What Is a Stipend in internship and How Does It Work?
A stipend is an agreed-upon sum of money that a company or nonprofit organization gives to interns to cover the costs of participating in an internship program. A stipend is usually limited to a predetermined period of time, such as a semester or an academic year. During that time, the stipend recipient will be paid a fixed amount on a regular basis, typically bi-weekly or monthly. The total amount paid is usually determined by the nature of the internship program and the number of hours the intern is working.
Interns receive a stipend for the services they provide to the company or organization while on the job. These services may include providing research or administrative assistance and completing projects that are part of the internship program. A stipend is not the same as a salary, and the recipient does not receive additional money if their hours worked exceed the predetermined stipend amount.
How Is Stipend Different From Salary for Interns?
Stipends and salaries for interns are very different. A stipend is a predetermined sum of money for the services provided by the intern; in contrast, interns on salary get paid depending on the number of hours worked or tasks completed. It is important to note that stipend recipients cannot work more than their contracted amount of time, whereas salary earners may work additional hours and make overtime pay.
Why Do Companies Offer Stipends to Interns?
Companies offer stipends to interns as a way to assist them in completing their internship program. Stipends offset some of the costs associated with participating in the internship program, such as tuition, housing, transportation, and living costs. It is also a way for the HR outsourcing company to show appreciation for the services the intern completes.
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FAQs
How is the stipend amount determined for interns?
The stipend is typically predetermined based on the number of hours the intern will work and the type of services they will provide. It is also influenced by the company or organization’s budget.
Are stipends mandatory for all types of internships?
No, stipends are not mandatory. While some companies provide stipends to interns, others may not offer any extra funds. In these cases, the intern is simply unpaid for the services they provide.
How can interns benefit from receiving stipends?
As stipends offset the costs of participating in the internship program, interns can use the funds to cover areas such as tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Receiving a stipend can also be an indication that the company or organization values the intern’s work and is willing to support them during their internship program.