Academic Internship Guidelines for Employers

Academic Internships for credit are available to juniors and seniors. 

Lake Forest College students may submit an application to the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center, requesting to complete their internship for academic credit, after consulting with their Academic Advisor, their Internship Specialist/Faculty Internship Supervisor, the Office of Intercultural Relations (International Students on an F-1/J-1 Visa), and/or the Center for Chicago Programs (In The Loop program participants).

Internships must be approved by the student’s Academic Advisor, the Internship Specialist/Faculty Internship Supervisor, and the Director of the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center or their designate. 

Internships must meet the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Labor (Internship Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act). It is also helpful to review the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) position statement on U.S. Internships.

Internships must apply or expand skills or knowledge learned at Lake Forest College.

For each credit, approximately 150 hours of on-the-job experience will be required. 

There must be one clear on-site supervisor and regular supervision for students. On-site supervisors will submit online mid-term and final evaluations and work with the student’s Internship Specialist/Faculty Internship Supervisor during the term of the Academic Internship. 

The internship must be located in a commercial setting and not in a private residence or home office.

The internship may not require students to make investments, initial cash deposits, or purchase starter kits.

Continuation of part-time or summer jobs may not serve as internships.

The internship may not involve students purchasing inventory or product for resale.

The internship may not be paid strictly on commission.

The internship may not require the student to recruit other Lake Forest College students and/or peers for positions within the organization.