An internship is an educational experience in which a student or recent alum takes on a position related to his/her major and/or career interests, and then observes, analyzes, and reflects on the experience and its relationship to academic learning. The purpose of Experiential Education is to assist students and recent alumni with:

• Exploring a career field and gaining relevant work experience.
• Applying academic learning to actual work problems.
• Building critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and professional skills.
• Networking for future job opportunities.

In exchange for offering an opportunity to a student/alum, you and your organization will be able to satisfy your temporary staffing needs, promote your organization on campus, and "try out" future employees.

It is no secret that paid positions are more attractive to students and recent alumni. Most Webster University students work their way through college while supporting themselves and sometimes family. Since the student/alum will be providing a service to your organization, we encourage you to provide pay for his/her work. Some majors, such as computer science, only accept paid positions. The pay range will vary by major, field, and a student's skills, but most positions pay $7-12/hour (computer science positions pay $9-18/hour).

Non-paid experiences are acceptable to some students who need real-world experience, so we still encourage you to list your opportunity with the Career Center. Non-paid experiences must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Labor:

1. The training, even though it includes actual operation of the employer's facilities, is similar to training that would be given in a vocational school.
2. The training is for the benefit of the students.
3. The student does not displace regular employees, but works under the close observation of a regular employee.
4. The employer provides the training and derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the student. Occasionally, the operations may actually be impeded by the training.
5. The student is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the training period.
6. The employer and the student understand that the student is not entitled to wages for the time spent training.

College credit is awarded by individual academic departments depending upon department guidelines for the student's major. Most majors offer credit for internships and co-ops if a student wants or needs the credit to fulfill graduation requirements. Non-credit experiences are also available.