By Betsy Natter

Many institutions of higher learning offer real-world work activities as part of their educational program and the benefits to students are easy to appreciate. Skill development in their career of choice and exposure to professionals in specific fields provides invaluable experience for students. But benefits exist for the employers as well and Bucks County colleges are encouraging businesses to take advantage of their programs for mutual benefit.

Students at both Bucks County Community College and Delaware Valley University are looking for opportunities to work within specific industries related to their career path and to provide hands-on assistance to their assigned companies for the duration of their scheduled work experience. Program participants come highly motivated to learn and participate within their fields as well as explore new ideas and career paths. Delaware Valley’s E360 Program specifically stresses the importance of “integrating classroom knowledge with real-world experience” with the outcome of developing well-rounded leaders for the future. Students are typically supervised by a faculty member and are required to reflect upon their experience for course credit.

Other benefits for employers are the new ideas, perspectives and technologies that students bring to the workplace from their classrooms. BCCC’s program guidelines stress that employers too are able to learn from the wealth of academic resources that students bring to the job.

Business supervisors are required to provide meaningful work and help the students to set learning objectives and evaluate their work in light of the skills they develop. Many businesses find that they are able to train and evaluate potential employees through internship programs and many hire their former interns upon graduation.

Internships vary in length and can be designed to meet the needs of employers as long as specific program guidelines are met. Positions can be full or part time and can be paid or unpaid, although both schools encourage businesses to follow the U.S. Department of Labor’s criteria for internship programs.

All requirements, benefits, guidelines and program details are available from each school on their respective websites. Bucks County Community College’s Internship Program is organized through the Center for Student Employment and Career Development. Delaware Valley University’s Experience360 Program is scheduled by the Center for Student Professional Development.

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