This paper presents a model for use by college students and their advisors as they consider an off-campus internship within business or industry as part of a degree program. The following six components of the systems model as applied to internships are explained: (1) identifying student career goals; (2) investigating potential host environments; (3) reviewing selective intern positions; (4) developing the terms of the internship; (5) participating in the internship; and (6) doing a post-internship review. Also briefly reviewed are basic rules students can use to determine the appriateness of a potential placement. These strategies include taking personal inventory of personal strengths and weaknesses, listing personal goals or experiences desired from the internship experience, sharing these with managers and supervisors, and researching the host organization's structure and operations. It is noted that a systematic investigation of the benefits of an internship as well as common caveats can increase the potential for a successful match between the goals of the individual and the mission of the host organization. (GLR)