Student Internships

Students may enroll in ITR200 after meeting these prerequisites:

• Mathematics proficiency.
• Successful completion of PRO100: Introduction to the Professional Portfolio.

PRO100 helps students develop career readiness skills such as career planning, job search strategies, and interview techniques, and guides them in creating a professional-style profile, resume, and online portfolio. Students should discuss timing and eligibility with their Academic Advisor or the Internship Coordinator before registering.

Students should begin planning their internship at least 8 weeks before the start of the semester in which they want to take ITR200. This allows time to confirm eligibility, identify and secure an approved site, and complete any required forms.

To get started:

1. Talk with your Academic Advisor about when to take PRO100 and ITR200 and how they fit into your program plan.
2. Meet or correspond with the Internship Coordinator to discuss interests, internship options, and next steps.
3. Search for opportunities using NSCC-recommended job search tools and resources, and follow guidance on resumes, cover letters, and interviewing.

​Once a site is identified, complete the required internship forms so the experience can be approved and connected to ITR200.

Internship forms:

• Internship Agreement - Part A (to be completed by student)
• Internship Agreement - Part B (to be completed by supervisor)
• Internship Performance Evaluation (to be completed once the internship experience is complete)

ITR200 is required in several degree and certificate programs and is also available as an open elective in others.

Programs that require internship:

• Accounting
• Digital and Social Marketing
• Digital Video Production Certificate
• Executive Administrative Assistant
• Graphic Design – Integrated Media
• Graphic Design – Print
• Horticulture

Majors where ITR200 can be used as an open elective:

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity and Computer Networking
• Liberal Arts

ITR200 combines your internship site experience with academic assignments that connect work and classroom learning. 

Participating students:

• Complete at least 120 hours at an approved internship site over one semester.
• Work approximately 10–15 hours per week, following a schedule arranged with the employer.
• Develop and practice workplace communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and professional behavior.
• ​Reflect on their learning and professional development through course assignments and regular check-ins with the instructor.

During the internship, students are expected to behave as emerging professionals while also meeting academic requirements. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Arriving on time and maintaining a consistent schedule agreed upon with the employer.
• Communicating regularly with the on-site supervisor and course instructor.
• Completing course assignments on time and participating in any required meetings or reflections.
• Following the host organization’s policies, procedures, and codes of conduct, including confidentiality and ethical guidelines.

The relationship between student and employer is designed to be educational and mutually beneficial, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and clear expectations

• The standard term is 120 hours per semester, typically over 10–15 hours per week.
• Students generally should not resign before completing all required hours. If an early resignation is necessary, it must be discussed in advance with the Internship Coordinator and Faculty Coordinator.
• If a student is terminated (“fired”), they must notify the Internship Coordinator immediately. Placement in a new internship depends on extenuating circumstances.
• Compensation (if offered) is subject to federal and state taxes, as well as social security.
• Internship work may be paid or unpaid, either is acceptable. Whether paid or unpaid should be made clear in the job posting.

NSCC provides internship forms and tools to support every stage of the process. Students have access to:

Internship forms:
Internship registration and approval forms to formalize their placement for ITR200.

• Internship Agreement - Part A (to be completed by student)
• Internship Agreement - Part B (to be completed by supervisor)
• Internship Performance Evaluation (to be completed once the internship experience is complete)

​Job search resources:
Includes resume and cover letter guidance, search platforms, and interviewing tips, to help locate and secure an appropriate internship.

• Handshake
• Indeed
• O*Net Online
• MassHire Career Information System
• NSCC job placement board
• My Next Move
• CareerOneStop

These resources complement PRO100 and ITR200 and help students become more competitive and confident in the internship and job market.

NSCC students have completed internships with a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, schools, health centers, and private companies. Examples of past host sites include:

• Axcelis
• Beverly Hospital
• Ebenezer Tax & Services
• Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School
• Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce
• The Greater Boston Food Bank
• Jaguar Graphics
• LEO Inc.
• Lynn Community Health Center
• North Shore Chamber of Commerce
• Salem High School
• Salem Pantry