Internships

    What is an Internship

    "Internship" is a MCPS course designed as a career-focused program in research, business, education, law, government, technology, medicine or social services. Students have opportunities to explore and clarify personal career interests and link school to work. Internships enable students to:

    • recognize how personal skills and talents fit into a career environment
    • form accurate perspectives of what skills and education are needed to be successfully employed and get promoted
    • apply academic learning to practical situations and bring new perspectives back to the classroom
    • develop effective interpersonal skills for the workplace

    When Can Students Enroll for Internships?

    Internships are available during both semesters and are usually taken during a student’s senior year. Students may register for triple, double or single period internships depending on the specific program. Internships located out of the building are scheduled only during the last periods of the school day.

    What Should Students Consider When Planning for An Internship?

    Students and parents should consider the following questions:

    • How many periods can I devote to an internship?
    • What extracurricular activities might conflict with my internship schedule?
    • Can I maintain an excellent attendance record at school and the workplace?
    • Am I expecting to work hard and demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills?
    • Am I self-disciplined enough to meet project deadlines, complete paperwork, follow procedures, communication with the intern coordinator, and attend scheduled meetings?
    • Can I provide my own transportation or use public transportation to commute to my internship site? Most internship positions are not paid. Interns must assume the expense of commuting. Parking spaces are NOT guaranteed. The assignment of parking spaces will give preference to carpools and completed application.

    What is Expected of an Intern?

    Interns will be working in a professional setting and are expected to act professionally. The intern is expected: to be punctual, to work hard, to act responsibly, to maintain confidentiality, and to dress appropriately throughout the internship experience. When determining an internship program, a prospective intern needs to evaluate his/her strengths and talents, interests and goals that can be offered to a prospective mentor through a professional resume. Placement procedures vary for each internship program. Students must clarify with the coordinator the established policies and procedures before any search begins. Final approval of the site rests with the intern coordinator.

    What are the Internship Course Requirements?

    Interns will be evaluated by the school coordinator using a variety of instruments. The course grade is based on the following:

    • coordinator site visit
    • completed intern assignments
    • the number of hours completed at the workplace (required minimum must be met to receive credit)
    • evaluation by mentor/site supervisor
    • intern produced reports
    • portfolios
    • oral presentations
    • All interns must attend orientation seminars at the beginning of each semester and periodically throughout the semester.

    How Many Hours are Required at the Site

    To satisfy MCPS requirements and receive course credit for an internship, the student must commit to scheduled weekly hours during the school day throughout the semester. For each period registered for internship, the student must complete a minimum of 75 hours per semester at the site. For a double period internship students need approximately 75 hours per quarter to meet the 150 semester hour requirement. Time spent commuting to and from the site is not included. Attendance is recorded at school and at the work site. Interns are also responsible for maintaining weekly logs signed by the site supervisors. Logs are submitted weekly to the school coordinator.

    What Must Be Considered About the Site?

    The following must be considered when searching for an appropriate internship site:

    • Work permits are required for interns under 18 years old.
    • Some sites require interns to be American citizens and/or over 18 years old
    • The intern must be supervised by an adult at all times.
    • The site must have at least two adult employees.
    • The site cannot be located in a private home and must be a safe work environment.
    • Interns may NOT routinely drive as part of the job, open /or close the business without adult supervision, transport money, perform work that requires strenuous lifting, work in or around motor vehicles or with heavy equipment.
    • Internships may NOT be primarily clerical type duties.
    • Students may not intern for parents or immediate family

    How Can I Apply?

    • Attend the Internship Information Seminar
    • Select an Internship Program
    • Complete the Common Internship Interest Google Form
    • Students must register for 7 classes.  During your registration meeting with your counselor your counselor will drop the classes you would like and add the internship.

    What If I have More Questions?

    Contact the specific program coordinators. Or for application forms, contact:

    Out-of-School Sites

    • Business/Law/Technology/Science/Psychology - Ms.Margaret Broe 
    • Education - Ms. Rebecca O'Neill
    • Humanities Signature Program - Ms. Michelle Hanson

    In-School Opportunities

    • Computer Maintenance - Mr. Robert Oslund
    • DNA Lab - Dr. Carlos Offutt
    • Education/Student Academic Center - Ms. Rebecca O'Neill
    • Media Center - Ms. Tammie Burk
    • TV Internship - Mr. Kenny Jacobs

    Documents