Internships are a cornerstone of today’s educational system. They allow students to receive direct experiential training in the field of their choosing. Often it is this experience that impacts the course of a student's career and expands their professional network.
Our internship program at Montserrat is critical to the professional growth of our students and is a requirement - typically during their Junior or Senior year. It is a 120 hour commitment. In addition to the work hours scheduled with the internship site, students complete program related assignments tied to the internship, and present about their experience to their peers.
Whenever possible, we encourage employers to pay interns or provide a stipend. For some non-profit organizations and individual creatives hoping to engage an intern we understand that may not be possible. An unpaid intern must be engaged in connection with a formal educational program as they are not employees, and fall under a special classification defined by the Department of Labor.
If you have never engaged an intern, or need to brush up on the labor regulations surrounding internships, please take the time to visit the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division Fact Sheet on Internship Programs at DOL Website and/or call the toll-free information and helpline, available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in your time zone, 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243
It is your responsibility to ensure that the internship opportunity you are offering meets State and Federal Guidelines. If you have questions, or would like assistance with additional resources, please reach out to us.
Interns usually must be paid, but there are limited circumstances when they may be unpaid. In Massachusetts, the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) determines who can work as an unpaid intern. Ask yourself these questions to be sure you are moving forward appropriately.