Navigate the Intern and Co-op Hiring Process

Internships and co-ops are powerful tools for developing talent, building your workforce pipeline, and supporting student success. Whether you're launching a new program or refining an existing one, this guide walks you through the process of hiring a KSU student for an internship or co-op experience.

  • Before posting a position, define your goals: 
    • What skills or projects could a student help with?
    • What learning outcomes do you hope to provide?
    • Are you building a talent pipeline or offering a short-term experience? 

    If you're unsure where to begin, our Experiential Education team is here to help you design a meaningful opportunity. Reach out at

  • Handshake is KSU's official career platform, connecting you with over 20,000 active students across all majors. 
     
    Steps to get started: 

    • Visit joinhandshake.com and create a free employer account. 
    • Request to connect with Kennesaw State University. 
    • Once approved, you can post internships, co-ops, and other opportunities. 

    Need help? Check out our Handshake Employer Guide or contact our Employer Relations team. 

    • Organization Overview: Briefly describe your mission, culture, and industry. 
    • Qualifications: Specify preferred majors, academic year, skills, or certifications. 
    • Responsibilities: Outline key tasks and projects. 
      Learning Outcomes: Highlight what students will gain (e.g., software proficiency, client interaction, industry knowledge). 
    • Tools: Use O*NET OnLine to help define duties and competencies. 
  • Internships and co-ops vary in structure. Consider: 

    • Timing: Choose the semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) and duration. 
    • Hours: Part-time roles typically range from 10–15 hours/week. 
    • Compensation
      • Internships: Paid is strongly recommended. Typical range: $10–$15/hr. 
      • Co-ops: Must be paid. These are usually full-time and span multiple semesters. 
      • Unpaid internships: Must comply with FLSA guidelines. 
  • If you'd like your intern to earn academic credit: 

    • Plan ahead-credit-bearing internships must align with academic semesters and departmental requirements. 
    • Students must enroll in an internship course and complete paperwork through their academic department. 
    • Review Program Requirements by Major to understand eligibility and timelines. 

    Note: Co-ops are not credit-bearing but are tracked through the university's co-op program. 

  • Every intern or co-op student should have a designated supervisor who will:

    • Provide onboarding and training 
    • Offer regular feedback and mentorship
    • Complete any required evaluations (especially for credit-bearing roles) 

    A strong supervisor relationship is key to a successful experience—for both the student and your organization. 

Need Help? 

Our team is here to support you at every step. Whether you're posting a role, designing a program, or navigating academic credit, we’re happy to assist. 

Email