If your program of study requires an internship, it will be listed in your required courses on BHCC Self-Service. You can connect with ICD to confirm and discuss how an internship will fit into your academic plans.

Whether completing an optional or required internship, students are responsible for securing an internship opportunity. You may find an internship on your own and work with ICD to obtain approval to gain academic credit through the experience. BHCC also has relationships with companies and organizations across Massachusetts, and available opportunities are posted in Handshake.  

Opportunities with select BHCC partners are available through the Learn and Earn Internship program. Additionally, you may receive email recruiting from ICD staff members if we believe you are a strong fit for available opportunities in your field. 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 come available.

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 are interested in completing an internship while at BHCC, plan ahead! In many cases, your internship class is either a requirement or can be used as an elective. 

Students must be in good academic standing in order 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. 

An internship can be an important 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 your skillsets.  

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. 

We recommend that students complete at least 12-24 credits before applying for internships to ensure you have a strong grounding in your 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 will be 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 

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 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, community engagement, and demonstrate relevant, transferable skills.  

In order 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 
• Have an internship course listed in your program of study
• Obtain an internship in your field of study (either through Learn and Earn or another internship opportunity)
• Enroll in an 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. 

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.