Internships
An internship is an experience where a high school student learns by taking on a responsible role as a worker in a company or organization and then observing and reflecting on what happened while they were in the workplace. The Internship Program is a supplement to formal classroom instruction. Its intent is to significantly add to the vitality of the instructional program and to impact the courses that a student has taken or will take. The expected outcomes of this experience for the students include:
- Increased self-esteem and personal growth derived from successfully meeting new interpersonal and intellectual challenges
- Acquired new skills and knowledge
- Increased exposure to various work roles and career choices
- Increased understanding of the relationship between school-based learning and the work experience
- Increased opportunities for high school students to explore areas of academic, career, or service interests
- Development of positive relationships between the internship program, the school, and the community
The goals of the internship program are to help the student:
- Develop good work habits
- Experience personal growth
- Strengthen communication skills
- Gain an awareness of the community's vast resources and the world of work
A student must complete 90 work hours (1/2 credit) or 180 hours (1 credit) to complete an internship.
Internships do not have to correspond with the school calendar. Students are free to make application and begin an internship anytime during the school year. Credit and grades are assigned after the student completes all requirements and submits all work to the certified staff sponsor. A student may complete two internships each school year. They may occur in the fall, spring, summer, or any combination.
Contact the Career Development Coordinator (CDC) at your school to initiate an internship.
What's the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship?
Internship Requirements - What needs to be done to successfully complete the Internship? This also includes the grading rubric.
Responsibilities - Who does what before, during, and after the internship?
Making the Most of Your Internship - Tips about making this a great experience.
Internship Application (Word 124 KB) - Form to be completed by the student to indicate a desire to participate in the internship program.
Internship Agreement (Word 108 KB) - Form signed by all to agree on responsibilities.
Internship Timesheet (Word 120 KB) - Timesheet completed by the intern to document time spent working on the internship.
The Internship Journal - Information about creating and keeping a journal to document your internship experience.
The Internship Project - Your internship experience will contain a project that lets you show off your ability to do real work.
The Internship Presentation - Conclude your Internship with a presentation of what you have learned.
Student Internship Evaluation (Word 136 KB) - Evaluation form completed by the student at the completion of the internship.
Business Sponsor's Internship Evaluation (Word 60 KB) - Evaluation form completed by the business sponsor at the completion of the internship.
Find the course numbers for the Internship courses in the High School Program Planning Guide.
Wake County Public School System programs are staffed and offered without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political affiliation, or disability.