Internships 1 Seminar and Internships 2 Field Placement
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of this course combination?
A: The course is part of statewide work-based learning programs that combine academic study and practical work experience to develop students’ marketable skills and prepare them for a successful career.
Q: The schedule describes these courses as co-requisites. What does this mean?
A: As co-requisites, the classes must be taken concurrently, much the same as taking a chemistry class and chemistry lab at the same time. The one-unit seminar provides the classroom connection with the field placement.
Q: Is there a prerequisite for this course combination?
A: Yes. The prerequisite is successful completion (grade of C or better) of 5-15 units (varies by discipline) in a major field related to the internship placement.
Q: Can I take these courses more than once?
A: Yes. This course may be repeated two times.
Q: If I intend to transfer to a four-year college, will the college accept credits from these courses?
A: Credits currently are transferable to CSU. If you plan to transfer to a private college or university, check on transfer status with the counseling office or with the specific college or university.
Q: What work is required in the seminar and how am I graded?
A: Required work includes, but is not limited to, completing an application form, writing fieldwork learning objectives, writing weekly work journal entries, and participating in class activities and discussions. Grades are based on assignments and class attendance. Enrolled students can find specific information in the syllabus and Blackboard assignments folder.
Q: What do I learn in the seminar?
A: This seminar examines issues related to work and professional development. It provides the context to reflect on concrete experiences at the internship site and link these to classroom knowledge acquired in a student’s major field of study.
Q: This is a hybrid course. How does a hybrid course operate?
A: Hybrid courses combine online activities and face-to-face instruction that complement each other and give students flexibility. To succeed in the online portion of hybrid courses, students need to be self-motivated and have good computer skills.
Q: This course uses Blackboard. How does this operate?
A: Blackboard is an online course management system and one of the top e-learning systems in the world. When you register for the courses, you automatically are entered into the course on Blackboard. Posted in folders on Blackboard are class announcements, assignments, articles, guides, documents, syllabi, forms, and other materials students need for the class. Learn more about Blackboard.
Q: What do I learn in INTN 2 Field Placement?
A: Students work in carefully structured work environments in their planned career field. The internship allows for the application of discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities gained in the classroom.
Q: Does the College help me find an internship?
A: In most cases, yes, the College does help place students in internships; but there is no guarantee that an internship always will be available in a student’s major field of study.
Q: How many hours each week will I work in the internship?
A: Students typically work 15-20 hours each week.
Q: Are students paid for working in the internship?
A: Many internships are paid positions; rates will vary.
Q: INTN 2 is a variable credit course. What does this mean?
A: Students can earn one to three units for this class, depending upon how many hours they work each week. It is the student’s responsibility to register for the correct number of units. Units are awarded according to the number of hours worked (with a maximum of 3 units).
5 hours/paid work/week = 1 unit 4 hours/unpaid work/week = 1 unit
10 hours/paid work/week = 2 units 8 hours/unpaid work/week = 2 units
15 hours/paid work/week = 3 units 12 hours/unpaid work/week = 3 units
Q: What if my weekly work hours are not exactly 5, 10, or 15? What if my hours vary each week? What if my hours change during the semester?
A: Choose the closest number; if it is 12 or less, choose 2 units and if it is 13 or more, choose 3 units. If your hours vary, tally your total hours for a month and calculate the average per week. If your hours change significantly during the term, contact your instructor.
Q: How am I graded in INTN 2?
A: Students write learning objectives they will work on throughout the semester. Before the end of the semester, the work-site supervisor, instructor, and student will discuss the progress made on the student’s learning objectives. Based on the supervisor’s rating, the instructor will determine the overall grade.
