InternMatch

How to Write an Internship Description

Resources

Writing an Internship Description Why?

Writing a great internship description takes careful thought and work.

However, the payoff in attracting candidates who can add value and possibly even join your team is well worth it.

Any section or tips we provide can stand on their own. Feel free to read through our entire step by step guide or skip ahead to sections you are most interested in – either way, expect to improve your online postings!

Writing an Internship Description Why?

Connect. Clarify work expectations.

Introduce your organization and its mission.

Target and Attract qualified candidates from a larger pool outside of traditional recruitment.

Specify skill requirements and define a project’s scope.

Writing an Internship Description What you will learn…

The Six Parts of a Great Description

Learn to write the six (6) key parts to any great description.

The Six Parts

(1) Create a Title

(2) Define the Terms

(3) Introduce your Organization

(4) List the Responsibilities and Tasks

(5) Describe what the intern will learn from your internship program.10152025

(6) Include a list of desired Qualifications and Characteristics

Part #1: Create a Title

Name:

Title:

Organizatio

n:

Part # 1: Create a Title

When creating an Internship Title, remember that the title should be descriptive and relevant. You will attract candidates interested in or who have the skills set for the work that is expected. Catch the intern’s eye during their online search with a good title. Components of a good working title:

Include the industry or project scope

Include the position

If applicable, include the Season/Time Period

Part #1: Create a Title

Too General “Health Intern”

Descriptive and Relevant“AppleCorp Children's Nutrition Research Intern”

Descriptive and Relevant

Commitment Terms:

“2010 Summer Marketing Intern”

Industry and Project:

“Social Media Campaign Strategy Intern”

Industry and Company/Division:

“Environmental Intern, United Nations Development Program”

Part #2 Define the Internship

Terms

June-December? Fall Semester?

25 hours? Compensation?

Part #2: Define the Terms

Specify the Terms of Commitment:• What are the Start and End dates of the internship

program (3-6 month periods are standard)?• What are the Expected Hours? Full-time? Part-time?

Flexible basis?

Indicate the Compensation level, if applicable. Paid or Unpaid? Stipend? Credits? A wage attracts better interns and helps in employee retention.

Identify the Internship Location. Where will the intern work from?

Provide an Application Deadline. Make sure you have enough time to review and screen candidates.

Hello.

That’s it?

Your Organization

candidate pool

Part #3 Introduce Your Organization

Part # 3: Introduce Your Organization

The first impression is made here. Who are you? What is your mission statement? What kind of intern are you looking for? Potential candidates are scanning for certain key words and values. Briefly introduce yourself. You may want to start out this way:

catchy first line (or ask a question)

A first paragraph describing your organization (mission statement), department, or office

Describe the internship project

Part # 3: Introduce Your Organization

“Our organization believes…”

“We are a non-profit organization dedicated to….”

“Do you have marketing or sales experience? We provide…”

“Our organization provides services for Seattle…”

“Interested in Seattle indie music? Our Musician’s Internship Program may need someone like you…”

Part #4 List the Intern’s

Responsibilities and Tasks

To Do!1. Research…

2. Create…

3. Edit…4. Present..

Identify only the essential tasks and responsibilities. This section informs the intern candidate of the expectations and scope of the internship. A good list will help with performance evaluation and intern supervision.

Think about…

Part # 4: List Responsibilities and Tasks

What are the intern’s main tasks?What projects will the intern be working on?What tools will the intern be using?

Part # 4: List Responsibilities and Tasks

…then, write it down:

A healthy list includes, but is not limited to, five to eight main responsibilities or tasks essential to the position.

Use bullet points.

Write this section as if the intern is applying for an entry-level position.

Use action verbs in the present tense to describe the task.

Part # 4: List Responsibilities and Tasks

List the most important responsibility first. List the task that will take most of the intern’s time.

Where applicable, include areas of supervision. Who will supervise the internship project(s)? Will the intern have some autonomy over any tasks?

Include any tools the intern will be using.

Add some flexibility and encourage intern involvement (as long as it is within the scope of the internship).

Part # 4: List Responsibilities and Tasks

Example

2010 Charity Auction Outreach Intern

Responsibilities:

• Provide logistic support for our 2010 Charity Auction by managing our donor database and writing constituent correspondence.

• Assist the Outreach and Marketing Team on the day-of execution of our annual Charity Auction. Opportunity for creative input.

• Prepare handouts and giveaways related to the 2010 Charity Auction.

• Design and edit our weekly email newsletter.

• Assist the Executive Director in special projects as needed.

Part # 4: List Responsibilities and Tasks

Pro Tip: • If you have a really good grasp on the internship breakdown,

summarize responsibilities by separating the project into %’s for different tasks.

For Example:• 50% Communicating with constituent donor base and

logging information into Salesforce CRM.• 20% Communicating with sponsors and other event

participants.• 20% Preparing handouts and creating giveaways for the

event.• 10% Collaborating with marketing and outreach directors

on overall strategies.

Part #5 Describe what your Intern

will learn from you.

Part # 5: Describe what the Intern will Learn

The purpose of an internship is to provide insight and experience into the Intern’s field of professional or academic interest.

Clearly articulating these points will help you attract the best candidates.

Part # 5: Describe what the Intern will Learn

Internships need to benefit the intern.

Interns seek to: Receive out-of-classroom learning and gain

hands-on experience in their field or industry Obtain school credit Work under mentors or industry professionals Contribute to the organization’s overall

mission Receive specific training

Part # 5: Describe what the Intern will Learn

How do you communicate this? Key language may include:

Training: “This internship is a great opportunity to learn…to receive training in…”

Industry or field of interest: “This internship will provide you with a place to explore social entrepreneurship…”

Hands-on experience: “This is an analytical position with an opportunity to gain experience in community fundraising…”

Participation in organization’s mission or strategic planning: “As a key member of the marketing team, you will be…

Part # 5: Describe what the Intern will Learn

Key language (continued):

Values: “If you are interested/passionate/excited about nonprofit management, then consider an internship with us…”

Tools learned or projects completed: “Use InDesign to create marketing collateral that will be distributed at our annual Auction event.”

Opportunity to work with a manager or mentor: “Under the supervision of the Research Director, you will observe and work on…”

Any perks or benefits: “Interns have the opportunity to attend…”

Part #6Include the Qualifications and Characteristics you look for in

an Intern

Organized

Excellent Communication

Skills

Part # 6: Include the Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

After the responsibilities section, add a separate section to list specific skills, knowledge and abilities needed for the intern to be successful: Desired educational background or

experience

Desired special or technical training

Work location

Characteristics

Desired professional interests

Part # 6: Include the Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

Example

2010 Community Project Research Intern

Qualifications:

• Background in Business, Communications, or related field.

• Strong communication and writing skills.

• Creative and flexible.

• Organized, with an ability to prioritize time-sensitive assignments.

• Proficient in MS Office.

• Familiarity with social networking sites desired, but not essential.

• Interest in nonprofit management and community fundraising.

Summary

A review of the 6 Parts:

1. Create an Internship Title

2. Define the Internship Terms

3. Introduce your Organization

4. List the Responsibilities and tasks

5. Describe what the Intern will Learn

6. Include the Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

InternMatch

Visit Internmatch.com to find additional guides to help define project scope, gold standard internship templates and other resources!

Resources