profit, private agencies are subject to the Fair Labor Standard Act and must be covered by workers compensation and officially registered as an employee. Internship sites are responsible for knowing and following the Fair Labor Standards Act. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division or contact your agency’s human resources office. (https://www.oregon.gov/boli/TA/pages/t_faq_taclass.aspx)
Student insurance & workers compensation
Students are not covered by medical insurance while on campus or involved in OSU classes and activities. Students are responsible for their own medical and dental insurance coverage. Workers compensation will be covered by the employer during a paid internship. These forms MUST be filled out prior to the student starting work.
What is the difference between and internship and a job?
An internship is a structured, defined program that includes some form of training along with direct supervision. In addition, internships focus on specific learning objectives and are educationally beneficial for the intern.
What are the benefits of doing an internship for credit?
By doing an internship for credit you will have the opportunity to work with both an onsite supervisor and a faculty member, providing you an enriching and meaningful learning experience. A for-credit internship includes experiential learning as well as academic content designed to complement your real-world work. In addition, it provides the student with the opportunity to partake in meaningful tasks that relate to their major and overall career goals. A credited internship is shown on your transcript, which may assist in future job applications.
Why should I do an internship?
- Explore hospitality career options
- Gain real world experience — try out your interests, values, and abilities in a work setting — learn what you like & don’t like
- Build your resume — be a more competitive candidate for employment — earn food handler & alcohol servers certificates where necessary
- Build networking contacts and mentoring relationships early
- Develop new skills and applicable knowledge
- Enhance confidence and leadership skills
- You have to complete three to graduate from the hospitality management program