Field Experience Internship Program
Kalamazoo College has a strong, historical commitment to experiential education - "learning-by-doing." Internships provide a framework and venue for this learning within a real-world context. The benefits of participating in a pre-professional experience during your college years are multifaceted. The experience provides a context for career readiness involving the exploration of potential vocational possibilities to form short- and long-term career goals tailored to an individual's talents and interests. You will be able to "try on" a career before you feel the pressures to choose a certain career path due to previous training and financial commitments.
Internships have been recognized as a vital component of the K-Plan and the College's commitment to this type of experiential education is demonstrated by officially recognizing internships enrolled in Field Experience Internship Program on your academic transcript.
Enrolling in the Field Experience Internship Program
Enrollment materials for the Field Experience Internship Program become available online during Winter Quarter of each academic year. In order for your internship to qualify, it must:
- Be registered in the program before the start of your internship
- Be a minimum of 6 weeks in duration
- Be 32 hours/week for a total of 198 hours
Additional requirements for the Field Experience Internship Program include:
- Completion of Learning Contract with your internship supervisor in order to mutually establish goals for your skill development, learning, and contribution to the organization during your internship
- Submission of Weekly Reflections throughout your internship
- Completion of Reflective Assignment at the conclusion of your internship
Funding through the Field Experience Internship Program
The Center for Career Development offers the opportunity for students who have enrolled in the Field Experience Internship Program to apply for additional funding up to $1500 depending on the donor year. This funding is called the Field Experience Internship Grant. As a part of the enrollment process, you must also answer a series of questions in addition to the general enrollment form.
The Center for Career Development does not guarantee that all those that apply for funding will receive a grant; it is heavily dependent upon the donor year.
If the internship you secure is abroad, you may also apply for the Beeler Grant through the Center for International Programs.
Benefits of the Field Experience Internship Program
- First-hand experience in a chosen field of interest
- Learning goals and reflection
- One-on-one time with a seasoned professional
- Networking
- Enhancement of your professional and personal skills
- Possible funding
- Free on-campus housing for internships in Kalamazoo
- Transcript notation