Wisconsin business school promises paid internships
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Viterbo University in Wisconsin says it will guarantee a paid internship for every business student starting next fall.
The Thursday announcement by the university comes amid growing criticism of businesses that require students to work for free to gain experience.
Tom Knothe is dean of Viterbo’s Dahl School of Business. He says in a statement that students shouldn’t have to choose between earning money and preparing for their career.
Viterbo already requires business students to complete internships. It says about 70 percent were paid last year.
The private, Catholic university says it has received grants that will it to pay students who work for nonprofits that can’t afford to hire interns.
Viterbo has about 2,800 students at campuses in La Crosse and West Allis in Wisconsin and Des Moines, Iowa.