Student

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 [National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)].

Through internships students practice skills and learn new ones. Students make professional connections related to their area of study which contributes to their understanding of their career path. During the internship, employers provide guidance and support.

Internships are structured and supervised professional experiences, within approved organizations, for which students earn academic credit. Internships are guided by learning objectives and supervised by both academic and professional personnel.

• The Academic Internship Program allows you to earn academic credit for your internship experience at the associates (EXPRL 191/2/3) and bachelor’s (EXPRL 490/1) level.
• You can only register for the class if you have secured an internship offer and it has been approved by the Internship Coordinator and program chair for bachelor’s program.
• The internship class (EXPRL 191/2/3) at the associates level is a variable credit class which offers 1-5 academic credits depending on the total number of hours worked:

• The internship class (EXPRL 490/491) at the bachelor’s level is a 5-credit class and, depending on the requirements of the program, you may be required to complete 10 total credits.
• This class is designed as an independent work experience arranged with an employer around your class schedule. Students do not meet in a classroom setting.
• Students apply what they have learned in their classes which prepares them for employment and continuing education.
• As part of your internship, students are required to complete assignments which are structured to help students reflect on their internship experience.
• Examples of assignments includes creating/updating a LinkedIn profile, setting learning objectives, updating your resume, making a final intern presentation and participating in career coaching.
• Assignments are graded and students receive a letter grade upon completion of the class.
• There is a one-time liability insurance fee of $14 added to this class.

• Schedule an appointment (You may make a virtual or on-campus appointment. Select “internship” when scheduling an appointment) The Internship Coordinator will determine if your internship is eligible for credit.
• Once your internship has been approved for credit by the Internship Coordinator, you and your employer both need to fill out the training agreement. After the training agreement has been completed, signed, and returned to internship coordinator, enrollment information will be sent via email.
• For international students, please refer to the international students page for the approval process including getting CPT (Curriculum Practical Training) approval.
• For students at the bachelor’s degree, you will need to get approval from your program chair before you can register for the class. EXPRL 490/1 classes are only applicable to students enrolled in BAS Accounting, Information Systems Information & Technology (Robotics & AI and Application Development Concentrations), Database Management & Analysis (Data Analytics and Business Intelligence) and Cybersecurity. 

Step 1: Update your Resume

• First, obtain a copy of our Resume Essentials Handout [PDF]. After reading the resume guide, write (or update) your resume.

Note: The more work you do on your resume at home, the more beneficial your meeting with the internship coordinator or career specialist (Step 3) will be and the quicker we’ll be able to help you find an internship.

Step 2: Activate your Handshake Account

• An inhouse internship and job search platform for you to access jobs, internships, and career events based on your interests and skills.
• Set up your profile on Handshake.
• You will be able to search and apply for internships on Handshake.
• You will need to complete steps 1 and 2 before moving to step 3.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment with BC Internship Coordinator or Career Specialist

• Your internship coordinator or career specialist can help you tailor your resume to internship positions you would like to apply for.
• Email your resume to Internship Coordinator or Career Specialist before your appointment. Schedule an appointment

Step 4: Prepare for your appointment

• Identify two or three kinds of internships you would like to apply for.
  • Think about the kinds of activities you imagine yourself doing and the skills you imagine yourself using. Do you have a preference about the kind of organization/company (small/large, private/public, for-profit/nonprofit, etc.)?

            Also, consider the following questions:

• How many hours per week can you devote to an internship?
• What are the specific times and days that you are available to work?
• Do you prefer a fully remote, hybrid or fully onsite internship?

Step 5: At your appointment

            During your appointment we will:

• Talk about the kind of internships you are interested in
• Discuss strategies for finding internships
• Review your resume and offer some suggestions on customizing your resume to apply for internships. You can check out our workshops and events page to attend any of the career workshops to prepare for internships.