What qualifies as a project?
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- The project can be completed in a virtual environment.
- It is résumé-worthy.
- The project will give students or recent alumni an opportunity to demonstrate their skills to a prospective employer.
- It can be completed with 10 to 40 hours of work, in a span of 2 to 8 weeks.
- It meets Fair Labor Standards.
Suitable projects may include:
- Creating a social media campaign
- Designing a website
- Creating a logo
- Analyzing data
- Supporting a fundraising event
- Conducting research
- Researching and writing grants
- Performing SOE analysis
- Drafting or forecasting budgets
- Conducting market analysis
- Creating or mapping data
- Editing books or videos
Alumni Instructions and Expectations
Hiring Applicants
- When a student or recent graduate applies to your posting you will be notified via email.
- Review the application materials and contact students or recent alumni you’re interested in learning more about. Conduct an interview to discuss project expectations, goals, and deliverables.
- Select the applicants you want to work on your project and mark them as “Hired” in the system.
Posting a LionLink Project
Step 1. Log into your LionLink account. If you don’t yet have an account, please sign up.
Step 2. Using the navigation bar hover over “Career” and select “Projects”
Step 3: Click on “Post a Project” to get started
Working on the Project
- Invite the student/recent graduate to a kickoff meeting.
- Schedule check-ins as appropriate.
- Be available for questions that may arise throughout the duration of the project.
Student/Recent Graduate and Expectations
How to View and Apply for Projects
Step 2: Using the navigation bar hover over “Career” and select “Projects”
Step 3: View and apply to projects.
After you have applied to the project, the Project Sponsor may contact you to further discuss your interest in working on their project. If you are selected for a project, you will receive an email notification that you have been “Hired.” Additional information will follow.
Throughout the project, questions about the project should be directed to your Project Sponsor (Alumni) to ensure the project stays on track.
Alumni Sponsor FAQ’s
What happens after I submit a Project?
The Alumni Career Services Team will review your project within 3-5 business days. If your Project is approved, you will be notified the post is live and viewable to students and recent graduates.
Do I need to pay the student or recent graduate?
Projects can be paid or unpaid opportunities. If this project is a paid project, you, the Project Sponsor, are responsible for arranging payment with the Project Recipient. If payments for the project exceed $600 in any calendar year, the Project Sponsor is responsible for any necessary tax documents such as a W9 or 1099.
Can I hire more than one student for my project?
Yes, you can hire as many students/recent graduates as you would like.
What happens if I do not have any candidates apply for my project or I cannot find a good match to complete my project?
It is possible your project will not attract a suitable applicant. If your project is time-sensitive, consider posting it on additional sites.
What happens if a project recipient does not complete the project to my expectations?
We encourage Project Sponsors to take a proactive approach by scheduling regular check-in meetings with Project Recipients to review expectations, answer questions and ensure project deadlines are being met.
What should I do if I’m having difficulty contacting candidates who applied for my project?
Try connecting with the candidate using the email address or phone number listed on their resume. Applicants are unable to view the Project Sponsor’s name or contact information. When a Project Sponsor reaches out to a candidate, the candidate may not recognize a name or email address and disregard the email.
Recent Grad or Student FAQ’s
I am an international student; can I participate in LionLink Projects?
Please consult Global Penn State (DISSA) with questions regarding Visa eligibility requirements.
Can I apply to and work on multiple projects at the same time?
Yes. When applying, please review the project descriptions carefully to ensure the project is a good match for your skills and abilities. If you are considering accepting multiple projects, be mindful of the time you have available to dedicate to each. /p>
I’m unsure if I will have time in my schedule to complete a project due to my classwork or job. Should I apply?
Will accepting a paid LionLink Project affect my financial aid?
It could. The Office of Student can help you determine if your financial aid would be affected: https://studentaid.psu.edu/
I have applied for a project but have not heard anything. What should I do?
Projects Posting—Terms of Service
By submitting your project you are agreeing to the following terms between you, (the “Poster”) and the applicant (the “Project Recipient”). You must agree to these terms to post a project. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Payment for projects
If this project is a paid project, you, the Poster, are responsible for arranging payment with the Project Recipient. If payments for the project exceed $600 in any calendar year, the Poster is responsible for any necessary tax documents such as a W9 or 1099.
Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act
If this is an unpaid project, the Poster is representing that this project meets the requirements of an unpaid internship, as outlined here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships. In general, unpaid projects should not be for work that would otherwise be completed by a paid employee. Unpaid projects should be for the educational benefit of the Project Recipient.
Intellectual property and confidentiality
Non-discrimination policy
You, the Poster, agree to consider all Project Recipients equally, and acknowledge that discriminating against Project Recipients based on ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category is strictly prohibited.
Limitation of liability
This website is operating as a matching service between you, the Poster, and the Project Recipient. This website assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for, any loss, claim, damage, or any special, exemplary, punitive, indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind (including, but not limited to, lost profits or lost savings), whether based in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise, which arises out of or is any way connected with the website. This limitation of liability shall apply regardless of whether the claim asserted is based on contract, negligence, or any other theory of recovery.
Questions
Please email Holly Stoltzfus at hjs30@psu.edu