An Internship is:
- A planned work experience
- Directly related to the student's area of study
- An opportunity to gain entry-level career competencies
Internships help students integrate what is taught in school with what is required in the workplace. Students take internships to develop knowledge and skills valued by employers. At FCC, students in certain programs are eligible to receive credit for internships.
Student Internship Process
Find an employer
Complete internship hours
Students
How Students Benefit from Internships
Students gain:
- Experience by applying what they have learned at FCC
- New skills and knowledge
- Experience to help them transition from college to an entry-level career
- Valuable resume-building experience
Eligibility
Before applying for an internship, students must:
- Be in one of the FCC programs listed below
- Have a minimum 2.0 grade point average
- Be approaching the last 15 credits in their program of study
- Satisfy the 25% residency requirement
Internship Program Student Workbook
The Internship Program Student Workbook provides an overview of student internship procedures and requirements, as well as assignment descriptions and activity worksheets. It will also be used to assist internship worksite supervisors and faculty internship advisors in evaluating students' learning and workplace competencies.
FCC Internship Program Student Workbook
FAQs
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Do I have to register for credit to be an intern through FCC?
The FCC Internship Education Program is only for students in certain College programs that require or encourage internships. If you are in one of these programs, you are eligible to receive credit toward your program.
Students not in one of the listed programs may do an independent internship, but not for credit. There are many resources for doing such an internship.
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Can I do an internship with my current employer?
With permission of the internship coordinator and program manager, you may use a job you currently hold as the internship work assignment. You must be able to prove that additional, enhanced duties and/or knowledge will be gained during the internship experience. Credit will NOT be awarded for continuing to perform work tasks you have done in the past.
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Can I be paid as an intern?
The primary purpose of an internship is to learn and gain new experience. Most internships are unpaid. If an employer offers pay, that arrangement is between you and the employer.
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Can I do an internship outside of Frederick?
You may do an internship anywhere in the U.S. or foreign countries.
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I can’t find an internship worksite. Can you help?
While the student is responsible for identifying a worksite, Career Services at FCC has developed a job search site where you can search for internship possibilities, choose to be included in employer searches, and where companies can search for students to fill their internship positions and jobs. Visit the Career Services for job search assistance.
Other resources:
Frederick County Chamber of Commerce website has job listings and a business directory.
Volunteer Frederick has volunteer opportunities. To get in touch directly, call 301.663.5214, ext. 6.
Your FCC program manager may be able to advise you.
Networking can be very helpful. Talk to friends and family and make new acquaintances in researching job opportunities.
Employers
How Employers Benefit from Internships
Employers can:
- Get assistance with work tasks
- Give back to the community by developing a student for the next generation of your profession
- Try someone out before considering them for future employment
- Build a partnership with FCC career programs, which educate current and prospective employees
- Help improve FCC courses and degree programs by offering feedback
Job Postings
Employers can post internship/job opportunities through the FCC recruiting platform, College Central Network.
Internship Program Employer Workbook
The Internship Program Employer Workbook provides important information about the FCC Internship Program and serves as a helpful tool for employers navigating the internship process.
FCC Internship Program Employer Workbook
FAQs
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Do I pay an intern?
The employer decides whether an intern is paid or not. Internships at FCC are considered an integral part of certain college programs; therefore, internships are required or offered to students as an educational experience. Students learn by doing, and their work should benefit employers. Employers are expected to educate interns beyond usual supervision. Some employers find that offering pay is an enticement to prospective interns.
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Do I treat the intern as a student or as an employee?
The answer is both. Employers should expect interns to accept and perform work, work every assigned day, be on time, and follow other requirements of employees. Employers should also expect interns to ask many questions and seek opportunities to learn beyond their assigned duties. For example, employers invite interns to meetings or arrange job shadowing so they can learn about the organization, its work processes, and the general industry.
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Who do I contact at FCC if I have a problem?
Recruiting issues: Contact the FCC Internship Program & Apprenticeship Coordinator at 301.624.2724.
Issues pertaining to an intern: Contact the intern's faculty advisor; if unknown, contact the FCC Internship Program & Apprenticeship Coordinator at 301.624.2724.
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Am I expected to hire the intern after graduation?
Employers have no obligation to hire interns. Your primary obligation is to further develop a student's skills and provide opportunities for gaining experience that complement the student's college program. Some employers benefit from internships by being able to evaluate potential employees first-hand. Many interns are, of course, interested in employment after graduation.
Faculty
Contact Information
Carla Milan
Internship and Apprenticeship Coordinator
301.624.2724
Location: Student Center, H219
Faculty Internship Advisor Workbook
The Faculty Internship Advisor Workbook provides important information about the FCC Internship Program and serves as a helpful tool for faculty in navigating their role as part of the Internship Program.
FCC Faculty Internship Advisor Workbook
Program Advisors
Approved Internship Programs
Forms and Documents
Internship Application
Submit an application after meeting with your FCC program manager, but before you register for internship credit.
Online Student Application
Important Forms
Career Services
Career Services helps students, prospective students, career changers, and alumni Explore skills, majors, and careers, prepare for employment through resume development, creating a job search strategy, and interview coaching, as well as, network with employers and alumni to find jobs and internships.
Learn More.