Internship agreement

What is an Internship Agreement?

An internship agreement is a contract between a company and an intern that establishes the terms of a work placement. The intern performs work activities under the supervision of the host company to gain practical experience as part of their education or training program.

Key Elements of an Internship Agreement

Not an Employment Contract

An internship agreement differs fundamentally from an employment contract. Interns don’t receive a salary but may get a limited stipend to cover basic expenses like transportation or meals.

Intellectual Property Rights

The agreement should specify who owns any intellectual property created during the internship. This protects both the company’s interests and clarifies the intern’s rights to any work they produce.

Confidentiality

When interns access sensitive business information, the agreement must include confidentiality clauses to protect trade secrets, client data, and other proprietary information.

Additional Terms

Companies can include other provisions such as:

• Requirements for final projects or presentations
• Performance evaluation criteria
• Training objectives and learning outcomes
• Duration and working hours
• Termination conditions

Key Takeaway: An internship agreement protects both parties by clearly defining expectations, responsibilities, and legal boundaries while ensuring the intern gains valuable educational experience without creating an employment relationship.

Note: Internship laws vary by country. Companies should consult local employment lawyers to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.