Internship agreement template

Create (and automate) internship agreements more efficiently with this free template, enabling HR teams and managers to streamline the onboarding process for interns. 

Internships are a stepping stone for many students and recent graduates, offering them real-world experience and a foot in the door. 

What exactly is an internship agreement, who needs them, and how can you draft one? 

What is an internship agreement?

An Internship Agreement is a formal contract between an employer and an intern, outlining the terms and conditions of the internship. This includes the duration, responsibilities, compensation and other essential details.

Internship agreements ensure both parties understand their roles and responsibilities, protecting the company's interests and providing clarity for the intern. They're essential for setting expectations and ensuring a smooth, productive experience for both parties.

Why are internship agreements important?

Internship agreements are vital for several reasons:

• Clarity and expectation setting. They outline the intern's role, responsibilities, and the skills they're expected to learn.
• Legal protection. They protect the company from potential disputes and clarify the nature of the relationship (i.e., that the intern is not a full-time employee).
• Professionalism. Having a formal agreement demonstrates a company's commitment to a structured, professional internship program.

Types of internship agreements

There are various types of internship agreements, depending on the nature of the internship:

Paid vs unpaid internships

Some agreements stipulate compensation, while others might focus on the learning experience and state that the internship is unpaid.

Part-time vs full-time Internships

The agreement should specify the expected hours and days of work.

Remote vs on-site Internships

Especially relevant in today's digital age, where the intern might be working from a different location.

When Should You Use an Internship Agreement?

An internship agreement should be used whenever a company decides to bring an intern on board. Specific scenarios include:

1. University partnerships: When collaborating with educational institutions to offer student internships.
2. Summer internship programs: For seasonal internship opportunities.
3. Specialized training programs: For internships focusing on specific skills or industries.
4. Remote internship opportunities: When hiring interns to work from different locations.

Key Components of an internship agreement

A comprehensive internship agreement should include:

• Parties involved. Details of the company and the intern.
• Duration. Start and end dates of the internship.
• Roles and responsibilities. A clear outline of what's expected from the intern.
• Compensation. Details about any stipend, benefits, or reimbursements.
• Confidentiality. Clauses to protect company secrets and proprietary information.
• Termination. Conditions under which the internship can be terminated.
• Feedback and evaluation. How and when the intern will receive feedback.
• Legal jurisdiction. In case of disputes, which jurisdiction's laws will apply.

Automating your internship agreements

With the increasing demand for internships, HR teams can benefit from automating the agreement process. Juro can help streamline and manage these contracts, ensuring consistency and efficiency. 

Here are just a few ways this may work:

1. Template creation

Legal teams can set up standardized internship agreement templates.

2. Self-serve automation

HR teams can fill in specific details for each intern without altering the main template.

3. Approval workflows

All agreements are reviewed and approved by the necessary parties.

4. Online signatures

Use Juro’s native eSignature to finalize agreements quickly.

5. Centralized storage

Keep all agreements in one place for easy access and management.

Advantages of automating internship agreements

• Efficiency. Speed up the onboarding process for interns.
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• Consistency. Ensure all interns receive standardized, professional agreements.
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• Legal compliance. Reduce the risk of disputes or misunderstandings.
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• Improved experience. For both HR teams and interns, automation can make the process smoother and more transparent.

Internship agreements are essential for any company offering internship opportunities. They protect both the company and the intern, ensuring a productive and beneficial relationship for both parties. 

If your business is looking for a faster and more efficient way to manage your internship agreements, hit the button below to book a personalized demo.