Internship Program

NODA Internship Program

NODA offers a platform to facilitate the matching of motivated, quality students with challenging, exciting orientation, transition, and retention positions at NODA member institutions across the U.S. and Canada.

This is accomplished by bringing together these candidates and hosts through our online tool, which fosters:

  • Standardized candidate Profiles and Job postings
  • Centralized communication and timeline
  • Application management
  • Confirmation of candidate / internship matches

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Host Institution Benefits

NODA’s Internship Program platform is designed to facilitate the matching of motivated, quality students with challenging, exciting orientation, transition, and retention positions at NODA institutions across the U.S. and Canada.

By providing an internship experience, your institution/program has the opportunity to gain insight and new ideas from the perspective and background of an enthusiastic graduate student intern. The short-term nature of these internships can also provide an economic way to increase the number of staff during a busy time of the year.

Sample Materials

   Position Descriptions – Coming Soon
   Contracts – Coming Soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there compensation requirements to participate in the NODA Internship Program?
No, host institutions can set compensation and benefit packages that are in alignment with their institution polices and procedures. NODA encourages all host institutions to pay at minimum the living wage for the area and provide temporary housing for the intern.

Are interns employed by NODA?
No, interns are enter into an employment relationship with the host institution. NODA just facilitates the process of matching and securing positions.

How long are the internship experiences?
Most internships will be 10-14 weeks throughout the summer (May through August). Hosts may indicate if dates are flexible or not. Hosts should be mindful that most interns can’t start until classes are finished and need to return to their home institution prior to classes beginning.

How many internship positions can I post?
Hosts can post as many positions as necessary. Please keep in mind that this is a competitive process and all positions may not be filled.

Graduate Student Intern Benefits

NODA internships can greatly enhance your NODA student membership experience. Many NODA professional members began their career with a NODA internship.

NODA interns gain valuable insight into varied methods of planning and implementing orientation, transition, and retention programs. They have the opportunity to be involved in many different aspects of orientation, to expand their knowledge base and understanding of the diversity in programs, and to develop an extensive support and mentor base.

NODA’s Internship Program platform is designed to facilitate the matching of motivated, quality students with challenging, exciting orientation, transition, and retention positions at NODA member institutions across the U.S, and Canada.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there compensation for internship?
Internship compensation packages and terms of service are determined by the individual internship provider. 

Am I employed by NODA? 
No, interns are enter into an employment relationship with the host institution. NODA just facilitates the process of matching and securing positions.

How long are the internship experiences?
Most internships will be 10-14 weeks throughout the summer (May through August). Hosts may indicate if dates are flexible; candidates should apply only for those internships whose timelines they can accommodate 

How many internships positions can I apply to?
Internship candidates can apply to an unlimited number of position postings.

What is the application fee?
In order to apply for internship positions, you must hold a current graduate student membership ($45 when purchased individually*), the internship fee is included with your membership. Non-members are ineligible to participate in the program. 

*Check to see if your institution is already a member of NODA, graduate student membership is included in institutional memberships.

How do I know if I am eligible to be an intern?
To apply for a NODA internship, individuals must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree PRIOR to the internship. There are two categories of candidates:

  • Current graduate students at the time of the application to the NODA internship program, or
  • Individuals who have a BA/BS degree prior to summer, but have yet to begin a graduate program

NODA Internships are intended to pair interns with institutions with which they have no previous experience. Therefore, a student may not serve as an intern at his or her current institution. While all interns will have completed a Bachelors degree prior to the start of the internship, hosts may identify a preference for recent graduates or applicants with at least a year of graduate school experience.

In order to participate as a candidate in the NODA internship program, you must be a current NODA member by the enrollment deadline (see timeline). Once membership is paid, you can login to the internship program online tool using your NODA membership login information. Within the online tool, you will be able to create your profile, browse internship positions, and communicate directly with internship hosts. 

Host and Candidate Preparation Guides

Host Preparation Guide

Candidate Preparation Guide

2025 – 2026 Program Registration

Hosts and candidates can register for the program now! Early registration is encouraged to maximize time and visibility in the NODA Internship Portal. To participate in the program, participants must have an account on the NODA Member Portal. If you need to create an account, click here.

Membership Requirements

  • Graduate Students – Membership is required to participate in the program, please purchase your graduate student membership prior to registering for the internship program. Applicants must have a bachelors degree to apply to NODA internships.
  • Host Institutions – Membership is strongly encouraged. Programs fees vary based on host institution membership type, see the fee structure below.
Registration Closed

2025 – 2026 Program Timeline

Host Institutions

  • 12/9/2025 (Tuesday) Registration Opens
  • 12/17/2025 (Wednesday) Hosts begin creating positions
  • 1/6/2026 (Tuesday) Internship posting visible to candidates
  • 1/13/2026 (Tuesday) Registration Closes
  • 1/15/2026 (Thursday) Hosts can begin reviewing resumes that are received
  • 1/27/2026 (Tuesday)  Hosts can begin to reach out to candidates to set up interviews
  • 2/3/2026 (Tuesday) Hosts can begin interview process
  • 3/3/2026(Tuesday) Hosts can begin the offer process (starting at 12pm CST)
  • 3/17/2026 (Tuesday) Round 2 begins
  • 4/14/2026 (Tuesday) Program ends

Candidates

  • 12/9/2025 (Tuesday) Registration Opens
  • 1/6/2026 (Tuesday) Internship posting visible to candidates
  • 1/13/2026 (Tuesday) Registration Closes
  • 1/15/2026 (Thursday) Candidates can apply for positions 
  • 1/22/2026 (Thursday) Applications due (EOD 4:30pm CST)
  • 2/3/2026 (Tuesday) Interviews begin with hosts
  • 3/3/2026 (Tuesday) Candidates may accept offers (within 24hrs)
  • 3/17/2026 (Tuesday) Round 2 begins
  • 4/14/2026 (Tuesday) Program ends

Fee Structure

Host Institutions

  • Institutions with Institutional Membership – $0
  • Individual Professional Members  – $175
  • Non-Members – $350

Candidates

  • Institutional Members (Graduate Students) – $0
  • Individual Graduate Students (with active membership)  – $0
  • Non-Members – Ineligible (must be a member)


(Fees are non-refundable. Please visit our membership page to learn more about the benefits of being a member!)

NODA Internship Policy

By participating in the NODA Internship Program, candidates and Host Institutions must abide by the stated process and timeline. If you believe there has been a violation of the NODA Internship process or timeline, please complete the form below. You may also contact NODA Office at ([email protected]) with any concerns.

Reporting an Internship Program Rules Infraction

If you have become aware of an institution violating the NODA Internship program rules, please take the time to fill out this form.