An internship agreement establishes the framework for a productive learning experience while protecting both the organization and the intern. Whether offering paid or unpaid internships, a clear written agreement sets expectations and ensures legal compliance.
What Is an Internship Agreement?
An internship agreement is a contract between an organization and an intern that outlines the internship’s duration, responsibilities, compensation (if applicable), learning objectives, and legal terms. It differs from an employment contract because the primary purpose is educational rather than productive.
Essential Clauses
1. Internship Details
- Start and end dates
- Weekly schedule and total hours
- Work location (on-site, remote, hybrid)
- Department and reporting structure
2. Roles & Responsibilities
- Specific duties and projects
- Learning objectives and skills to be developed
- Limitations on tasks (interns should not replace regular employees)
- Training and mentorship provided
3. Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly rate or stipend (for paid internships)
- Payment schedule
- Expense reimbursement policy
- Benefits eligibility (if any)
- For unpaid internships: clear statement of educational benefit
4. Confidentiality & IP
- Definition of confidential information
- Obligations to protect company data
- Intellectual property assignment for work created during the internship
- Return of materials upon completion
5. Academic Credit
- Whether the internship qualifies for academic credit
- Requirements from the educational institution
- Reporting and evaluation obligations
- Faculty supervisor contact information
6. Performance & Evaluation
- Mid-point and final evaluation schedule
- Criteria for performance assessment
- Opportunity for intern feedback
- Letter of recommendation policy
7. Termination
- Conditions for early termination by either party
- Notice period required
- Final deliverables and knowledge transfer
- Exit interview process
How to Customize This Template
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Check labor laws — Ensure compliance with federal and state laws regarding unpaid internships, minimum wage, and worker classification.
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Define learning objectives — Especially for unpaid internships, clearly articulate the educational component to demonstrate compliance with DOL guidelines.
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Include academic requirements — If the internship is for academic credit, coordinate with the educational institution on required documentation.
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Add company-specific policies — Include references to your employee handbook, code of conduct, and workplace policies that apply to interns.
How to Send for E-Signature with WPsigner
- Upload — Add this internship agreement template to WPsigner
- Customize — Add the intern’s name, dates, and specific terms
- Add fields — Place signature fields for the intern, supervisor, and HR representative
- Send — The intern receives a secure link to review and sign
- Archive — Signed agreements are stored with complete audit trails
WPsigner’s template system lets you onboard multiple interns each semester without recreating the agreement from scratch.