Advice for Building a Compensated Internship Program
The number one response for advice on building a compensated intern
program was to prioritize the funding in the budget. Respondents said to
work with senior leadership and other co-workers to advocate for
funding. Several said to revisit the budget and determine how facilities
could reallocate funds to the internship program. Facilities should
reduce the number of internships available if they can only afford to
pay a few. Others said to start compensating interns with what the
budget allows, even if it is a small stipend.
Several facilities recommended surveying current interns or local
college students to include their voices and get the conversation
started. Students have demonstrated they are more interested in paid
opportunities and can dedicate more time to learning from their
internship if they do not have to work a second job for income. One
respondent suggested using payourinterns.org for resources on talking to
leaders and managers about funding an internship program.