FAQ About UCAN
Utilize UCAN as a resource

Employer FAQ�s
What is the difference between an internship and co-op?
Both are work experience related to a student’s academic program and/or career exploration. Internships are usually, but not always, one term. Internships can be offered, fall, winter, spring and summer. Co-ops are usually, but not always, multi-term; work fall semester, in class spring semester, work summer. Schedules vary depending on student and employer needs.

When should we publicize our internship?
There are no set timelines for posting your opportunities but we recommend not posting too early or too late. Here are some general guidelines:

• Fall semester (post around July 1, deadline date August 15, start in September)
• Winter break (post around Nov 1, deadline date December 15, start in December)
• Spring semester (post around Nov 1, deadline date December 15, start in January)
• Summer break (post around Feb 1, deadline date March 15, start in May)

What are the recommended hours for internships?
During the academic year most students prefer working 5 - 20 hours per week, during winter and summer break many prefer working full-time.

Are internships usually paid or unpaid?
Paid and unpaid internship opportunities are fairly equal though students will gravitate toward paid positions first. Exceptional opportunities that are unpaid will also be sought after by students. To ensure a large candidate pool of highly qualified individuals you may want to consider paying interns. Many students on financial aid cannot afford to take an unpaid internship and you may lose out on an exceptional candidate.

If paid, what level of compensation is typical for an internship?
Monetary compensation for non-technical positions ranges from $10 to $20 per hour; technical positions range from $15 to $20 per hour. Evaluate the market, location and field that your organization is in as you are thinking about an intern’s pay range. Some creative ways employers compensate students is to assist with local transportation costs, lunch, or housing assistance and/or end of internship stipend. (see Legal Issues question below for more information)

Is college credit a form of compensation?
No it is not. The school provides college credit not the employer. Universities have different requirements for students to earn college credit. Universities have different requirements for credit; for instance some schools may require students to create and pay for a course developed around the internship.

We are interested in posting our opportunity at just a few schools on the UCAN consortium list. Can we do that?
To post at just a few schools please contact the school administrator at each school for instructions on how to post at their school.

Are there legal issues we should consider? Do we have to pay interns?
NACE Common Questions