How do I know if I must complete an internship?
If your program of study requires an internship, it will be listed on your degree program page in BHCC Self-Service. You can connect with ICD to confirm and discuss how an internship will fit into your academic plans.
Do I have to find my own internship?
Students are responsible for securing internship opportunities, whether completing an optional or required internship. You may find an internship on your own and work with ICD to obtain approval to gain academic credit through the experience.
Opportunities with select BHCC partners are available through the Learn and Earn Internship program. If we believe you are a strong fit for available opportunities in your field, you may receive email recruiting from ICD staff members. ICD is here to help you make connections and work with you throughout the application and interview process. Connect with us to help us understand your interests; we will have you on our radar as opportunities become available.
Why do I have to take an internship class?
An internship is about more than just getting a job. The experience will help you to learn and grow as a professional, help you to refine your career interests and plans, and expose you to how people interact in the workplace, all to ensure you are prepared for your continued career development after you leave BHCC. Our internship courses provide opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences, plan for the future, and give and receive support from peers and faculty. If you want to complete an internship while at BHCC, plan ahead! In many cases, your internship class is either a requirement or can be used as an elective.
Is there a GPA requirement to apply for an internship?
Students must be in good academic standing to apply for an internship, but there is no GPA requirement to obtain an internship. Some companies or organizations may use GPA as a hiring criterion. There are ways other than your GPA that demonstrate you will be a valuable employee. For example, your resume, application materials, and interview can highlight how prior work experiences, coursework, and cultural experiences make you a strong candidate for an internship. Please contact us to learn more about opportunities that do not have GPA requirements.
Can I use my current work position as my internship site?
An internship can be an essential learning experience that prepares you to grow in your career. Our ICD team is ready to work with you to determine if an internship is the best path for you. In some circumstances, a student may utilize their current job as an internship site if it meets program requirements and continues to build upon their skill sets.
If your current position does not meet the internship requirements, ICD staff can assist you in searching for a paid Learn and Earn internship position or determine if there is an alternative course in your program of study that can satisfy an internship requirement.
When should I begin applying for internships?
We recommend that students complete at least 12-24 credits before applying for internships to ensure they have a firm grounding in their academic studies. If you know you want to complete an internship during your time at BHCC, plan ahead. The sooner you connect with ICD to explore internship options and prepare your resume and application materials, the better your chances of securing your desired internship.
Internships are typically one semester and available for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. While recruiting timelines may vary and be earlier for some industries and/or large corporations, the typical recruiting and application timelines for internships during each semester are:
- Fall: Recruiting and applications due May-August
- Spring: Recruiting and applications due late September-December
- Summer: Recruiting and applications due February-late April
I don’t have any work experience in my field, am I still eligible?
Absolutely! An internship can be a perfect way to gain experience in your field for the first time. Employers understand that you are a student who is either just beginning your career in a field or changing careers altogether. An ICD staff member can help you update your resume and prepare for an interview to ensure that you communicate your past work experiences, coursework, and community engagement and demonstrate relevant, transferable skills.
I am an international student on an F-1 Visa and am wondering if I qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) by obtaining an internship.
To qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), international students with F-1 Visas must meet the following criteria:
- Completed two full-time semesters at BHCC (24 credits)
- Have an internship course listed in their program of study
- Obtain an internship in their field of study (either through Learn and Earn or securing an alternative internship opportunity)
- Enroll in the internship course that is directly related to the student’s academic program
- Complete all paperwork and processes required for being issued an I-20
Connect with ICD for help confirming your eligibility and to discuss next steps.
I am interested in STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).
Summer research opportunities are available for students interested in the STEM fields. Please contact Suman Mukherjee, STEM Coordinator, at smukherj@bhcc.edu for information regarding these opportunities