INTERNSHIPS

Unpaid internships must be in compliance with the six criteria established by the Fair Labor Standards Act in order to be posted to Purdue University students.  Please examine the list below in order to evaluate whether the primary purpose of the internship is to benefit the student’s educational and professional pursuits.

1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;
2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern;
3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff;
4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded.
5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and
6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.