Internships and Apprenticeships

An internship is a short-term work experience that helps an individual learn more about a career, company, or industry. Internships are designed to provide educational experiences related to an individual's career goals. Students or recent graduates generally hold internships. Some degree programs require an internship as part of the student's course of study. Internships can provide a student with firsthand career experience and help students gain job-related skills to bridge the gap between higher education and a career. Internships also help students and graduates build their resumes to show employers that they have experience in their field of study.

The Center for Student Careers and Employment regularly posts local, statewide, and national internships on SJC Get Hired. Log into SJC Get Hired with your San Juan College e-mail address and password. If you are having trouble logging in, please contact us at careercenter@sanjuancollege.edu.

Currently, the Center for Student Careers and Employment is able to place eligible students in off campus internship opportunities through state funding. If you are interested in becoming a Student Intern, complete a Request for Student Employment/Internship. 

Networking with employers can also lead to internship offers. Be sure to check our calendar of events and participate in events where employers come on to campus. The Center for Student Careers and Employment hosts an annual Career & Internship Fair each spring. SJC Get Hired also has a database of hundreds of employers to search through.

The following websites also have various internship opportunities available:

• New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Internship Portal
• USA Jobs Internships
• MANO Project Internships
• Chegg Internships
• Super Interns
• LinkedIn

There are many benefits to obtaining an internship.

• Gain experience and build your resume. Employers are always looking for graduates with the required education and hands-on, real-world experience.
• Improve your skill set. There are many skills that are learned on the job. We often refer to these as soft skills or job-related skills. These types of skills include communication, teamwork, handling conflict, work ethic, and time management.
• Gain insight. An internship will allow you to test out a career or field to see if it is really something you are interested in doing long-term.
• Grow your network. People you meet and work with on your internship will be able to be professional references for you and possibly provide you with letters of recommendation.
• Future job opportunities. Many companies hire interns as regular employees. If you make a good impression on an employer, it can open a door to employment.

Internships vary in length depending on the specific internship and organization it is with. Internships can be for a few weeks, a few months, over the summer, or during winter break. Ensure that you understand the duration of the internship so you can plan around your academic schedule.

Not all internships are paid. Some internships offer academic credit instead of pay. Before applying for an internship, be sure you know if it is unpaid. Taking on an unpaid internship means you will have to have financial support from elsewhere. Remember, you might still need to account for transportation to your internship site, food, and professional clothing. Whether paid or unpaid, internships do offer valuable experience as you enter the workforce. 

The first thing you will want to do is prepare your resume. Create a base resume that can easily be tailored to each specific internship opportunity that you apply to. Check out our resume resources to get started on your resume. Once you have completed your resume, e-mail it to us at careercenter@sanjuancollege.edu and we will be happy to provide you with feedback. 

Develop a plan and be smart in your search for internship opportunities. Contact our Student Internship & Apprenticeship Coordinator to assist you in developing a plan to prepare for an internship. 

Virtual or remote internships are done entirely via email, online chat, or phone. They typically offer lots of flexibility and remove the necessity of having to live in a certain geographical location. Virtual internships can easily fit into a busy college schedule and allow students to gain experience without having to commute to a specific location at a specific time. Check out SJC Get Hired for a full listing of virtual internships. 

Apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. An apprenticeship aims to prepare individuals for skilled occupations while equipping them with the practical experience that employers seek in applicants. Employers often ensure that program completers retain employment at an increased wage.

Employers work with San Juan College to identify the skills necessary to work in a specific occupation. Over the course of an apprenticeship program, participants master these skills through a combination of instruction and on-the-job application. Program length will vary depending on the complexity of the occupation. Participants earn wages while being trained. Program completers receive either a certificate of completion, college degree, or industry-recognized credential. Oftentimes, the employer will retain the employee at an increased wage. 

Apprenticeships last from one to six years. The length of an apprenticeship depends on the occupation model. Apprenticeships connect education and work simultaneously. Apprentices take classes while they are working, combining theoretical and hands-on learning.

Apprentices earn competitive wages, a paycheck from the first day of employment, and incremental raises as skill levels increase. Check out the Department of Labor Fact Sheet on apprentice earnings and statistics. 

Apprenticeships allow you to learn while you earn. In an apprenticeship, you will earn a paycheck and will have pay raises built-in as you increase your skill level. You will learn your trade with hands-on learning coupled with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships help you realize your career goals by providing a great salary and long-term career opportunities.

The first step to becoming an apprentice is to determine the trade or occupation you are interested in. Check out and take a six or 60-question assessment to help you see what occupations might be a good fit for you. 

Contact our Student Internship & Apprenticeship Coordinator to see what the minimum requirements are for the program. You will have to complete an application and then go through an interview and selection process. If you are selected, you will sign an apprenticeship agreement and registration form acknowledging the terms and conditions of the program.

The important thing to remember when pursuing an apprenticeship is to know the requirements before applying. Some apprenticeships will require that you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).

In addition to filling out forms, you may need to undergo aptitude or proficiency testing for some apprenticeships. These qualifying exams will measure reading, math, and problem-solving skills depending on the program. Sometimes, you must also pass a physical condition test. Not everyone who applies to an apprenticeship program will be accepted, and some aspiring apprentices will be placed on a waitlist, especially for popular apprenticeship programs.

We have the following programs approved as State Registered Apprenticeship Programs through the State of New Mexico.

• Commercial Driver
• Diesel Mechanic
• Automotive Technician
• Medical Assistant
• Computer User Support Specialist

If you are interested in learning more about these apprenticeship opportunities, contact our Apprenticeship Coordinator at 505-566-3220 or mccombet@sanjuancollege.edu