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Gain real-world experience and college credit through internships with the Academic Internship Program.

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The Academic Internship Program at Bellevue College allows students to earn credit for internships that build career-related skills and support their professional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

  • Academic Credit 

The Academic Internship Program allows you to earn course credits while working and learning in a professional environment. You will receive a letter grade for this course, which may help boost your GPA and will appear on your transcript as an official internship.

You may take EXPRL 191/2/3 (a three-course sequence) at the associate level and EXPRL 490/1 at the bachelor’s level. For more information on the internship classes, please email internship@bellevuecollege.edu or make an appointment with an internship coordinator.

  •  Real-World Experience

You are able to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained in the classroom in a work setting, thus enriching your learning experience.

  • Stronger Resume

An internship enhances your resume. It shows employers your ability to apply your knowledge and skills. In a competitive hiring environment, internships can really help you stand out in the crowd. For tips on customizing your resume, view this webpage.

  •  Explore a career

An internship is an excellent opportunity to test your current field of study and career path to make sure it is right for you.

  • Networking

Who you know is as important as what you know. Internships are a great opportunity to meet people in your field and make connections. Keep in mind that many companies hire former interns as full-time employees!

  •  Work Flexible Hours

Most interns have various responsibilities competing for their time. Many companies understand this and offer their interns flexible schedules that fit their busy lives.

  • The Academic Internship Program allows you to earn academic credit for your internship experience at the associate (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 the bachelor’s program.
  • The internship class (EXPRL 191/2/3) at the associates level is a variable credit class that offers 1-5 academic credits depending on the total number of hours worked:
    • 1 credit = 50 hour
    • 2 credits = 100 hours
    • 3 credits = 150 hours
    • 4 credits = 200 hours
    • 5 credits = 250 hours
  • The internship class (EXPRL 490/491) at the bachelor’s level is a 5-credit class, and depending on the program’s requirements, 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, preparing them for employment and continuing education.
  • As part of your internship, students must complete structured assignments to help them reflect on their internship experience.
  • This is a Graded Course with Asynchronous Assignments.
  • 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 at the associate level (EXPRL 191/2/3).
  • 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 the 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 in the bachelor’s program, 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 Applied Accounting, Business Management and Technology, Cybersecurity, Database Management & Analysis, and Software Development/AI

Step 1: Search Job/Internship Platforms (such as Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed)

  • Handshake
    • Handshake is a free 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. Make sure to answer all the questions and complete all the stops on Handshake.
    • You will be able to search and apply for internships through Handshake.
  • LinkedIn and Indeed
    • When searching for internships on other platforms, type the job title and then the word “intern” next to it for best results. For example: Data Management Intern

Step 2: Create/Update your Resume

How Do I Make The Most Out of my Internship?

Share Your Learning Objectives

Share your learning objectives with your work-site supervisor at the beginning of your Internship. Discussing your learning objectives with your supervisor engages them in your learning process. Supervisors can help facilitate your learning of new skills and knowledge during your internship.

Set a Regular Meeting With Your Work-Site Supervisor

Setting and keeping a regular meeting time with your supervisor each week is a vitally important step in ensuring a successful internship.

As soon as you start an internship, arrange a time that works for both of you. Be sure to set longer or more frequent meetings in the first couple weeks of your internship because that’s when you’re most likely to need assistance and training. In general, you should never be afraid to ask questions during your internship. Supervisors respect engaged learners who show curiosity. Sometimes it is more appropriate to keep a list of questions to ask at your regular meeting.

Attitude Shape Everything

Attitude has a huge impact on your experience, and it can make or break your internship. If you show your supervisors that you’re flexible and hard-working, they’ll be more likely to view you as a potential future employee. You should think of your internship as one long job interview.

Demonstrate all of the qualities that would be desirable in an employee. Show up on time, communicate clearly, work hard, ask questions when you don’t understand, take responsibility, and show initiative.

Talk to People

Some people say the most useful thing about their internship was the opportunity to network and meet professionals in their field. When you’re at your internship, be social and friendly. If possible, attend staff meetings and client meetings. Also, see if there are opportunities for you to attend professional events like seminars and conferences.

Be Aware of Office Norms

Offices have different norms about communication, attire, and the use of technology. Many students would like to be on their phones throughout the day. In some offices, this behavior is commonplace and perfectly acceptable. In others, it is viewed as tremendously unprofessional and distracting. You should be aware that there is something of a generation gap in attitudes about the use of technology in the workplace. A successful intern will quickly determine and follow the norms of their particular office.

Similarly, you will want to learn and follow office norms regarding dress. Sometimes clothes that are very fashionable on campus are wildly out of place in offices where the majority of employees dress in business casual or more formal attire. Take your cues from the office’s professional staff. Avoid overly revealing or tight clothing. You want the focus to be on your knowledge, skills, abilities, and strengths, not your body.

Internship Resources

Resumes & Cover Letters

Resumes and cover letters are essential to landing interviews, finding jobs, and connecting with recruiters and professionals.

View Resume & Cover Letter Resources

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