Internship Agreement and Learning Contract

What a good one includes

• A detailed list of your primary projects and daily responsibilities to ensure the work remains educational and aligned with your career goals.
• Three to five specific, measurable skill goals that your supervisor agrees to help you develop through active projects and mentorship.
• A clear breakdown of your weekly hours, start and end dates, and the exact terms of any stipend, hourly wage, or academic credit details.
• A designated mentor's name alongside a set schedule for regular check-ins and formal performance evaluations.
• Explicit guidelines on who owns the work you produce and what company information you are permitted to share in your academic portfolio.
• A simple process outlining how either party can end the internship early if the agreement's terms are not being met.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Omitting specific, measurable skills you want to acquire, which often results in being assigned repetitive, low-value administrative tasks.
• Failing to establish ownership terms beforehand, which can prevent you from showcasing your own designs, code, or writing in your professional portfolio.
• Accepting an unpaid internship that does not legally qualify under the primary beneficiary test, leading to exploitation and academic credit issues.
• Agreeing to a contract without naming a specific mentor, leaving you without the structured guidance and feedback necessary to grow.

Frequently asked questions