For Organizations Looking To Host Interns

Dear Prospective Sponsor,

Thank you for your interest in participating as a Sponsor Organization.  A partnership between your organization and an FIT student is one of the most unique opportunities that FIT can provide.  Our students are well trained and highly motivated to meet the diverse demands of your industry and to contribute to your operation.

Be advised:

The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which applies to all companies that have at least two employees directly engaged in interstate commerce and annual sales of at least $500,000.00, severely restricts an employer’s ability to use unpaid interns or trainees. It does not limit an employer’s ability to hire paid interns.

You don’t have to pay interns who qualify as leaders/trainees. The U.S. Department of Labor has outlined six criteria for determining trainee status:

1. Interns cannot displace regular employees

2. Interns are not guaranteed a job at the end of the internship (though you may decide to hire them at the conclusion of the experience)

3. Interns are not entitled to wages during the internship

4. Interns must receive training from your organization, even if it somewhat impedes the work

5. Interns must get hands-on experience with equipment and processes used in your industry

6. Interns’ training must primarily benefit them, not the organization.

Keep In Mind

Even if a student is working through a school program for which he or she is being "paid" in college credits, the student still has the right, under the FLSA, to be paid if the employer is deriving any immediate advantage by using him/her.

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