We encourage alumni, parents and friends of St. Olaf to consider both projects/roles in which students can help address one or more of your organization’s needs AND career exposure opportunities in which students can explore an industry and learn about your organization’s culture, work environment, etc.

Potential Projects:

St. Olaf students are quick learners with strong research, analytical and communications skills. Projects should be based on the particular needs of your business or organization. Examples of potential projects include:

• Research a topic, write a report and/or present to your team
• Analyze data and create data visualizations
• Develop communications content (e.g., website, article, stories, slideshow, etc.)
• Develop educational or training resources
• Plan an event, workshop, etc.
• Draft reports or proposals
• Suggest improvements to your website
• Manage social media
• Interview clients or other stakeholders and summarize findings
• User experience testing
• Develop a marketing plan

Potential Career Exploration Opportunities:

• Conduct informational interviews with co-workers
• Attend and observe meetings (e.g., organizational/departmental meetings, client meetings, professional development seminars, etc.)
• Research industry trends
• Opportunities for students to talk about what they are learning and experiencing

An internship is an opportunity for a student to both learn and contribute in a professional setting.

Interim internships typically require students to work 30-40 hours per week for 4 weeks between January 3rd and February 2nd. Some students may be able to start a little sooner and/or continue the internship part-time into the spring semester (which starts on February 6th).

Students completing unpaid internships would likely qualify for funding through St. Olaf if the experience requires at least 120 hours over at least 4 weeks. The minimum award for eligible students is $800 – 1200. Students with significant housing and travel expenses will be eligible for additional funds.

In-person, virtual and hybrid experiences are possible and there are pros and cons to each.

In general, students seem to appreciate at least some opportunities to interact in-person with their supervisor and colleagues.

However, virtual internships are preferred in some situations, especially outside of Minnesota or other places where students prefer to live during the summer.

We look forward to discussing the best approach for your specific situation.

Most students who secure unpaid internships/experiences that meet the minimum requirements for Interim (approximately 120 hours over at least 4 weeks) will be eligible to receive funding through the Piper Center to cover expenses like housing, food and transportation. Students with minimal expenses are likely eligible for a minimum award of approximately $800. Students with significant financial need often qualify for additional funding. After students secure their internship they can apply for funding through this program.

Determining whether an internship is paid or unpaid ultimately rests with you, the employer, based on your interpretation of Fair Labor Standards.  For-profit companies typically pay students an hourly wage or stipend.

The position description should include information such as the position title, organization, description of duties and opportunities, qualifications, skills required, etc.

Please use the Interim Internship Position Description Template as a guide.

If you have any questions, please contact Marietta Ruppe <ruppe2@stolaf.edu> and/or your Piper Center contact.

The position description should include information such as the position title, organization, description of duties and opportunities, qualifications, skills required, etc.

Please use this Interim Internship Position Description Template to create a position description and then share with Marietta Rupee <ruppe2@stolaf.edu> and any additional Piper Center contacts.

It would be ideal to submit to submit your position description to the Piper Center by October 26th.

We recommend an application deadline of November 6th, but you are welcome to review applications on a rolling basis.

Within a few days of the application deadline you will receive a bundle of the applications that were submitted for your position from Handshake. If you do not receive the bundle, please first check your spam folder and then contact your Piper Center contact.

You will be responsible for communicating with students, selecting students to interview and extending offers to students.

If you identify a student you would like to work with, please extend an offer and ask the student to accept or decline by a particular date (typically within a few days of making the offer).

If a student accepts an internship offer, please let your Piper Center contact know the name of the student.

You are also encouraged to send a brief “decline note” to the students that you choose not to select.