Create an Internship Untitled Document LMU CDS

Create an Internship

Our internship staff is pleased to collaborate with organizations seeking to provide internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. With the support of our internship staff, organizations may seek assistance in: 
  • Listing Internship opportunities
  • Establishing an Internship program
  • Evaluating an existing Internship program
  • Effectively supervising a current LMU intern

A key factor in assisting students in preparing for and pursuing careers is the opportunity for students to discover career alternatives and test classroom theory through experiential learning. Acting as the liaison between interns, faculty, and internship sites, our staff assists students to take advantage of quality internship experiences.

Federal Guidelines for an Unpaid Internship

According to the Department of Labor, the following six legal criteria must be applied when making a determination if an internship is required to be paid.
  • The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment.
  • The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern.
  • The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff with expertise.
  • The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operation may actually be impeded.
  • The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship.
  • The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.

For students and employers, the internship is a win-win situation. Through their internship experience, students are able to gain valuable professional experience, to establish contacts with prospective employers and evaluate career related opportunities first hand. The organization, in turn, benefits from the contributions and fresh ideas of energetic and competent students.

LMU has developed an Internship Handbook that is designed to guide organizations through the process of considering an existing or new internship program. Employers are invited to contact Maureen Schaukowitch, Director of Internships and Employer Services at 310.338.2892 or Don Ward, Internship Specialist at 310.338.6006.