Internships: The Value of Internships and How to Obtain One
Participating in an internship is an excellent way for students to explore a career pathway, gain valuable hands-on experience, and often fulfill program requirements. Internships should be paid and/or for credit. Most Professional-Technical pathways require an internship course within their program map; however, any student may choose to participate in an internship, volunteer experience, work-based learning opportunity or other experiential learning activity.
An internship is an extension of the classroom where students can observe real-world practices, actively participate, and receive feedback from their site supervisor. When completed for academic credit, internships may require specific learning objectives, a set number of hours, or other course-related requirements. Most internships are for one term, but may extend beyond that. Often, a work study or student hourly position may be combined with an internship. Internships may be part-time or full-time and may be offered in person, hybrid, or remote depending on the job.
Internships may help students to confirm their career interests or identify a specific area within a field to pursue after graduation. They may provide opportunities to build professional networks which may lead to employment or connection to future employment opportunities. An internship may help students to identify if additional training is needed or lead them to pivot their career pathway in a different direction.
Planning ahead is critical. Much like finding a job, securing an internship that meets the needs of the program, the employer, and the student may take some time and planning. Students are encouraged to begin preparing and searching for an internship one to two terms before the term they want to complete it. For example, a student who is interested in completing an internship during spring term may begin the process during the middle of the fall term. In many programs, it is the student’s responsibility to secure an internship.
Before applying for an internship, students should have a current and professional resume, a cover letter, and an understanding of the internship requirements for their pathway. Students are encouraged to meet with their adviser to discuss the program requirements and learn whether partnerships with employers already exist for the program. To prepare for an interview and the internship, students should be ready to discuss their future career goals and strengths.
Students can search and apply for internships through Handshake using their Pierce College student credentials. Even if an organization does not currently offer an internship, students can contact them professionally to inquire about internship, volunteer, or job-shadow opportunities. In addition to Handshake, students may explore internship options through other sites such as: LinkedIn, Volunteer Match, or Worksource.
The Career Center can help with preparing for or searching for an internship. Stop by during our drop-in hours or make an appointment for help with an internship search, creating or updating a resume and cover letter, or preparing for an interview or mock interview!
Start Next Quarter Survey – Not Just for New Students
The Start Next Quarter survey is a quick and easy tool that anyone, at any stage in their education journey, can complete to determine whether they may be eligible for Workforce programs, funding, and support services through Workforce Development. The survey asks a few questions to identify possible eligibility for Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET), Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and/or WorkFirst. After completing the survey, individuals are invited to choose one of several follow-up options: sign up to meet with a staff member or for a phone call between 9 and 11 a.m. (Monday through Friday) or request contact from a Workforce staff member. Afternoon appointments may also be available in person or remote. During the conversation, Workforce staff will discuss eligibility and provide guidance on potential next steps.
Go to Start Next Quarter Next Quarter to fill out the short survey. Please share the link to Start Next Quarter with anyone interested in attending Pierce College.
Career Center Summer Hours
Monday through Thursday – 8 to 11 a.m.: Drop-Ins and afternoon appointments
- Fort Steilacoom Campus – Cascade Building Welcome Center
- Puyallup Campus – Gaspard Administration Building Student Success Center
Friday* - 8 to 11 a.m.: Virtual Drop-Ins via phone or Teams
* During the Summer Pierce College closes at 12 p.m. on Fridays
Welcome New Workforce Staff!
We are excited that two new staff members have joined the Workforce team:
Heather Robison is our new Opportunity Grant Coordinator. Heather comes to us most recently from Bates Technical College, but has spent 24 years working in our WA State college system as an Early Childhood Education professor and Workforce Education/Development Program Coordinator. Heather began her education at Pierce College, first as a 2-year-old student in our Parent-Toddler cooperative preschool program, then earned her Associate Degree as a student. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Western Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Hawaii.
Alaina Gaffney is a new Workforce Coordinator focusing on the WorkFirst program. She has worked in Career Services and Workforce Education within public and private universities, as well as Washington state community colleges. Most recently, she served as an Internship Development Coordinator on an innovation project within Workforce Development at Tacoma Community College. She is excited to continue supporting Workforce Development in Pierce County. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English (creative writing) from University of Washington, Seattle where she studied Attic Greek, Literature and writing Fiction and Poetry. She is happy to collaborate with others towards the shared goal of improving the lives of students through education at Pierce College.