Internship Academy Overview

The Internship Academy at OCC offers students the opportunity to explore careers and earn college credit for concurrent learning on the job. The goal is to assist students in making the transition from school to work by providing hands-on, “real world” learning experiences and practical application of classroom theory.

Intern 392AB - This is hands-on experience in a student’s field of study at an appropriate business, industrial or community service site. This level is for students who have identified a major area or study or are enrolled in a certificate program and are concurrently enrolled in or have taken classes related to their internship.

Intern 393AB - This is for career certificate students only and may be used as a capstone course for those students nearing certificate completion. To enroll in this level students must have achieved advanced standing in a certificate program, and be currently enrolled in courses related to the certificate program.

What is a capstone course? A capstone course is an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have achieved the goals for learning established by their educational institution and department major. The course is designed to assess cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning and to do so in a student-centered and student-directed manner which requires the command, analysis and synthesis of knowledge and skills. A capstone course integrates learning from the courses in the chosen major with the courses from the rest of the academic experience. It requires the application of that learning to a project which serves as an instrument of evaluation

Can a student repeat an Internship?

Yes, students can take the Internship “class” more than once. Eligibility requirements remain the same; however, the objectives must be different from one term to the next and represent new learning or expanded responsibilities. Up to sixteen units of Internship Academy, credit can be earned during up to four semesters.

Are the units transferable?

It depends. The California State University system does accept up to 8 units of internship credit as elective units. Currently the UC system does not accept the transfer of Internship units. Private universities and colleges may be contacted individually for their own policy.

Units

Internship units are based on the number of hours worked during the term. One unit is earned for every 75 hours of paid work or 60 hours of unpaid work. Reminder: the internship hours can begin accumulating only after the Enrollment Procedures have been completed.

Units may be applied to the elective requirements for OCC graduation. A maximum of four intern units may be earned each term, up to a total of 16 units. Section numbers for registration are based on paid or unpaid internships and the number of units selected.

What are the Benefits?

Benefits to the Student:

• Earn elective college credit that transfers to a CSU.
• Provides the opportunity to use the knowledge gained in the classroom

and relate it, with hands-on experience, to the real world.

• Increases the potential to advance by improving skills.
• Presents the opportunity to explore a field or business before a career decision is set in concrete.
• Enables the student to make sound educational and career decisions through related assignments.
• Provides opportunities and contacts for permanent employment.
• Produces a specific, measurable evaluation of work related skills and abilities.
• Equips the student with knowledge and attitudes necessary for successful job performance by learning the different behaviors, roles, skills, and expectations of the working world.
• Provides experience that can be included on the résumé.

Enrollment Requirements

Students must meet requirements that include the following eligibility criteria and enrollment procedures:

• OCC students may enroll if they have a major or certificate program they intend to pursue. They must have taken (or be currently taking) a class in that field at OCC within the previous 18 months.
• Students must be currently enrolled in 7 units at OCC (up to four of these units can be the internship academy).
• Students must attend an Internship orientation. Dates are listed in the schedule of classes and MyOCC. Application packets will be given out during orientation.
• Students must find their own approved internship placement through the Job Placement Center, instructor referrals, or personal connections and contacts.
• Students must also identify a faculty member willing to be their Internship Advisor.
• Students complete the Learning Outcomes Agreement with the employers and instructor’s input and approval.
• After all paperwork is completed and submitted to the Internship Academy office, the student will be given the Add Authorization Code to add the class on MyOCC.