1. Student Life
  2. Columbia College Career Services Center
  3. Get real-world work experience

Get real-world work experience

Internships give you hands-on experience in professional work settings. 

An internship can serve as a trial-run for your chosen field. This experience allows you to explore your future career in more depth, gain professional skills outside of the academic setting, and network with others in the profession.

Find an internship

We connect  students with more than 300,000 national employers who are seeking both employees and interns. Career Services can help you prepare for your internship by assisting with your search. We can provide guidance as you develop a professional resume and individual cover letters for each position. We can also schedule opportunities for you to practice your interview skills.

Internships can be in traditional work settings, or they can come from volunteer opportunities that lead to internships. They can also be virtual positions that allow you to conduct work remotely.

Prior to your internship, you'll develop learning objectives that outline how it meets your academic, career and personal goals.

 
 
Studdent intern talking to customer.

Main Campus Internship program details

Internships typically count for between one and three credit hours, regardless of whether the internship is paid or unpaid.

Most departments have unique internship eligibility requirements. In general, you'll need to have at least 60 credit hours and maintain a 2.5 GPA to conduct an internship.

Internships conducted during the school year are covered by your semester tuition. During the summer, internships that are counted toward credit will be charged per credit hour based on the evening program tuition rate.

Before registering for an internship class, you'll need an internship contract approved by our Career Services Center.

CC Global Internship program details

Internship experiences are open to students taking classes online or at a venue nationwide. Most departments have unique internship eligibility requirements. In general, you'll need to have at least 60 credit hours and maintain a 2.5 GPA to conduct an internship.

Some internships will not fit into the eight-week academic session. If this is the case, a student can start an internship earlier than the first day of classes. Students should discuss this option with the Career Center.

Internships typically count for between one and three credit hours, regardless of whether the internship is paid or unpaid. Credit cannot be given for an internship conducted in the past. Internships cost the same per-credit-hour tuition rate as you pay for classes. 

Student intern talking on phone.
 
 
 
 

Internships can lead to your dream job

Internships are a great first step as you prepare to enter the workforce or advance in your career. Apply today to get a comprehensive education that includes internship opportunities.

Apply to Columbia College today
Apply with the Common Application
 
 

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