Internship Program Office at South Seattle Community College

Internship is a term used to describe a structured and supervised career-related and credit-bearing experience. Each student is expected to work with their faculty mentor to define a set of Learning Objectives that they wish to accomplish during their internship. These Learning Objectives should promote the integration of classroom theory with practice in the workplace.

Cooperative Education is a general term used to describe a collaborative relationship that is developed and maintained in order to provide a student with a non-traditional educational experience. More specifically, Cooperative Education refers to the connection between a student, an employer and a faculty mentor. When these three groups come together, they can create an enriching and unique experience.

HOW DOES INTERNSHIP BENEFIT ME?

Internship benefits everyone regardless of whether they are directly involved in the process or not. Below are examples of just a few of the ways in which Internship can benefit you.

Students

Enhances skill development
Develops workplace responsibility, positive work habits and attitudes
Provides opportunities for leadership development
Provides opportunities to advance in a current field
Provides opportunities to develop relationships with professionals outside of education
Helps develop an understanding of the workplace
Provides great experience to list on a resume

Employers

Provides well-prepared employees
Reduces the costs of recruitment and training
Provides assistance with employee training
Offers opportunities to provide community service
Increases employer visibility in education

Faculty

Expands curriculum and learning facilities by promoting interaction with business and community
Provides the ability to meet the needs of diverse student populations
Provides opportunities for individualized instruction
Increases student retention
Assists in helping to keep course curriculum up-to-date

Community

Provides an informed, competent, and productive workforce
Increases economic productivity
Provides needed services
Encourages respect and tolerance among different groups
Builds confidence in the educational system

HOW LONG DOES AN INTERNSHIP LAST?

The length of an internship depends on your program of study and how many credits you want to earn. In general, internships can last anywhere from 1 quarter to 1 year. It is recommended that you either speak with your faculty mentor or the internship coordinator to get more information directly related to your program of study.

ARE INTERNSHIPS PAID OR UNPAID?

Paid internships are the most attractive option for students; however, it is suggested that students consider unpaid internships as well if they are having trouble getting their foot-in-the-door. If an employer is unable to provide a salary to their intern, consider helping the student with internship-related expenses such as travel costs, bus passes, parking fees, etc…

WHO IS ELIBIGLE TO BE AN INTERN?

Eligibility requirements are determined by program faculty and the internship coordinator. Some general rules are that the student (1) must have permission from program faculty to participate (2) must be in good academic standing of a 2.0 minimum GPA (3) must have an updated copy of a resume, and in many cases (4) must have completed at least 15 credits in their area of study *

WHAT TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS ARE AVAILBLE FOR CREDIT?

The Internship Program Office is constantly working to evolve its program base. Below is a list of programs that we currently partner with. If you are not enrolled in one of these programs and would like to participate in an internship, please contact us at (206) 764-7935.