Internships at Lewiston-Auburn College

Doing an internship is an integral part of the LAC student experience. Its main purpose is to help students transition from being a student to being a professional in a field of his or her choice- whether that includes graduate school, paid work in the student’s chosen field, and/or volunteer work- or advancing to a higher professional level.  To that end, the internship can be a highly effective way to achieve personal and professional goals. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to apply key learning concepts acquired in the classroom to real work environments, further enhancing your learning experience. The internship can also help students learn more about possible career choices and help them confirm their career decisions. Additionally, the internship gives students invaluable opportunities to create powerful professional networks. Many students report that their internship has been one of the most valuable learning experiences they have had at LAC!

Internships give students the opportunity to significantly advance their career goals. It is important, therefore, for students to carefully select their internship sites so that they can learn valuable skills and acquire important knowledge related to their field of choice. Some students are even hired by their internship organizations when both student and organization see that there is an excellent fit. To that end, you should view your internship as a unique opportunity to prepare you for your role as a professional after graduation or completion of graduate school. If you are already in a professional role but plan to change fields, the internship can help you gain skills needed to make that transition.

All LOS, SBS, NAS and HUM students are required, as part of their program, to do a 3-credit hour internship (120 field hours). Some elect to do more credit hours (up to 6) after seeking approval from their faculty advisor. The internship is accompanied by an online course that deepens students' understanding of workplace issues. Rarely, a student may find the internship unnecessary if he or she is already working as a professional in his or her field of choice. If this applies to you, you should see your faculty advisor to determine if a course waiver is appropriate. Students who work full time and are unsure as to how they can do an internship should meet with the Director of Field Experiences in order to work out a beneficial arrangement.

Read the Internship Handbook from the link below for complete information about the internship. Contact the Director of Field Experiences to discuss any questions you may have about your internship. As you plan and participate in your internship, you may find it helpful to meet with her often. She encourages students to meet with her as frequently as they wish in order to ensure that they have a successful internship experience.

• Internship manual
• Information About the Career Development Series (PDF) | (Word Doc)
• Career Development Courses
  
  
• Flow Chart for Students Taking the Career Development Series SBS/HUM/LOS/SCI 369 (formerly LCC 340), 413 (formerly LCC 400) and 447 (formerly LCC 450)
  
  
  
• Forms
• Learning contract (PDF) | (Word Doc)
• Plan of action (PDF) | (Word Doc)
• Internship agreement (PDF) | (Word Doc)

For More information on internships at LAC please contact Leigh Mundhenk, 753-6581.