What is an internship?

To establish uniformity in the use and application of the term “internship,” National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) recommends the following definition:

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

The internship brings together three key players – the employer, the student intern, and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) and are a valuable experience for the entire community.

For Students

Am I eligible to complete an internship?

Where can I find employers offering internships?

Securing an internship placement is the responsibility of the student. Start networking and reaching out to companies at least one semester before you plan to intern. Register for Handshake and search for posted internships.

Many employers request a resume as part of the internship process. Use Optimal Resume to create a current, professional looking resume. Consider including: courses completed that may relate to the internship, previous work experience, any honors or awards received. Our staff is available to get you started with Optimal Resume. Career Advisors are available to review your resume and provide feedback.

What paperwork is needed to complete an internship?

BEFORE starting your internship, the following documents must be completed and submitted to College & Career Planning. Schedule an appointment with us early in the semester PRIOR to starting your internship to discuss the process and start submitting paperwork.

• Student should complete the Internship Application and return to Program Manager/Director for the course receiving internship credit
• Student should review Student Contract and Code of Ethics, initial, sign, and date, with a witness signature, and return to College & Career Planning
• Student must complete a COVID-19 Release Form and return it to College & Career Planning.
• Student to complete the Student Learning Plan, review with Employer and Program Manager/Director, and return to College & Career Planning
• Employer must complete the Contract and Employer Indemnity Agreement and return to College & Career Planning, along with current Certificate of Insurance

DURING your internship, hours and activities should be recorded on the Student Time Log/Journal
***Note: Specific programs may have additional forms that are required. Please check with the program manager/director for further clarification.***

For Employers

As an internship employer, you have the opportunity to provide exposure, training, and hands-on work experience within a field related to the programs offered at State College of Florida.

Associate in Science (A.S.) Degrees and Certificates

Baccalaureate Programs

How do I get my internship information to SCF students?

Employers are able to post job and internships opportunities on Handshake.  Complete the Employer Registration information and submit for review.  Once you receive email approval, you will be able to post openings on the site.  Handshake is accessible to all State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota students at all of our campuses, as well as alumni. 

What paperwork is needed from an employer to complete an internship?

Before a student is eligible to start their internship experience, the following documents must be completed and received by  College & Career Planning.

• Employer must complete the Contract and Employer Indemnity Agreement and return to College & Career Planning, along with current Certificate of Insurance
• Student to complete the Student Learning Plan,  review with Employer and Program Manager/Director, and return to College & Career Planning
• During the last week, a confidential Performance Evaluation should be completed and returned to College & Career Planning.

Considering offering an unpaid internship?

We want to be sure you are aware of how the Fair Labor Standards Act may affect you.  To avoid legal action, a for-profit employer may "hire" an unpaid intern only when the intern is the "primary beneficiary" of the position.  An easy test is to ask yourself "Who is benefiting the most from the internship - the intern or my organization?" The "primary beneficiary" can be determined by six non-exhaustive criteria.  Please be sure to refer to the US Department of Labor Fact Sheet below.

Review the US Department of Labor Fact Sheet to see if your opportunity passes the test for unpaid status.

For additional information regarding unpaid interns please review - Jackson/Lewis Primary Beneficiary Test

If you have questions or want additional information, please feel free to contact:

Michele Groves
Internship Coordinator/Career Advisor
941-752-5619
GrovesM@SCF.edu