Student Assistant, Internship Program

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Job Description:

The Internship Programs Student Assistant supports the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of student-focused talent development initiatives across Cal Poly Partners. This position plays a key role in developing a comprehensive internship program that aligns with Cal Poly's Learn by Doing philosophy while creating meaningful professional development experiences for students.

Working closely with Human Resources, department leaders, students and other stakeholders, the Student Assistant will conduct research, gather student feedback, develop program resources, and assist in developing tools to track program outcomes.

This position provides hands-on experience in talent development, program management, organizational development, human resources, program assessment, and higher education administration.

Why Join Cal Poly Partners?

This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape a new internship experience that will impact future Cal Poly students while supporting the organization's talent pipeline strategy. Through Cal Poly's Learn by Doing philosophy, the Student Assistant will gain hands-on experience designing programs, engaging stakeholders, analyzing data, and implementing initiatives that support student success, organizational development, and workforce readiness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Internship Program Development

Assist in the design and implementation of a comprehensive Cal Poly Partners Internship Program by:

• Researching internship models and best practices from universities, auxiliary organizations, foundations, and private-sector employers.

• Meeting with identified stakeholders and documenting existing student positions.

• Conducting environmental scans and benchmarking analyses.

• Becoming familiar with NACE Career Readiness Competencies.

• Becoming familiar with Cal Poly Partners Culture descriptors.

• Identifying opportunities to expand experiential learning across departments.

• Assisting with the creation of internship program goals, standards, and success measures.

• Supporting the development of internship program policies, procedures, and resources.

• Collaborating with departments to identify internship opportunities and learning experiences.

Deliverables May Include:

• Internship Program Framework

• Program Guidelines

• Internship Toolkit

• Supervisor Resources

• Program Assessment Reports

Student Experience Research and Assessment

Gather and analyze information to ensure the internship program reflects student needs and expectations.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting surveys and focus groups.

• Interviewing student employees and interns.

• Collecting and organizing feedback from students and supervisors.

• Identifying barriers and opportunities related to student participation.

• Analyzing data and summarizing findings.

• Preparing recommendations for program improvements.

Deliverables May Include:

• Student Experience Assessment Reports

• Needs Assessments

• Survey Summaries

• Recommendations for Program Enhancements

Resource Development

Develop tools and resources that support departments hosting interns and students.

Responsibilities include:

• Drafting internship position descriptions.

• Developing learning agreement templates.

• Assisting with evaluation and feedback forms.

• Creating onboarding materials.

• Supporting development of intern handbooks and guides.

• Creating project planning tools for supervisors and interns.

Deliverables May Include:

• Supervisor Toolkit

• Internship Handbook

• Learning Objectives Templates

• Evaluation Forms

• Onboarding Resources

Learning Outcomes

Through this position, the student will gain practical experience in:

• Talent development and workforce planning

• Program design and implementation

• Human resources operations

• Organizational development

• Survey design and data analysis

• Professional communication

• Stakeholder engagement

• Project management

• Assessment and reporting

• Leadership development

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current Cal Poly student in good academic standing.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Strong attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

Students pursuing coursework or majors in:

• Business Administration

• Human Resource Management

• Communication Studies

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Industrial Technology and Packaging

• Organizational Leadership or related fields

Preferred experience includes:

• Student leadership roles

• Project coordination

• Research or data analysis

• Student employment experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to gather, summarize, and present information.

• Creativity and initiative.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and positive workplace culture.

• Interest in talent development, employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and student success.

Hiring Range:

$20

If you like growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! 

Cal Poly Partners, an equal employment opportunity employer, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. The University actively encourages applications of all qualified individuals.

The department will evaluate experience and education to determine placement into appropriate position level. Subject to continued grant/center funding.

Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.

Employees are eligible to participate in the CP Partners Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CP Partners cover a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.

All employees are members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.

Please visit our website for additional benefits information.  Employee Benefits (sharepoint.com)

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.

EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer