Internship Sponsors

Vanderbilt's HOD internship program has been recognized in such publications as U.S. News & World Report. Our program—which is substantive and rigorous—also features placements in some of the world's most exciting cities, with some of their best employers. The university and its students appreciate an organization's willingness to participate in this important learning process. We are confident that our students add value to any organization via their hard work and fresh perspectives.

The HOD Internship Office seeks to partner with organizations that offer positions for college students providing meaningful experiences in the workplace. Interns should have a chance to explore how the organization operates, work with professionals, and have a direct supervisor who will serve as a mentor or internship supervisor.

For complete details on the internship process for sponsors, please download the Internship Supervisor's Handbook (pdf).

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Internship Search Process
The process our students use to identify and select an internship mirrors the job search process. Our office maintains a database of internship sponsors. Our career counselors meet with the students to focus their search efforts and create a search strategy. Students search through the database and identify organizations they believe would meet their personal learning goals. They contact the organizations directly, send résumés/cover letters, set up interviews, and negotiate placements.

We work with the students if they encounter difficulties, but they manage the process. Since we do not place students into internships, we cannot guarantee you will have an intern in any given semester. Our sponsors agree to complete an "advertising form" to be placed in our database and to respond to our students should they initiate contact. You are under no obligation to accept any student. If you determine the student would not fit your needs, you can refuse the intern in the same way you would refuse an inappropriate candidate for employment.

Supervision
For students to gain significant learning and the organization to maximize student participation and contribution, interns need an active and supportive supervisor. This person ensures the intern is integrated into the organization and receives guidance for work tasks and feedback on their performance. The supervisor needs to be accessible to the intern, particularly in the early weeks of the internship. The handbook for supervisors serves as a guide throughout the internship process.