Hosting Interns – Employer Guidelines

Internships are an essential part of preparing students for the workforce. This article outlines the process, expectations, and support available for employers that wish to host interns through GRCC.

Purpose of the Internship Program

• Provide students with hands-on, industry-relevant experience.

• Build stronger connections between academic programs and workforce needs.

• Offer employers early access to emerging talent.

• Strengthen regional economic development through education-employer collaboration.

Who Are Our Interns?

Interns are students enrolled in credit or non-credit training programs at GRCC. They come from various fields including computer support, cybersecurity, automation, and more. Each student has worked with a Success Coach or academic advisor to develop an Individual Learning Plan that aligns with career goals and program outcomes.

General Structure of Internships

• Length: Internships typically run for 8–12 weeks, though flexibility exists based on employer needs.

• Format: On-site, remote, or hybrid depending on the nature of the work and employer capabilities.

• Compensation: Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on the structure and funding availability.

  • Employer paid internships may be reimbursed, depending on funding/program.

• Supervision: Employers will assign a primary mentor or supervisor to guide the intern throughout their experience.

Steps to Host an Intern

1. Submit an Internship Opportunity

   • Provide a brief description of the internship role, duties, desired qualifications, work format (on-site/remote), and length.

   • Our staff will review the opportunity to ensure it aligns with academic programs and student pathways.

2. Candidate Matching and Confirmation

   • College staff will identify potential student matches based on skills, interests, and availability.

   • We will share resumes or candidate summaries for your review and coordinate introductions.

   • Once a student is selected, onboarding preparation begins.

3. Onboarding and Agreements

   • You will be asked to review or sign a standard Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining internship expectations.

   • Our staff will ensure the student completes any necessary paperwork or orientation.

   • You will identify a staff member to serve as the student’s site supervisor or mentor.

4. Internship Period

   • We ask that you provide regular feedback and communicate any questions or concerns.

   • Our staff may check in during the internship to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.

   • Students are expected to meet professional standards and complete assigned tasks responsibly.

5. Evaluation and Feedback

   • At the end of the internship, we ask that you complete a brief evaluation of the intern’s performance.

   • You may also be invited to provide general feedback on the internship experience to help us improve future collaborations.

   • Student reflections may also be shared with you if relevant.

Employer Responsibilities

• Provide meaningful tasks and supervision aligned with the student’s academic or career goals.

• Ensure a safe and inclusive working environment.

• Communicate clearly with college staff and the intern throughout the experience.

• Complete a short final evaluation at the end of the internship period.

Support from the College

• Internship coordination and student preparation.

• Assistance with onboarding, agreements, and documentation.

• Ongoing support throughout the internship period.

• Optional participation in future hiring or program advisory opportunities.