Developing an Internship

Dickinson students are encouraged but not required to register their internship experience for academic credit. Click through to find information about student deadlines, eligibility or requirements for the Academic Internship & Research Program.

• Time Commitment 
  Registered internships must be at least 8 weeks and a minimum of 80 hours in total (110 hours for DATA majors) and must take place during an academic term or summer. 
• Supervision 
  Interns should be supervised by an established professional who is not related to the student. Peers, student leaders or peer mentors may not serve as primary supervisors. 
• Offer Letter 
  Employers must provide the student with a formal offer of employment outlining the internship’s start and end dates, role responsibilities and supervisor details, which is required for the student’s internship registration. 
• Student Learning Requirements 
  Students completing registered internships must submit assignments to the Center for Career Development, such as goal setting, informational interviews and a final reflection. These are generally completed outside of work hours. Students handling sensitive information should coordinate with their supervisors what information may or may not be shared. 
• Supervisor Feedback 
  Supervisors are encouraged to provide regular feedback to the student intern throughout the course of the internship and are also asked to complete an end‑of‑internship evaluation coordinated by the Dickinson internship team. 
• Internship Progression 
  Students may complete multiple internships with the same employer if each experience includes distinct responsibilities and new learning opportunities. 

Employers are encouraged to contact the Dickinson internship team at intern@dickinson.edu with any questions or concerns related to a student’s internship experience. Early communication is especially important if concerns arise regarding performance, conduct or overall fit, as it allows the ccollege to provide support and help identify constructive next steps for both the employer and student when appropriate. 

Hiring a Dickinson intern typically follows a straightforward process that allows employers to define their own timelines and selection criteria, with support available from our employer relations team at each stage. 

1. Define the Role 
Determine how an intern will contribute to the organization and develop a clear position description outlining responsibilities, qualifications and expectations. 

2. Submit the Opportunity 
Employers have several options for sharing job and internship opportunities. Learn more about how to post job & internship opportunities at Dickinson. Opportunities may also be submitted by emailing recruit@dickinson.edu to connect with the employer relations team. 

3. Promote the Position 
The Center for Career Development promotes opportunities to increase visibility among Dickinson students and connect employers with interested and qualified candidates. 

4. Recruit & Hire 
Employers review applications, conduct interviews and manage the candidate selection process to make final hiring decisions. The employer relations team can assist with interview scheduling and coordination as needed. 

Internship job descriptions may vary based on organizational needs, but clear, well‑structured postings help attract the most relevant and engaged candidates. A strong description typically includes: 

• Organization Overview 
  A brief summary of the organization, with the option to include a website link for additional information. 
• Responsibilities 
  A concise, bulleted list outlining key duties, projects, and areas of contribution. 
• Qualifications 
  Preferred skills, academic background, or areas of interest. This may include targeted class years, majors, GPA expectations, or general interest in a field or industry. 
• Format & Time Commitment 
  Clearly indicate whether the internship is on‑site, remote, or hybrid, along with expected weekly hours or work schedule to help students understand availability requirements. 
• Application Instructions 
  Clear guidance on how to apply, including required materials (e.g., resume, cover letter, portfolio, or writing sample). 
• Timeline & Key Dates 
  Anticipated start and end dates, along with the application window and deadline.

Providing clear expectations and structure within the job description helps students better understand the role, assess fit, and submit stronger applications. The Employer Relations team is available to assist with developing internship job descriptions and can provide guidance or sample postings to help ensure clarity and attract strong candidates. 

Click here to get started with posting a job or internship opportunity.

Internship job descriptions may vary based on organizational needs, but clear, well‑structured postings help attract the most relevant and engaged candidates. A strong description typically includes: 

• Organization Overview: A brief summary of the organization, with the option to include a website link for additional information. 
• Responsibilities: A concise, bulleted list outlining key duties, projects and areas of contribution. 
• Qualifications: Preferred skills, academic background or areas of interest. This may include targeted class years, majors, GPA expectations or general interest in a field or industry. 
• Format & Time Commitment: Clearly indicate whether the internship is on‑site, remote or hybrid, along with expected weekly hours or work schedule to help students understand availability requirements. 
• Application Instructions: Clear guidance on how to apply, including required materials (e.g., resume, cover letter, portfolio or writing sample). 
• Timeline & Key Dates: Anticipated start and end dates, along with the application window and deadline. 

Providing clear expectations and structure within the job description helps students better understand the role, assess fit and submit stronger applications. The employer relations team is available to assist with developing internship job descriptions and can provide guidance or sample postings to help ensure clarity and attract strong candidates. 

Click here to get started with posting a job or internship opportunity.

Competitive internship sites offer meaningful, well‑structured experiences that attract and retain strong candidates. Clear communication, thoughtful design and sustained engagement over time all contribute to a successful program. 

Strong internship opportunities include clearly defined responsibilities, meaningful projects and, when possible, compensation or other forms of support. Providing consistent supervision, regular feedback and opportunities for reflection helps ensure a high‑quality experience for both the organization and the student. 

Visibility is most effective when it is built over time. Employers who engage consistently through recurring internship opportunities, regular postings and participation in campus events or outreach tend to develop stronger recognition among students and attract more competitive applicant pools. Leveraging Dickinson’s recruiting resources—including Handshake, information sessions and on‑campus events—can help support this sustained presence. Click here to learn more about recruiting and engaging Dickinson students.

Creating a positive and ongoing connection with Dickinson students strengthens engagement, enhances employer reputation and builds a reliable pipeline of future talent. 

Dickinson students include a global population of talented candidates who may be eligible for a range of internship opportunities. In many cases, international students may participate in internships related to their field of study through programs such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

International students work closely with Dickinson’s designated school official (DSO) to confirm eligibility and obtain appropriate work authorization, meaning employers are not typically required to sponsor visas for internship roles. 

Additional information on eligibility and employer considerations is available through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).