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Internships & Co-Op Education

What is an Internship or Co-Op?

An internship or co-op experience is a hands-on work experience where students apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to a professional work setting. An internship is different from a short-term job or volunteer work because there is an intentional “learning agenda” structured into the experience. During internships, students are supervised by someone at the organization who helps them meet their goals and reflect actively on what they are learning throughout the experience.

Characteristics of an Internship or Co-Op:

Duration anywhere from one month to one year, but typical experience usually lasts from three to six months.
Should balance the work needs of the organization and the learning goals of the intern.
May be part-time or full-time, for credit or not for credit, and paid or unpaid,

Which Programs Require Internships?

Many of EICC’s career and technical programs offer an internship component for students to earn credit towards their degree. Some internships are optional and others are required. Contact your advisor or program faculty at your EICC campus for more information.

How do Students Find Internships or Co-Op Experiences?

Depending on the program you are pursuing, you can work directly with faculty to arrange or locate an internship, or contact your on-campus career services representative. If you aren’t pursuing a program that requires an internship, it is still recommended that you consider an internship to gain valuable work experience. Local employers also post internship opportunities via EICC’s College Central site for you to search directly.

Contact your local EICC Career Services Coordinator below and set-up an appointment.

Questions? Call toll-free 1-888-336-3907, email eiccinfo@eicc.edu or contact the college nearest you and ask to speak to an advisor.

Clinton Community College, 563-244-7000
Muscatine Community College, 563-288-6000
Scott Community College, 563-441-4000

It is the policy of Eastern Iowa Community College District not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status, as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Debora J. Sullivan, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator, Eastern Iowa Community College District, 101 West Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801, 563-336-3487, djsullivan@eicc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, Illinois 60661-7204, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576, OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.