One of the major premises underlying Valencia’s educational model is that learning takes place in many different settings, both in and outside the classroom. Through Internship and Workforce Services, Valencia provides students with learning experiences that assist them in realizing their full potential in the workplace. Internships allow students to:
- Explore various career options or confirm career plans;
- Apply classroom learning to real work situations;
- Practice and strengthen interpersonal and technical skills; and/or
- Develop industry contacts to transition from school to work upon graduation.
While an internship is optional in most cases, it is highly recommended for students seeking to develop insights about their career field and desiring to develop their personal, professional and technical skills.
Internship information is available in the Internship and Workforce Services offices on East, West and Osceola Campuses, in the Career Center on the Winter Park Campus, or from the Web site at valenciacollege.edu/internship.
Types of Internships
There are two types of internships offered at Valencia:
- Internship Exploration – A planned work-based experience that provides students with career-exploration activities to confirm their educational plans. Most often, the Internship Exploration experience involves a single employer and a specific agreement with Valencia. Under the supervision of an employer representative, the student performs work based on his/her educational goals. College credit is awarded for the Internship Exploration.
- Internship – A planned work-based experience that provides students with the opportunity to fine-tune skill sets learned in class in preparation for employment. Most often, the Internship experience involves a single employer and a specific agreement with Valencia. Under the supervision of an employer representative, the student performs work based on his/her program of study. College credit is awarded for the Internship. Some internships may include compensation.
Eligibility Requirements
Students interested in the Valencia Internship Program must have:
- Completed successfully all mandatory courses in reading, mathematics, English and English for Academic Purposes,
- Completed successfully at least 12 credits,
- Earned a minimum 2.0 institutional or overall GPA, and
- Satisfied the prerequisites for an internship for their major or program area. (Note: Refer to the Course Descriptions section in this catalog for details.)
Note: Internship and Workforce Services works closely with Program Chairs to determine eligibility when an issue arises.
How Credits Apply
A student may apply a maximum of four internship credits toward a degree; however, if an Associate in Applied Science or an Associate in Science degree requires more than four internship credits, the additional credits may be applied toward the degree.
All required internship credits do not have to be taken in the same term. For example, students may enroll for a one-credit internship course for four terms or students may take a one-credit course one term and a three-credit course another term. Each internship period is one full term in length, and each credit earned requires 80 hours of work.
