Host Site FAQs

Who is eligible to participate in PIE?

Businesses and organizations are invited to participate in PIE through two distinct pathways. The Donor-Sponsored internship pathway allows for sites to receive a PIE intern at no cost to their organization. The Site-Sponsored pathway allows host sites who have the resources to support an intern financially to be matched with an intern through a tax-deductible contribution to the Portland Internship Experience Fund.

How does my business or organization apply?

Apply here by November 1: https://oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9mJt4yULBciBig6

What is the expected length of the internship?

The program begins with a mandatory intern-only orientation June 25-27, 2025. Interns begin their roles with you on Monday, June 30, 2025 and conclude on Friday, September 5, 2025. Some scheduling flexibility can be accommodated if communicated with our team.

How many hours will the intern work each week?

These are expected to be full-time internships. Interns should be working 30-40 hours/week. Internship hours should be identified in the position description you provide in your application.

When and how will we be notified that we are selected as a partner site?

You will be notified by early December.

What information do you need for each job description/position profile?

A description of the project or type of work you’ll assign to each intern is requested in the host site application. We request the following:

Internship Position Title
Hours (30, 35, or 40 hours/week)
Location (remote, in person, or hybrid)
Qualifications (education, experience, skills and/or personal qualities needed or beneficial to doing the job well)
Duties/Responsibilities (day-to-day tasks)
Specific Deliverables (end work product expected, if applicable)
Working Conditions (normal office environment, significant portion outdoors, proximity to moving machinery, etc.)
Skill Development Opportunities (specific areas an intern will learn more about, networking, etc.)

When will we receive student applications to begin the interview process?

A manageable set of student applications will be provided to you in early April. You will have approximately 2 weeks to interview and hire from your set of candidates.

Who schedules the interviews with the finalist candidates?

Host sites on the Donor-Sponsored pathway are responsible for contacting their set of candidates to schedule interviews, make offers, and decline applicants who aren’t accepted. These sites are expected to reach out to the candidates they wish to interview and make an offer to their top candidate in April.

UO Staff will help to arrange interviews for host sites on the Site-Sponsored pathway. These interviews will be conducted by a small committee which will include the host site, and UO staff/alum. Host sites will provide feedback for each candidate and will be matched with a qualified intern.

What makes for a successful internship?

Find more information about hosting an intern here.

What kind of engagement, if any, should my organization/company have with the UO once our internship program starts?

We plan to reach out to you regularly during the internship to ensure your experience is going well. We also encourage any feedback on your intern and your internship program experience — positive notes, critical observations, suggestions, etc. We’ll also invite you to participate in our summer events and surveys. Host site employees are welcome to join us as guests and volunteers for many opportunities.

What kind of support does UO offer to interns?

All PIE interns receive a $7,000 stipend for the summer. Interns receive this stipend as a lump sum at the beginning of the summer. We also provide a 3-day orientation for interns, a “Welcome to the City” reception, and periodic summer gatherings to promote community. UO Portland’s Office of Student Life and Belonging will be available to interns all summer for individual needs. We will also reach out to them periodically to ensure the internship experience goes well.

How can I learn more about the program before I apply?

e will be hosting two (2) information sessions for those who have questions or want to learn more about hosting an intern on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 at 12pm or Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 at 12pm