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Academic Internship Program

What is an Internship?

The Academic Internship Program at Bellevue College (BC) provides an opportunity for you to earn college credit while working and learning in business, industry, government, and non-profit environments. You will apply knowledge and skills developed in the classroom to a work setting.

Internships empower students to practice existing skills, develop new ones, and gain valuable professional experience. By connecting with professionals in their field of study, students deepen their understanding of potential career paths while building networks that can shape their futures.

These structured, supervised professional experiences occur within approved organizations and are guided by clear learning objectives. Students earn academic credit while receiving support and mentorship from faculty members and workplace supervisors.

How do I get an Internship?

Step 1: Search Job/Internship Platforms (such as Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed)

  • Handshake
    • Handshake is a free internship and job search platform for you to access jobs, internships, and career events based on your interests and skills.
    • Set up your profile. Make sure to answer all the questions and complete all the stops on Handshake.
    • You will be able to search and apply for internships on the platform.
Handshake is the number one way college students find jobs and internships
  • LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor
    • When searching for internships on other platforms, type the job title and then the word “intern” next to it for best results. For example: Data Management Intern

Step 2: Create/Update your Resume

Step 3: Apply for Internships

  • Start exploring internship opportunities! Use the platforms’ filters to narrow down roles that align with your career goals and interests.
  • Follow all application instructions provided in the job posting.
  • Pro Tip 1: Apply for positions that have been posted in the last 2 weeks for best results!
  • Pro Tip 2: Download the job description for every position you apply to. You’ll need it for Step 4, preparing for interviews.

Step 4: Prepare for Interviews

College Credit for Internships

The Academic Internship Program offers college credit for internships.

Provides a framework to integrate practical work experience with academic goals. Participants develop solid learning objectives to guide their experience, document the experience for later use, and reflect upon what they have learned in order to connect their practical and academic work. Students must have an approved internship before registering. Prerequisite: Students must have an approved internship before registering. Permission of instructor is required. Fee: $14.00 Internship Professional Liability, charged once per year.

  • Receive advice and coaching from the internship coordinator (a faculty member) on managing workplace relations and career development
  • Internship classes are available every quarter including summer
  • EXPRL 191/2/3 credits meet elective requirements for most associate degree programs (EXPRL 191/2/3 are classified as “restricted” electives)
  • EXPRL 191/2/3 are variable credit classes that offer 1-5 academic credits depending on the total number of hours worked during the term enrolled:

1 credit = 50 hour • 2 credits = 100 hours • 3 credits = 150 hours

4 credits = 200 hours • 5 credits = 250 hours

Students document and reflect upon their internship experience to connect their learning to a real-world environment. Students will be advised by a faculty member and coached by an internship coordinator. Students must secure an approved internship before registering. Prerequisites: Students admitted to baccalaureate programs and with permission of instructors. Fee: $14.00 Internship Professional Liability, charged once per year.

  • Provides a structure to gain new skills, apply learning from the classroom in a real-world environment, and reflect on the internship experience
  • Assistance managing workplace relations and preparation for employment upon graduation
  • Students enrolled in the following BAS programs may do internships instead of capstone courses: Applied Accounting, Business Management and Technology, Cybersecurity, Database Management & Analysis, and Software Development/AI
  • Internships must be approved by Program Chairs/Managers and Internship Coordinator before beginning the internship
  • Most interns work 25 hours a week for a full term and earn 5 credits. Some students work full-time during the summer and earn 10 credits.
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Internships for International Students

International students participating in internships through the Academic Internship Program must meet specific requirements to comply with their visa regulations through the CPT process.

Please consult with your International Advisor to confirm eligibility and learn the next steps.

What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

CPT is a type of work authorization for international students on F-1 visas. It allows students to engage in off-campus internships or training directly related to their field of study and integral to their academic program. View the Off-Campus Work – Curricular Practical Training (CPT) International Education page.

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