Want to learn more about the Ventura College Internship Program? You can offer our students experiential learning opportunities like internships and externships. Learn more below.
Experiential Learning
Ventura College offers opportunities for students to gain experiential learning so that they can enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers and jobs. There are two ways to participate: internships and externships.
These programs offer students’ academic credit opportunities related to their internship experience with your organization. . Our students are looking forward to the opportunity to become a part of your organization!
Internships
An internship program can be a cost-effective method to increase your visibility on campus or online and for identifying potential candidates for future, full-time hires. Internships are the perfect opportunity for students to gain experience by jumping into specific activities that are required for the job. Internship positions can be either paid or unpaid, and students can earn academic credit for both. With an internship, students can learn about your organization, gain knowledge, and learn new skills like public speaking, creative design, and more!
Externships
Externships are training programs established by institutions or organizations that provide experience-based learning to externs. During this program, externs observe a worker in their workplace environment and are able to ask questions. This learning program is normally a much shorter amount of time than an internship. Think of an externship as a job shadow.
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Comparison
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Internship
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Externship
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Definition
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On the job training
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An experience to learn
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Purpose
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Interns are given firsthand experience
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Job shadow
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Payment
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May or may not be provided
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May or may not be provided
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Time spent
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Six to eighteen weeks
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One to four weeks
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Intensity of position
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More than an externship
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Less than an internship
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Academic Credit
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Available
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Available
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First Steps to Offering an Internship/Externship
An internship is a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work, related to a student’s field of study or career interest. An internship gives each student the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to learn new skills. Students can bring ideas to life in the workplace with their enthusiasm and energy. With our internship program your organization can develop local talent and potentially gather future full-time employees.
1. Decide if the position is an internship
When offering an internship or externship, keep in mind that a quality internship:
- Consists of a part-time work schedule that includes no more than 25% clerical or administrative duties.
- Provides a clear job/project description for the work experience.
- Orients the student to the organization, its culture and proposed work assignment(s).
- Helps the student develop and achieve learning goals.
- Offers regular feedback to the student intern.
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, an internship or externship can offer students the opportunity to use skills that can transfer to a future career with your organization.
2. Create a Position Description
Once you have identified the internship or externship duties, create a position description. This will outline:
- Tasks and duties associated with the position.
- The supervisor who will oversee the intern and provide mentorship, oversight, and guidance.
- The type of position, location, hours, and pay rate.
- Minimum qualifications and/or requirements.
- The application process.
3. Complete an Application
It is important to complete the above application for participation in our internship program at Ventura College. Complete the application and submit it via email to vccareer@vcccd.edu along with the position description.
For more information, please contact the Career Center via phone at (805) 289-6473 or via email at vccareer@vcccd.edu.
