Internship Agreement Template

If you’re hiring an intern then using an Internship Agreement ensures both parties know what is expected of them.

Updated July 26, 2023
Written by Yassin Qanbar | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

An internship agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of a temporary employment arrangement between a company and an intern.

If you plan to hire one, having an internship agreement ready is essential so they know what to expect. It lays out the terms of the arrangement and allows you to take action if those terms are defaulted on.

Sample Internship Agreement

Below, you can download an internship agreement sample in PDF or Word format:

• Sample Internship Agreement
• Essential Elements of an Internship Agreement
• How to Write an Internship Agreement
• Checklist for Onboarding Interns
• Frequently Asked Questions

Essential Elements of an Internship Agreement

Your agreement should include the following:

• Names and signatures of the intern and company
• Date of agreement
• Internship period
• Intern’s responsibilities and hours
• Intern’s compensation
• Confidentiality and intellectual property agreements
• Terms for termination
• Governing law

Types of Internships

• Paid internships: The pay is hourly and typically on the lower end of the pay scale.
• Unpaid internships: In these arrangements, which often occur at non-profits, the intern is compensated solely through the work experience and the connections they make.
• Work research: This is done during the last year of graduate school, in which the intern takes on a research role within the company, often as part of their dissertation.
• Partially paid Internships: Interns receive a fixed amount of money paid out at intervals as a stipend.

How to Write an Internship Agreement

To write an internship agreement, follow the below steps:

Step 1 – Draft Based on a Template

Use an internship agreement template as a starting point for drafting the document. This template should include the essential elements mentioned earlier.

Tailor the template to suit your company’s specific requirements and policies.

Step 2 – Share with the Intern for Review

Once the draft is prepared, share it with the intern for their review. Provide them with sufficient time to read and understand the agreement thoroughly.

Encourage them to seek clarification on any aspects that may be unclear or require additional information.

Step 3 – Approve and Sign

Once the intern has reviewed the agreement and made any necessary revisions, proceed to the approval and signing stage. Schedule a meeting or set up a digital platform to facilitate signing.

Ensure the presence of the intern, the hiring manager, and relevant top management personnel during this stage.

During the meeting, go through the agreement, ensuring everyone understands and agrees to its terms. Address any concerns or questions the intern raises, clarifying any points as needed.

Once all parties are satisfied with the agreement, proceed to sign it. Each party should sign and date the document, indicating their acceptance and commitment to the terms outlined.

Step 4 – Store in a Secure Place

After signing, it is crucial to store the agreement in a secure location. Maintain a digital copy in a secure file storage system or document management platform with restricted access.

Also, keep a physical copy in a locked filing cabinet or a secure storage area. Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the agreement safeguards the interests of all parties involved.

Checklist for Onboarding Interns

Ensure you thoroughly onboard your new interns to ensure they know what to expect and are set up to make the most of their time with your company:

Welcome Package:

• Prepare a welcome package for the intern, including any necessary documents, company policies (such as dress code policy and work-from-home policy), and an overview of the onboarding process.
• Include the company’s mission, values, and organizational structure.

Assign a Mentor or Supervisor:

• Assign a mentor or supervisor to guide the intern throughout their internship.
• Ensure the mentor or supervisor can support, answer questions, and offer guidance.

Set Clear Expectations:

• Schedule an orientation meeting to discuss the intern’s role, responsibilities, and goals.
• Communicate performance expectations, project deadlines, and any specific guidelines they must adhere to.

Provide Necessary Tools and Resources:

• Set up the intern’s workstation or provide remote access to the necessary tools, software, and systems they will need.
• Ensure they have access to relevant documentation, resources, and training materials.

Introduce the Team:

• Arrange introductions with team members and key personnel in person or through virtual meetings.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment to help the intern feel comfortable and connected with the team.

Training and Skill Development:

• Identify any specific training needs for the intern and provide appropriate resources or training sessions.
• Offer opportunities for professional development, such as webinars, workshops, or online courses.

Regular Check-ins and Progress Reviews:

• Schedule regular check-ins with the intern to discuss their progress, address any concerns, and provide feedback.
• Conduct formal performance reviews at specific intervals.

Engage in Team Activities:

• Encourage the intern’s participation in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and social events to foster collaboration and integration into the company culture.
• Provide opportunities for interns to contribute their ideas and perspectives to ongoing projects.

Networking Opportunities:

• Facilitate connections between the intern and professionals within the company or industry.
• Encourage the intern to attend relevant networking events, industry conferences, or workshops.

Exit Interview and Feedback:

• Conduct an exit interview or feedback session at the end of the internship to gather their insights and suggestions for improvement.
• Provide them with a letter of recommendation or a certificate of completion, recognizing their contributions and achievements during the internship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are interns protected under labor laws?

Interns are not considered employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); therefore, many rules, such as whether they must be paid, do not apply.

Can you pay an intern?

You can pay an intern, generally considered good form, unless your company is a charity or non-profit. Private for-profit businesses often pay interns.

Is an unpaid internship legal?

An unpaid internship is legal, even with for-profit businesses. This is because interns are not considered employees under FLSA. It is most often done with non-profit companies.

How long can a company keep an intern?

Internship periods vary. Some last only 10-12 weeks, while some can last the entire year. If your intern is a student, the length of their internship is often determined by the college or university.

What’s the difference between an internship and work experience?

Work experience is generally unpaid and occurs for a short period. An internship takes place over a fixed period in the agreement and may be paid or unpaid.

• Intern Non-Disclosure Agreement: Safeguard confidential information learned during an internship.
• Employee Onboarding Checklist: Keep track of each element of the onboarding process.
• Employee Emergency Contact Form: Document the emergency contact details of an employee.

Create an Internship Agreement here!