Frequently Asked Questions

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Please select one:

 

Student FAQs

• • Is Work Experience required?

    Requirements vary. Some certificate and degree programs require Work Experience or an Internship, others offer Work Experience as an elective.

  • Do I have to take any pre-requisite courses before I can enroll in Work Experience?

    Possibly. Each discipline has specific requirements. Some departments require you to complete pre-requisite courses or concurrently enroll in a course. Please contact the Career Specialist to learn more.

  • Can international students enroll in Work Experience?

    Yes. Work Experience is considered co-curricular training. Please consult the International Student Center to determine if additional paperwork will be needed.

  • Do I need to have a job to enroll in a Work Experience course?

    You must have a job or volunteer position at an approved site. You will need to meet with the Career Specialist to determine if your position/site is approvable. If you do not have a job at an approved site, assistance to identify opportunities will be provided.

  • I’m currently volunteering without pay. Can I get Work Experience credit?

    Possibly. You must be volunteering in a role that relates to your program of study at an approved site. You will need to meet with the Career Specialist to determine if your position/site is approvable.

  • Will I be paid for my work?

    Possibly. Opportunities may be paid or unpaid, depending on the site. 

  • Can I use my current employer?

    Possibly, if your position aligns with your program of study, and if your supervisor agrees to participate in the Work Experience program and provide you with new learning objectives.

  • I don’t have a site, can you place me?

    No. The college is unable to place students or insist that a site host you. The Career Specialist is available to help you identify opportunities and make connections with potential sites in your field. Sites will require you to interview and it will be up to them to offer you a position.

  • Is help provided to find a site?

    Yes. Securing a site is a competitive process. You may have to complete a job application, submit a resume, and interview. The Career Specialist can help you develop your job search documents and hone your interview skills, as well as, identify potential opportunities.

  • When should I begin my search for a site?

    The process of finding a site may take several weeks or even months depending upon the industry. It will also take time to complete the necessary paperwork and to obtain an approved Learning Contract; therefore you are encouraged to begin the process the term prior to the term in which you want to enroll.

  • Can I take a Work Experience course more than once?

    Yes. You can take up to 16 units of Work Experience, however, you will be required to have new learning objectives each time.

 

Prospective WE/Internship Site FAQs

• • What is the difference between an internship and work experience?

    Both terms are used to describe a beneficial pre-professional experience related to a student’s major or career plans. “Work Experience” is the term used by the California Department of Education to identify a course of study that meets Title V guidelines for academic credit. Within the Business Division, courses may be titled “Work Experience” or “Internship” depending upon the program of study.

  • Who covers the students under workers compensation insurance?

    If the position is paid, it will be the employer’s responsibility to cover the student. If the position is unpaid, the college will cover the student under our workers compensation policy.

  • Will you refer a student to me immediately?

    No. Work Experience must align with the academic term. Typically, students are referred to sites for interviews the term prior to when they wish to enroll in Work Experience. Additionally, not all disciplines offer Work Experience every term.

  • Are students pre-screened?

    Yes. The Career Specialist will meet with the student to determine their goals, skills, and availability, prior to making any referrals. WE/Internship sites make all decisions related to interviews and selection.

  • Am I obligated to host students referred to me?

    No. Sites are expected to interview students. Only students deemed to be a good fit, should be offered a position.

  • Am I obligated to keep the student if they are not meeting satisfactory standards?

    No. Students should be held to the same standards as employees. Students are expected to abide by WE/Internship site rules and regulations. Failure to do so may subject a student to disciplinary action by the site and be reflected in the supervisor's evaluation of the student.

  • Do WE/Internship sites have to hire Work Experience students once the term has ended?

    No. Although many sites convert Work Experience students to Part-Time or Full-Time paid status, there is no obligation to do so after the term concludes.

  • Is it possible to keep a student for an entire year?

    Yes. Students may earn up to 16 units of Work Experience credit, permitting students to enroll in consecutive terms, however, students will be required to have new learning objectives each term.

  • How do I get started?

    Your organization is a likely candidate to participate if it can provide the minimum work hours required for students, professional supervision and mentorship, and a meaningful learning experience. Please contact the Career Specialist to indicate your interest.