Off-Campus Employer Guide To Undergraduate & Graduate Internships & Co-Ops
The University of Connecticut (UConn) collaborates with employers to develop high‑quality internship and co‑op experiences that support organizational goals while preparing undergraduate and graduate students for the workforce. Employers who host UConn interns and co‑op students gain access to motivated, career‑ready talent and benefit from dedicated University guidance and support throughout the process.
The UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills created this to guide to help employers design, implement, and manage effective internship and co-op programs—primarily within the United States, though many practices are broadly applicable. It offers practical guidance across the full lifecycle of an internship or co-op, position development and recruitment, to onboarding, supervision, and evaluation.
The UConn Career Center looks forward to partnering with you!
Employer Benefits
Highlights the key benefits to employers of offering internships and co-ops, including talent development, hiring outcomes, and organizational impact.
Internship & Co-op Program Foundations
Explores the core concepts behind internships and co‑ops, explaining how each model works, how they differ, and why they matter for employers and students. It provides foundational context to help organizations design programs that align student learning with workforce needs, skill development, and talent pipeline goals.
Internship & Co-op Program Development
Reviews how to design and strengthen effective internship and co-op programs through intentional planning and strategy. It explores best practices for aligning programs with organizational goals, creating meaningful learning experiences, and building sustainable structures that benefit both employers and participants.
Process After Selecting an Intern or Co-op
Step by step instructions to bring on the new staff members, supervise, and conclude the experience, once you’ve interviewed and are ready to offer a position.
Legal Considerations
Key legal and compliance factors involved in internships and co-ops. Including important considerations such as labor laws, compensation, academic credit, and employer responsibilities to help ensure programs are ethical, compliant, and well-structured.
Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills Policies
The UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skill’s UConn’s Employer Participation Policies provides information on recruiting eligibility and participation in programs and events (e.g. career fairs, posting, information sessions, tabling, presentations, etc.) Please review and reach out to the recruiting team with questions.
Contact the Career Center
- For best practices in internships or academic credit, contact internships@uconn.edu
- For co-op development and programs, careercoop@uconn.edu
- For recruiting programs, services, events, or employer engagement, reach out to the Corporate Partner Relations team at 860-486-3013 or recruiting@uconn.edu
