Internships: The Value of Internships and How to Obtain One

Participating in an internship is one way a student can explore a career pathway, gain valuable hands-on experience, and often fulfills program requirements. Internships should be paid and/or for credit. Most Professional Technical pathways require an internship course within their program map, however, any student may choose to participate in an internship, volunteer, work-based learning or other experiential learning experiences.

An internship is considered an extension of the classroom where students can observe real-world practices, participate in activities, and receive feedback from their site supervisor. When completed for credit, specific learning objectives, set number of hours, or other class-specific requirements may be necessary. In general, an internship is usually for one term but may last longer. Often, a work study or student hourly position may be combined with an internship. They may be part-time or full-time and can vary between in person, hybrid, or remote.

Additionally, internships may help students to confirm their future career pathway or to help narrow down what niche of a pathway a student may want to focus on after graduation. These can help students to build their professional network and may ultimately lead to an offer of permanent employment or connection to other employment opportunities. It could help a student to realize that they may need additional training for the position they are seeking or want to pivot their career pathway in a different direction.

Planning ahead for an internship is critical. Much like finding a job, securing an internship that meets the needs of the program, the employer, and the student may take some time and planning. It is recommended that students start preparing and searching for an internship one to two terms before the term they want to complete their internship. For example, a student who is interested in completing an internship during spring term may begin the process during the middle of the fall term. In many programs, it is the student’s responsibility to secure an internship.

When applying for an internship, we recommend that students have a current and professional resume, cover letter, and know the internship requirements (if any) for their pathway. We also recommend students meet with their adviser to discuss the program requirements and if there are already existing relationships with employers. To prepare for an interview and the internship, students should know and be prepared to discuss their future career goals and strengths.

Students can search and apply for internship online through Handshake using their Pierce College student credentials. While companies may not be able to pay, or even have an internship posted, students may choose to contact them professionally to see if they would be open to an internship, volunteer, or job shadow opportunity. In addition to Handshake, students may explore internship options through other sites such as: LinkedIn, Volunteer Match, or WorkSource Washington

For assistance with preparing for or searching for an internship, Job & Career Connections can help. Stop by during our drop-in hours or make an appointment for help with an internship search, creating or updating a resume and cover letter, or preparing for an interview or mock interview!

Start Next Quarter Survey – Not Just for New Students

The Start Next Quarter survey is a quick and easy tool that anyone, at any point in their education, can complete to see if they may be eligible for Workforce programs, funding and connect with Workforce Development. This short survey asks a few questions to determine if a student may be eligible for Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET), Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and/or WorkFirst. Upon completion, individuals are invited to sign up for a day to meet with a staff member in person during our drop-in hours, for a phone call between 9 and 11 a.m. on a specific day of your choice (Monday through Friday) or request contact from a Workforce staff member. Together, we will look at eligibility results from the survey and provide you with the next steps.

Go to Start Next Quarter to fill out the short survey. Please share the link to Start Next Quarter with anyone interested in attending Pierce College.

Job & Career Connections Summer Hours

Monday to Thursday – 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. drop-ins and afternoon appointments

  • Fort Steilacoom Campus – Cascade Building Welcome Center
  • Puyallup Campus – Gaspard Administration Building Student Success Center

Friday* 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. virtual drop-ins via phone or Teams

* During the Summer Pierce College closes at 12 noon on Fridays.

Is Your 2025-2026 FAFSA or WAFSA Completed?

Summer quarter 2025 starts Pierce College’s next Financial Aid year. Remember to complete your 2025-2026 FAFSA or WAFSA. Each year is determined separately and an application must be submitted each year. Be sure to check your student portal in CTC Link for updates from Financial Aid on any awards or needed items. Check the Financial Aid Priority Timelines and tuition due dates.

Gerard Tedpahogo, our MDC Collocated staff, can assist with completing the applications and financial aid documents. Available for remote and in-person support at the Puyallup Campus, Fort Steilacoom Campus, and JBLM Stone Education Center.

Download the Handshake App

Handshake is available as an App from the App Store or Google Play. Why download the app? Using the App means you can search for and apply to internships, work study, and part time jobs right from your phone and at your convenience. Search for upcoming events or scroll through the feed with posting by fellow students and employers. The app also features a Quick Apply option to enable students to apply to jobs in two clicks.