Internship Information For Students

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

Criteria should include:

1. The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
2. The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
3. The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
4. There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework.
5. There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or professional background in the field of the experience.
6. There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.
7. There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals.

Definition and criteria provided by the National Association of Colleges and Employers

Internships can be credit-bearing or non-credit bearing. You may earn 1-6 credits for an internship, depending upon your major, the requirements of your major, the structure of the internship, and the number of hours and terms you work. Check your academic program in the College Catalog for more details. Internship credit may be transferable to the majority of 4-years schools as elective credits. Interns are monitored by a faculty member and/or a Career Representative. Credit-bearing internships must fulfill all course requirements as assigned by faculty and will be graded by faculty. Employers are expected to complete evaluations on student interns during the semester.

A non-credit internship is a good option for students who don’t meet the requirements for a credit internship, cannot afford to pay for the credits, or are interested in gaining experience and do not need the credits towards their degree requirements.

• You’ll have three times more success in finding employment in your field of study after graduation than students who don’t.
• You’ll have the chance to apply the skills and theories you’ve learned in the classroom, to explore a career field, and to make important contacts in a diversified workplace.
• You’ll learn more about your intended career path.
• You’ll increase confidence and improve academic performance.
• It will build your network of professionals.

And, build your resume!

Program Eligibility:

• Be enrolled in a current, degree-seeking program and completed at least 1 semester at Brookdale Community College (at least 6 credits completed at Brookdale).
• Be in good academic standing with at least a 3.0 GPA overall.
• Have completed the number of courses and credits in your major required by the department (or completed at least the introductory courses in your major for a noncredit internship).
• Have the approval of an instructor in the student’s major, the Dean of the academic area, and a career representative.

The internship experience requires completion of learning objectives, an employer evaluation, and an evaluation meeting with a career representative.

*Please note: Internships are for currently enrolled, matriculated students. If you are a graduate/alumni, dual-enrollment/Early College or a visiting student, you will not be eligible.

Salaries for internships vary, and many internships are unpaid. All internships provide valuable learning situations in a work environment. It is helpful to remember that often your greatest “pay” will be in experience gained and contacts made.

It varies. For Credit Internships the required work hours for each credit will be a minimum of 45 hours. Factors that may impact the number of hours required of a student per credit might include accreditation policies and industry standards.

For Non-credit internships, students are required to complete a minimum of 45 hours on the job.

Culinary Arts (CULA): 350 hours

Hospitality Management (HOSP): 225 hours

Check with the Career Center to find out how you can qualify using your current job. Unfortunately, you aren’t able to use past experiences in a job or internship to gain internship credit. Internship credit earned will only be given for hours completed during the current semester in which you are enrolled.

There are many opportunities for you to complete an internship in businesses across the county and the state. Students have completed internships with leading television stations, publishing companies, county courthouses, the State Police, accounting firms, Disney College program, etc.

Please contact the Career Center at career@brookdalecc.edu for more information about internship resources. We have several online resources that you can utilize and a large network of employers! Also, don’t forget to include your faculty in your internship search. They are a great resource for you!

Be sure to activate your Handshake account today!

Please complete the intake form here to report your internship site information for review. You will need to have an internship offer to upload as well as the name of the faculty member that will oversee your internship (credit internships only) to complete this form.

Once submitted, you will be contacted within 24-48 (exclusive of weekends) hours for an appointment with a Career Center team member.

Please contact career@brookdalecc.edu or 732-224-2792 with any questions.