Unpaid Internship Funding Program

 

Eligibility

• Past or current internships are not eligible for funding (start date of internship must be in the future)
• Open to all Marquette University undergraduate students
• Internship must conclude prior to graduation
• Must have an offer for an unpaid internship at the time of application
• Experience must take place off-campus
• Minimum of 140 hours over the course of the internship
• Internship may be in-person or remote, for-credit or not-for-credit
• Must be eligible to work in the United States – students without valid work authorization should explore other opportunities by contacting Jacki Black

Disqualification 

• Incomplete or late application submissions
• Internship site owned/managed by member of intern’s family
• Inaccurate representation of self or employer on Unpaid Internship Funding Program application
• Transferring or withdrawing from Marquette University before or during the experience
• If the internship ends for any reason, payments will stop.
• Other factors which compel disqualification, as determined by Marquette University

Ineligible Experiences

• Fee-based internship programs (i.e. employer charges a fee to participate)
• Political campaigns (due to laws applicable to Marquette University as a 501(c)(3) organization)
• Required academic experiences (e.g. field work, clinicals)
• Other experiences which compel ineligibility, as determined by Marquette University

Considerations

• Students may not work more than 20 hours per week (during the academic year) or 40 hours per week (during summer) total between internship and Marquette on-campus job
• Students who receive a financial aid package are encouraged to consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid to ensure an award will not impact their financial standing
• Award is typically paid out as bi-weekly compensation and is subject to tax

 

Step 1: Secure an Internship  

Secure an internship that meets the eligibility criteria (details above). Students are responsible for researching, applying for, and securing an internship; Career Counselors are available by appointment to assist you with your search.

When you accept an internship offer, request an offer letter which includes:

• Name of intern (your name)
• Internship supervisor name, title, email address, and phone number
  • Expected time commitment
  • Start date/End date
• Number of hours per week
• Confirmation that internship is unpaid

Step 2: Gather/Prepare Application Materials 

To complete the Unpaid Internship Funding Program application, you will need to have the following documents available electronically to attach to your application:

• Internship Job Description
• Resume
• Internship Offer Letter (see details above)

You will also need to answer the following prompts (each prompt has a limit of 1500 characters):

• How does this internship align with your current career goals?
• Please explain the financial situation making funding necessary to complete this unpaid internship.
• Please identify two Professional Formation Competencies (click link for more information about Professional Formation Competencies) you intend to develop during your internship and explain how you will take initiative to achieve this.

Step 3: Complete Unpaid Internship Funding Program Application

Application is online and available here. You may leave the survey and return to continue working on your application if you (1) use the same device and (2) do not clear cookies from your device.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), an internship should include:

• A learning experience with a real-world opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or replace the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
• Learned skills and knowledge that are transferable to other employment settings.
• A defined beginning and end that is mutually agreed upon and consistent with institutional sponsor guidelines and schedules.
• A position description with clear responsibilities and required/desired qualifications.
• Clearly defined learning objectives/goals.
• Direct supervision by a professional(s) with relevant expertise and educational and/or professional experience who provides productive feedback, guidance, and the resources and equipment necessary to successfully complete the assignment.

• Use Handshake as a starting point for understanding available internship opportunities.
• For quick questions, visit the Career Counselor on Duty (available on the upper level of the Lemonis Center for Student Success, Monday through Friday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. when classes are in session).
• For more in-depth assistance, make an appointment with a Career Counselor by phone (414.288.7423) or Handshake (Login to Handshake, click “Career Center” tab, and then click the “Appointments” box).

Yes. However, priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received funding.

• Yes, international students who are eligible to work in the United States may apply for funding. Contact the Office of International Education for more information about work eligibility.

No, you may not intern with a family member, but we encourage you to network with family (and others) when looking for internship options.

Meet with a Career Counselor for assistance with your application. Book an appointment via phone (414.288.7423) or Handshake (Login to Handshake, click “Career Center” tab, and then click the “Appointments” box).

Via bi-weekly Marquette University issued paycheck

Payments received via Marquette University issued paycheck are subject to employment tax.

Yes, participation in the intern recognition reception and, as reasonable, contribution to future promotion of the Unpaid Internship Funding Program