Work-Based Learning: Information for Students
Internships & Learning into Action - Information For Students
Turn classroom learning into real-world experience while earning academic credit. Skagit Valley College offers two work-based learning pathways: Academic Internships and Learning Into Action.
Use this page to explore the benefits of each pathway, review the steps and requirements, access forms and checklists, and find answers to common questions. When you are ready to begin, connect with the Cooperative Education Coordinator or a faculty sponsor to determine which option best supports your academic and career goals.
Get Started: Academic Internship | Learning into Action (LIA)
Academic Internship
Learning Contract and Objectives
- Apply classroom knowledge in real-world professional environments.
- Develop practical, career-ready skills through hands-on experience.
- Earn academic credit while gaining valuable work experience.
- Explore career paths and clarify professional goals.
- Build meaningful relationships with industry professionals and expand your network.
- Strengthen your resume with relevant experience that employers value.
- Gain confidence in a professional work environment while developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Students are responsible for finding their internship placement.
Students are strongly encouraged to begin searching for internships at least one quarter in advance from when their program map has the internship course listed.
Coming Soon: In November, Skagit Valley College is excited to launch Handshake as a centralized, student-friendly platform for finding internships and jobs. This page will be updated with login information once the platform is live. In the meantime, visit the current SVC student job board for postings and explore additional strategies for identifying possible internship placements.
Complete your Profile: Add in checklist here
Update your resume: Insert resume resources here
Save Searches: Create customized search alerts to receive notifications when new internship opportunities matching your criteria are posted. Keep in mind that new opportunities are posted every week.
Vary your search terms: Use different keywords and combinations to broaden your results. If you are not finding opportunities that match your interests, try using fewer filters. Overly specific search criteria may exclude relevant opportunities.
Save internships that interest you: Save promising internship opportunities so you can easily find them later. Saving opportunities can also help Handshake recommend similar postings and provide reminders about upcoming deadlines.
Follow employers: Follow employers that interest you to receive notifications when they post new jobs or internship opportunities.
Save searches: Create customized search alerts to receive notifications when new internship opportunities matching your criteria are posted.
Previous SVC Internship Sites: Reach out to the SVC Cooperative Education Coordinator to learn about organizations that have previously hosted SVC interns. These established connections are already familiar with SVC’s internship program and may be interested in hosting another intern.
Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC): Explore EDASC’s Data Hub – Industries and Clusters (EDASC Industries & Clusters) to identify leading employers throughout the Skagit County region. Students can also explore the EDASC Job Board to discover current employment and internship opportunities with local employers. Companies | Skagit Job Board
Social Media: Many organizations post internships and job announcements on their social media channels. Follow organizations across multiple platforms (such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) to stay in the loop.
Ask your Instructors: Visit your instructors during office hours and ask them if they know of any industry contacts or organizations that could offer a meaningful internship or job opportunity.
Local Chamber of Commerce: Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce to learn about area employers, networking opportunities, and community events. Chambers may also be able to connect you with local organizations, share your information, or help introduce you to employers seeking interns.
Some employers will be open to creating an internship opportunity, even if they do not have a current opening posted. Below are some possible strategies for contacting employers to inquire about interning with them.
Write an Inquiry Letter: Inquiry letters are used to contact companies and organizations that may not have posted or advertised internship opportunities. Letters can be sent by email or by mail. Remember emails are very easy to delete; businesses always open hardcopy letters. Insert Writing an Inquiry Letter PDF.
If you know someone in the organization, ask them for a contact name to send the letter to.
If you don’t know anyone, begin by researching companies and organizations online. Try to identify a manager who would be responsible for hires in your field.
Not everyone you contact will be interested in your proposal to be an intern. Send letters to multiple organizations at the same time.
Phone Call: A phone call can be an effective way to introduce yourself and determine whether an employer may be open to discussing an internship opportunity. A brief, professional conversation can help you identify the appropriate contact and create an opportunity for further discussion.
Tips
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- Prepare a brief introduction before calling.
- State your name, school, program of study, and that you are seeking an internship for academic credit.
- Ask whether the organization would be open to discussing an internship opportunity.
- If you reach the wrong person, ask for the appropriate contact.
- Be professional, courteous, and respectful of the employer's time.
Benefits
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- Establishes a personal connection.
- Allows you to communicate your interest and qualifications directly.
- Helps you identify the appropriate contact.
- Provides an opportunity for immediate feedback and follow up.
Stop by in Person: Depending on the organization and work environment, stopping by in person can be an effective way to introduce yourself and inquire about internship opportunities. An in-person visit allows you to demonstrate professionalism, confidence, and genuine interest in the organization.
Tips
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- Research the organization before visiting.
- Dress appropriately and bring a copy of your resume.
- Choose an appropriate time to visit and be mindful of busy periods.
- Briefly introduce yourself, school, program of study, and that you are seeking an internship for academic credit.
- Ask whether someone responsible for hiring or internships is available.
- If they are unavailable, ask for the best way to follow up.
Benefits
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- Creates a face-to-face connection.
- Demonstrates professionalism and initiative.
- Provides an opportunity to learn more about the organization.
- Can lead to a direct contact for follow up.
Skagit Valley College’s Disability Access Services (DAS) is committed to ensuring equal access to educational programs, services, and activities for qualified students with disabilities. For students completing academic internships, DAS can work with students, faculty, and other appropriate partners to identify and implement reasonable accommodations that support access to the internship experience while maintaining the academic standards and requirements of the program.
Students are encouraged to connect with DAS as early as possible to discuss potential accommodations and develop an appropriate plan for their internship experience.
Learn More About Disability Access Services: Visit the Disability Access Services webpage or contact DAS staff to discuss accommodations and support.
Disclosing Disability & Requesting Accommodations: Deciding whether, when, and how to disclose a disability during an internship is a personal decision. Students who are considering disclosure or requesting accommodations from an internship site can use the resource below to learn more about factors to consider, potential approaches, and available options.
To complete an academic internship for college credit, follow these steps:
- Meet with the Cooperative Education Coordinator to review internship requirements, degree program expectations, and course structure.
- Secure an internship opportunity and contact the Cooperative Education Coordinator to receive a registration permission code.
- Register for the appropriate internship course and select the desired number of credits.
- Complete your Learning Contract and Learning Objectives in collaboration with your internship supervisor and faculty sponsor.
- Begin your internship experience and apply your academic learning in a professional setting.
These steps apply to the following programs: AT 199, BUS 199, DSL 199, ENVC 199, ENVC 499, MIT 199, and WT 199.
Students in ECED, EDUC, FIRE, HSERV, MT, and NURS programs should consult with their respective faculty members regarding program-specific internship requirements.
Finding the right internship takes planning and preparation. Students are encouraged to begin their search at least one quarter before they plan to complete their academic internship.
- Activate your free Handshake student account using your SVC email to explore available internship and job opportunities.
- Connect with your instructors and SVC faculty members, as many have relationships with local employers and industry partners.
- Research organizations and opportunities that align with your academic program and career goals.
- Contact the Cooperative Education Coordinator for guidance, resources, and additional support throughout the internship search process.
Yes. Students may be able to use their current employment to fulfill an academic internship requirement if the position aligns with their program of study and provides opportunities to develop new skills.
To receive approval, students must identify meaningful Learning Objectives that extend beyond their regular job responsibilities and demonstrate the application of academic knowledge in a professional setting.
Contact the Cooperative Education Coordinator to discuss eligibility and internship requirements.
Most students complete their academic internship during their second year of study or after completing several quarters of coursework. Students should consult with their program's faculty or the Cooperative Education Coordinator to determine when they have developed the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in a professional setting.
Students can learn more about academic internships by reaching out the Cooperative Education Coordinator and reviewing the Student Advising Checklist, Learning Contract & Objectives available at the top of this webpage.
- The number of credits a student can successfully complete is typically determined by available work hours and time commitment.
- Students earn one credit for every 33 hours of internship work completed during the quarter. In addition to work hours, students must complete required assignments and Learning Objectives for their registered credits. Taking more than five Cooperative Education credits can be challenging and should be discussed with your faculty advisor and the Cooperative Education Coordinator before registering.
- Students enrolling in additional credits during Summer Quarter should plan carefully, as the quarter is typically shorter and requires the same credit-to-hour expectations within a condensed timeframe.
- The Course Syllabus provides detailed information about required assignments, due dates, and resources to support your success in the course.
- The first required assignments are the Learning Contract and Learning Objectives, which must be completed and approved before beginning your internship experience.
- Additional course requirements completed throughout the quarter include:
- Supervisor Evaluation
- Student Self-Evaluation
- Internship Time Sheet
- Final Reflection Paper
- Updated Resume
- Release of Information
- Students should review the syllabus carefully and communicate with the Cooperative Education Coordinator throughout the quarter with any questions.
- Workplace concerns are best addressed promptly and professionally. If you experience a conflict with a coworker, begin by communicating with your worksite supervisor to discuss the situation and determine an appropriate resolution.
- If your concern involves your supervisor, the workplace environment, or your overall internship experience, contact the SVC Cooperative Education Coordinator for guidance and support.
Learning into Action
Learning Contract and Objectives
- Apply classroom learning and skills into practice through real-world projects and experiences.
- Strengthen problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
- Complete projects that demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and accomplishments.
- Connect your education to personal interests, career goals, and potential career paths.
- Receive academic guidance and feedback while developing and achieving clear learning objectives.
- Gain insight from your experience while supporting your academic and personal development.
- Receive elective credit while gaining practical experience that supports future coursework and career readiness.
- Your Faculty Sponsor is a faculty member who will provide academic guidance and support throughout your Learning into Action (LIA) project. You should identify a faculty member whose area of expertise or academic discipline aligns with your project.
- Start by considering faculty members you have taken courses with or whose subject area is related to your project. Reach out to discuss your LIA plans, explain how the experience connects to your academic goals, and ask if they would be willing to serve as your Faculty Sponsor.
- If you are unsure who would be an appropriate Faculty Sponsor, contact your Cooperative Education Coordinator for guidance and assistance identifying a faculty member.
- The Course Syllabus provides detailed information about required assignments, due dates, and resources to support your success in the course.
- The first required assignments are the Learning Contract and Learning Objectives, which must be completed and approved before beginning your LIA experience.
- Additional course requirements completed throughout the quarter include:
- Supervisor Evaluation
- Student Self-Evaluation
- Time Sheet
- Final Reflection Paper
- Updated Resume
- Release of Information
- Students should review the syllabus carefully and communicate with the Cooperative Education Coordinator throughout the quarter with any questions.
Joe Amaral (he/him/his)
Co-op Educational Coordinator
Lewis Hall 114-B, Mount Vernon Campus
360.416.7774
coop@skagit.edu
Whidbey Island students who prefer a face-to-face meeting may ask for a meeting to take place at the Whidbey Island Campus.
