Crafting an InternOSU Job Description
A well crafted job description is essential to a successful internship as it clearly
defines the required learning objectives, responsibilities and required skills. Thus
ensuring the intern and the organization have aligned expectations for a meaningful
and productive learning experience. When applying to be a host site for the InternOSU
program, applications are heavily weighted on the job description provided. See the
tips below for job description best practices.
- Job title Be specific and clear: Choose a title that accurately reflects the role, such as "Marketing Intern," "Software Development Intern" or "Content Writing Intern."
- Introduction/company overview
- Introduce the organization: Provide a brief overview of your organization or department. Highlight the main goals of the organization and any necessary background information.
- Describe the internship: Mention that this is an internship opportunity and describe what interns can expect to gain and how it contributes to their professional growth.
- Job responsibilities
- Outline key tasks: List the main tasks and responsibilities the intern will undertake. Be specific about what they will do on a day-to-day basis.
- Mention learning opportunities: Highlight what the intern will learn or accomplish through these tasks, such as developing specific skills or gaining experience in certain areas. For example, “The ideal candidate will learn to write compelling online content” or “Interns will gain experience in project and event management, public relations and event logistics.”
- Include collaborative work: If applicable, mention any team projects or collaboration opportunities.
- Qualifications
- List required skills: Mention any skills or qualifications necessary for the role, such as proficiency in certain software, good communication skills, or relevant coursework. Be mindful that students are seeking to develop the necessary skills for their desired industry through this internship experience
- Highlight preferred qualifications: If there are additional skills or experiences that would be beneficial but are not required, list them as "preferred" qualifications.
- Work environment/location
- Describe the work setting: Indicate whether the internship is in-person or hybrid. Provide details about the office environment if in-person. For the InternOSU program, it is strongly recommended to provide a fully in-person experience for the student.
- Location: Mention the location of the internship. For on-campus internships, provide the building where your department is housed. For local community partners, provide the location where your intern will work.
- Duration and schedule
- Work hours: Mention the expected work hours per week and any flexibility in scheduling. The InternOSU program will fund up to 15 hours/week.
- Hours of operation: Indicate the hours of operation for your department or organization. Will the student be required to work evenings or weekends?
- CompensationProvide hourly wage (minimum $14/hour, with InternOSU covering up to $7/hour).