Company Testimonial
"In fall 2006, we hired Oakton intern Dorrie Chmlenko as a temporary employee and soon added her to our permanent staff. Dorrie was able to 'hit the ground running' and quickly became an effective member of our team. I credit Dorrie's Oakton education, as well as her personal attributes, for her early success."
— Shar Barrows, NanoInk, Skokie, IL
Employer Benefits
- The opportunity to hire qualified and pre-screened students seeking "real world" work experience.
- The potential to identify and supervise future full-time employees.
- Subsidies may be available for a portion of interns' salaries.
Types of Internships Oakton Students are Looking for
- We have students looking for internships in nearly all fields, particularly accounting, graphic design, marketing/sales, IT, and manufacturing.
Please Note: We do not place students in direct patient care positions (nursing, substance abuse counseling, etc.) because of the additional liability and supervisor requirements. (For information on becoming a practicum/clinical site for our nursing or substance abuse counseling department, please contact the department directly.)
- Most internships are 10–16 weeks long, 10–20 hours per week, and pay $10–25 an hour (actual length, hours, and pay determined by Employer in consultation with Internship Specialist and student intern).
During the Internship
- The student's learning objectives are determined between the student, site supervisor (employer representative), and Oakton Internship Specialist.
- The Internship Specialist will visit your company at least once each semester.
- The company and student submit mid-year and final evaluations to Oakton.
Starting an Internship
- Complete an online Internship Program Employer Application. Alternatively, use our downloadable Internship Application form (PDF) (80 KB) and return to the Internship Program via e-mail, fax, or mail to the Internship Specialist via e-mail as a Word or pdf file attachment, to internships@oakton.edu; fax 847.635.1997; or in person to Des Plaines campus, Room 2801 or Skokie campus , Room B206.
- Companies requesting an intern from Oakton for the first time can expect the internship specialist's site visit.
- The position will appear on Oakton's website and be advertised to all interested students. The Internship Specialist will pre-screen applicants.
- The Internship Specialist will forward the resumes and cover letters of all interested students who meet the pre-screening requirements.
- Employers may then interview any potential candidates and notify the Internship Specialist of their hiring decision.
- Employers will receive the Employer Handbook and all paperwork required during the Internship period.
- Employers offering a paid internship may submit a reimbursement form after the internship and may receive partial reimbursement for the intern's salary in June.