Internships

Students Benefits

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The internship program allows students to gain work experience as well as earn academic credit for structured learning that occurs through full-or-part time employment related to their academic majors.

• Link your coursework to real-world experience
• Gain new skills and knowledge
• Prepare to transition from college to an entry-level career
• Add internship experience to your resume

Eligibility

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To be eligible, students must have met the following guidelines:

1. Be enrolled in an eligible FCC program
2. Have a minimum 2.0 grade point average
3. Be approaching their last 15 credits in their college program

Requirements

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• Internship credits can be earned through either part-or-full-time employment in a position directly related to the student’s major.
• Part-time employment (paid or unpaid) is normally carried on concurrently with full-or-part-time school enrollment.
• Hours of employment may vary, according to the type of position.
• Full-time employment under the internship program is normally carried out while attending school part-time.
• A written assignment is completed based on work experience.
• A faculty member, selected by the program manager or department chair, will approve the assignment, assist with the development of student outcome goals, maintain contact with the work site, and assign a grade at the end of the semester.
• Grades are based on the student’s completion of outcome goals, work experience, evaluation, and the employer’s evaluation.

Student Workbook

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 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.

• Student Workbook

Student Forms

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• Internship Syllabus
• Learning Contract - submit to faculty advisor and worksite supervisor
• Learning Outcomes Worksheet
• Student Evaluation Form
• Weekly Log of Work Activities - submit weekly to faculty advisor

FAQs

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Do I have to register for credit to be an intern through FCC?
The FCC Internship Education Program is only for students in eligible 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. 

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 uses Handshake, where you can search for internship possibilities and choose to be included in employer searches.

Resources

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• Frederick County Chamber of Commerce has job listings and a business directory.
• Search for opportunities on Handshake.
• Contact Volunteer Frederick at 301.663.5214.
• Contact your FCC program manager for additional guidance.

Programs Eligible for Internships

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Employer Benefits

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• Access Emerging Talent: Evaluate potential full-time hires in a real-world setting before making a long-term commitment.
• Boost Productivity: Gain motivated support for specialized projects and daily operations.
• Shape Your Future Workforce: Help bridge the skills gap by providing feedback that keeps college curricula aligned with industry needs.
• Fresh Perspectives: Infuse your team with new ideas and the latest academic insights.
• Community Leadership: Strengthen your brand by mentoring the next generation of local professionals.

Post Job Openings

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

Internship Program Employer Workbook

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The Internship Program Employer Workbook provides important information about the FCC Internship Program and serves as a helpful tool for employers navigating the internship process.

• Employer Workbook
• Internship Performance Appraisal Forms

FAQs

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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.

 

The Faculty Internship Advisor Workbook provides important information about the FCC Internship Program and serves as a helpful tool for faculty in navigating their role as part of the Internship Program.

• Faculty Internship Advisor Workbook
• Faculty Evaluation Form & Grade Sheet