Gaining Real-World Experience at North Seattle College
At North Seattle College, many career-focused programs include opportunities for students to gain practical, hands-on experience before they graduate.
Students in programs such as Bookkeeping, Business Technology Management, Marketing, Project Management, and the Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in International Accounting and International Business complete required internships as part of their coursework. These internships are designed to help students apply classroom learning in professional settings and better understand what to expect in the workplace.
Internships are completed through structured courses -- CWE 110 for certificate and associate degree programs, and CWE 495 for bachelor’s programs. Students earn three academic credits while completing close to 100 hours of supervised work experience during a single quarter. This allows students to build professional skills without extending their time to degree completion.
Throughout the internship process, students work with the internship program coordinator, who helps them identify opportunities that align with their academic background and career interests. The goal is to ensure each placement is relevant and provides meaningful learning experiences. Student and employer feedback reflects the value of these internships:
- All participating students report high levels of satisfaction with their internship experience
- Most employers indicate that NSC interns meet or exceed expectations
- Many host organizations choose to work with NSC interns again in future quarters
Students often describe gaining a clearer understanding of how their work fits into larger organizational goals. “The more questions I asked, the more I learned about the bigger picture my individual tasks contributed to,” said Isla Elkins, a CWE 110 student.
Bachelor’s students also report increased confidence as they develop new skills in professional environments. “I was nervous going into my internship because I didn’t have much hands-on experience with tax preparation, but being willing to listen and work through challenges helped me feel more confident in my ability to succeed,” said Ariel Anastas, a CWE 495 student.
For some students, internships provide a low-risk way to explore a new career direction. “It can be intimidating to step away from your current career, but an internship is a practical way to test the waters and gain experience,” said Rylee Nelson, also a CWE 495 student.
Local businesses and organizations partner with North Seattle College to host interns, gaining support from motivated students who bring current academic knowledge and a fresh perspective. For many employers, internships become a way to identify potential long-term employees and strengthen connections with the local workforce.
Whether students are building resumes, expanding professional networks, or exploring career options, internships at North Seattle College offer a structured way to gain experience before entering the job market. To learn more about internships at North, attend an information session on April 30 from 12-12:30 via Zoom.
To learn more about internships at North, visit NSC's internships page, email North Internships, or call (206) 934-3790 or attend an information session on April 30 from 12-12:30 via Zoom.
