Field Experience Program
Career readiness is the ability to apply one’s experiences and self-knowledge to the formation and pursuit of career goals. It is the development of transferable skills and attributes that allow students to succeed in a changing job market. As students explore a range of interests and possibilities that are increasingly challenging and require higher levels of responsibility, they develop the essential attributes of flexibility, adaptability, self-confidence and maturity. By the conclusion of their college career, students have a repertoire of skills that will facilitate their transition from the world of academics to the world of work.
Internships help students determine their major and provide valuable career-related experience. In a typical year, about 80 percent of Kalamazoo students choose to participate in a field-based career development experience. The Center for Career and Professional Development helps students access information on thousands of internships worldwide.
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 the Field Experience Program on your academic transcript.
Definition: Internship
An internship is defined as a position with specific work assignments within an organization under the supervision of a professional who has made the commitment to provide orientation, on-going training, and evaluation. (Independent research consulting a professional is not eligible.)
There are many benefits to participating in an internship, including:
- 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
Criteria: Field Experience Program
In order for your internship to qualify for the Field Experience Program, it must:
- Be registered in the program before its start
- Be a minimum of 6 weeks in duration
- Be 32 hours/week for a total of 192 hours
Decisions about funding through the Field Experience Program are made by the Experiential Education Committee based on the strength of an applicant’s answers to the following questions:
- Describe the specific roles, responsibilities, and learning opportunities you will engage in during your internship. What will you learn?
- In addition to what you expect to accomplish at your internship site, what other resources, facilities, and/or professionals do you intend to access (either at the internship site or within the region)? Who will teach you?
Three Types of Internships
Within the Field Experience Program there are three types of opportunities:
Unique to Kalamazoo College and new in 2009, these are opportunities extended only to K students by K alumni. Students are able to develop a professional working relationship with their alumni sponsor, learn about the “real-world” applications of their liberal arts education, and contribute their skills and energy to the work of their placement. These internships come with a $1500 stipend.
Community Building Internships
These internships began in 2007 as a partnership between the CCPD, the MJUISL, and various Kalamazoo community organizations. Community Building Internships allow student to work in the city of Kalamazoo during the summer months. The purpose of this internship program is to provide a way for Kalamazoo College students to become involved in the city of Kalamazoo and build powerful partnerships with community organizations.
These are internships sought and secured by students who research, identify, and apply for opportunities particularly suited to their professional aspirations. Students can learn more about the process of finding an internship here [https://reason.kzoo.edu/ccd/services/search/]. Students elect whether or not to seek Field Experience funding for their internship when they enroll in the Field Experience Program.
Enrolling in the Field Experience Program
Enrollment materials for the Field Experience Program become available online during Winter Quarter of each academic year.
