How Students Benefit from Internships

Students gain:

• Experience by applying what they have learned at FCC
• New skills and knowledge
• Experience to help them transition from college to an entry-level career
• Valuable resume-building experience

Eligibility

Before applying for an internship, students must:

• Be in one of the FCC programs listed below
• Have a minimum 2.0 grade point average
• Be approaching the last 15 credits in their program of study
• Satisfy the 25% residency requirement

Internship Program Student Workbook

The Internship Program Student Workbook provides an overview of student internship procedures and requirements, as well as assignment descriptions and activity worksheets. It will also be used to assist internship worksite supervisors and faculty internship advisors in evaluating students' learning and workplace competencies.

FAQs

• Do I have to register for credit to be an intern through FCC?

  The FCC Internship Education Program is only for students in certain College programs that require or encourage internships. If you are in one of these programs, you are eligible to receive credit toward your program.
  
  Students not in one of the listed programs may do an independent internship, but not for credit. There are many resources for doing such an internship.



• Can I do an internship with my current employer?

  With permission of the internship coordinator and program manager, you may use a job you currently hold as the internship work assignment. You must be able to prove that additional, enhanced duties and/or knowledge will be gained during the internship experience. Credit will NOT be awarded for continuing to perform work tasks you have done in the past.



• Can I be paid as an intern?

  The primary purpose of an internship is to learn and gain new experience. Most internships are unpaid. If an employer offers pay, that arrangement is between you and the employer.



• Can I do an internship outside of Frederick?

  You may do an internship anywhere in the U.S. or foreign countries.



• I can’t find an internship worksite. Can you help?

  While the student is responsible for identifying a worksite, Career Services at FCC has developed a job search site where you can search for internship possibilities, choose to be included in employer searches, and where companies can search for students to fill their internship positions and jobs. Visit the Career Services for job search assistance.
  
  Other resources:
  -Frederick County Chamber of Commerce website has job listings and a business directory.
  -Search for opportunities on the #1 job board Handshake.
  -Volunteer Frederick has volunteer opportunities. To get in touch directly, call 301.663.5214, ext. 6.
  -Your FCC program manager may be able to advise you.
  -Networking can be very helpful. Talk to friends and family and make new acquaintances in researching job opportunities.

How Employers Benefit from Internships

Employers can:

• Get assistance with work tasks
• Give back to the community by developing a student for the next generation of your profession
• Try someone out before considering them for future employment
• Build a partnership with FCC career programs, which educate current and prospective employees
• Help improve FCC courses and degree programs by offering feedback

Job Postings

Employers can post internship/job opportunities through the FCC recruiting platform, Handshake.

Internship Program Employer Workbook

FAQs

• Do I pay an intern?

  The employer decides whether an intern is paid or not. Internships at FCC are considered an integral part of certain college programs; therefore, internships are required or offered to students as an educational experience. Students learn by doing, and their work should benefit employers. Employers are expected to educate interns beyond usual supervision. Some employers find that offering pay is an enticement to prospective interns.



• Do I treat the intern as a student or as an employee?

  The answer is both. Employers should expect interns to accept and perform work, work every assigned day, be on time, and follow other requirements of employees. Employers should also expect interns to ask many questions and seek opportunities to learn beyond their assigned duties. For example, employers invite interns to meetings or arrange job shadowing so they can learn about the organization, its work processes, and the general industry.



• Who do I contact at FCC if I have a problem?

  Recruiting issues: Contact the FCC Internship Program & Apprenticeship Coordinator at 301.624.2724.
  Issues pertaining to an intern: Contact the intern's faculty advisor; if unknown, contact the FCC Internship Program & Apprenticeship Coordinator at 301.624.2724.



• Am I expected to hire the intern after graduation?

  Employers have no obligation to hire interns. Your primary obligation is to further develop a student's skills and provide opportunities for gaining experience that complement the student's college program. Some employers benefit from internships by being able to evaluate potential employees first-hand. Many interns are, of course, interested in employment after graduation.

Contact Information

Carla Milan
Internship and Apprenticeship Coordinator
301.624.2724
Location: Student Center, B217

Faculty Internship Advisor Workbook

Program Advisors

Programs Eligible for Internship

Communications, Humanities & Arts

Internship Application

Online Student Application

Important Forms

• Internship Syllabus


• Memorandum of Understanding
  Submit with signatures to the Internship & Apprenticeship Coordinator before the first day of your internship.


• Specific Learning Outcomes Worksheet


• Learning Contract
  Submit with signatures to your faculty advisor and worksite supervisor.


• Faculty Evaluation Form & Grade Sheet


• Student Evaluation Form


• Weekly Log of Work Activities
  Submit weekly to your faculty advisor.


• Internship Performance Appraisal Forms
  A different form is used for each college program. The appropriate form is completed by the worksite supervisor.