Internship Program Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers for the Internship Program's most commonly asked questions.

FAQ Questions

Internships

To qualify, TMCC students must:

  • Complete a department’s specified number of credits toward a declared degree, emphasis or certificate and/or have met published pre-requisites;
  • Be within the last two semesters of your academic goal completion; and,
  • Have a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Transferability of these credits is contingent upon approval of the receiving institution.

TMCC prefers paid internship opportunities; however, if a student secures an unpaid internship, they must have their own private health insurance coverage during their internship opportunity.

TMCC students are required to manage their own internship search process (with assistance from the Career Hub's internship coordinator and your faculty sponsor).

Once an employer partner has been located and agreed upon, the internship planning begins for the semester, and enrollment in the internship course can occur.

Internship credits range from one to eight credits with departmental/program approval.

Credit is awarded at a rate of 45 hours of work per credit for the successful accomplishment of specific, individualized occupational learning outcome, work-time requirement and an employer evaluation.

Grades will be determined by the faculty and will be based on the attendance report, the student evaluation form submitted by the employer, and other assignments required by the faculty.

Contact TMCC's Career Hub internship coordinator for more information.

Before class registration is granted, the TMCC Academic Advising Office will verify your progress towards degree completion, and the faculty sponsor must approve the internship opportunity.

Internships are courses which integrate classroom study with relevant hands-on experience by allowing students to use their education and training in an actual "real world" work environment to gain industry experience.

An Internship Is:

  • A Customized Learning Opportunity
    The Internship opportunity gives you the chance to work with your faculty sponsor and employer partner to design your own learning objectives and outcomes.
  • Valuable Mentoring
    The faculty sponsor and an employer partner working together to provide you with professional mentoring opportunity.
  • A Career Exploration
    This is your chance for a “real-world” work experience that allows you to explore and evaluate a career field by gaining college credit.
  • Professional Growth
    You will have the opportunity to see professionals in action as you attend meetings and assist with responsibilities and projects.
  • Challenging Work Experience
    Internships provide challenging work experiences, strengthen your resume and make you more competitive for full-time positions.
  • A Network Opportunity
    You can expand your network of contacts, acquire references, and even gain a mentor.
  • Training and Skill Development
    You receive exposure to “cutting edge” techniques and valuable skills often enhanced through the internships.

An Internship is Not:

  • Easy Credit
    Internships are not "easy," because they can carry as much work or more work than a class.
  • Credit for Repeated Work Experience
    Internships are NEW, learning experiences allowing students to acquire new responsibilities and develop new skill sets. Few exceptions are made to this requirement.
  • Volunteer Work
    An intern is not the same as a volunteer. Interns learn and strive to meet identified learning objectives and outcomes.
  • A "Go-Fer" Position
    An internship opportunity is meant to be a meaningful work experience when involving entry-level career related tasks.
  • A Job Guarantee
    Internships increase your chances of being offered a full-time job, but do not guarantee full-time employment from the Internship opportunity.
  • Student interns assist with developing learning objectives and outcomes with their faculty sponsor and employer partner.
  • Students must successfully complete these requirements during the work hours scheduled.
  • An employer evaluation will be completed for final grade, along with the submitted attendance report and any other assignments required by the faculty sponsor.

For more information, contact the TMCC Career Hub