Work Experience Education
The Work Experience Education (WEE) program, coordinated through Student Employment Services, pairs students with internship opportunities related to their field of study. These pairings range from profit or non-profit agencies and expose students to real-world experiences by participating in daily workplace activities and learning how to navigate within workplace cultures. Students earn college credit while acquiring skill development in their field of study to make effective career choices and develop lifetime career choices as they enter the workforce.
Students Benefits
Work Experience Education (WEE)
Work Experience Education (WEE) enables students to compare their career goals and expectations within specific career requirements. It offers hands on experiential learning providing the necessary on the job skills and networking to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation.
Work Experience Education (WEE)Eligibility Requirements for Students
1. Enrollment
Register for a Work Experience Education course (290-293) that is related to your declared major. Ensure that you have the time needed to commit towards an internship, that you have completed a mimimum of 3-4 core classes in your field of study. Students may be accepted through the second week of the semester ( first week of summer). Students may earn up to (4) units per semester and a maxium of sixteen units while attending SWC.
* Students who are working in their field of study and desire to use their place of employment may petition to waive a major requirement.
2. Internship Site
Before the first day of class, students must have a secured internship site with an approved employer in order to participate in Work Experience class. A resume is also required. If you would like assistance with finding an internship, interview preparation, resume building and or have questions please schedule an appointment via Handshake under MySWC Campus Apps.
Completing Hours for Academic Credit
Choose the number of credits (units) you wish to earn to figure out how many internship hours you'll need to complete. Hours are only counted between the start and end dates, within the semester timeframe.
| Work Experience Credits (Units) | Internship Hours Required |
|---|---|
| 1 Unit* | 54 hours |
| 2 Units | 108 hours |
| 3 Units | 162 hours |
| 4 Units | 216 hours |
* Only ADN and LEGAL Work Experience courses offer a one (1) unit option
Work Experience Education(WEE)Required Forms
STUDENTS PLEASE USE THESE FORMS: You will be expected to review and complete the following required documents for your Work Experience class:
- Work Experience Education Agreement
- Work Experience Education Internship Timesheet
- Work Experience Education Consultation Form
Work Experience Education (WEE) Program
The purpose of work experience education is to provide students with an integrated instructional program that provides opportunities to connect academic curricula to applied experiential learning in the workplace (Title 5.55250).
The Work Experience Education (WEE) program allows students to earn college credit through an internship (either paid or unpaid) related to their field of study. WEE utilizes the entire community as a laboratory; expanding network opportunities for students, gain knowledge, valuable skills and learn from leaders that will help students choose a clear path.
Additional information about Work Experience Alternative Course Credit Regulations can be found in the SWC Catalog.
Exploring Work Experience Education: Course Offerings Across Diverse Fields of Study
Work Experience Education (WEE) courses are offered in a structured series (290, 291, 292, 293), allowing students to progress through consecutive semesters and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields of study. Each course is designed to build on the previous one, providing students with valuable learning opportunities and practical skills that enhance their academic journey.
Additional Supporting Documents
Stipend Information: Students may be eligible to receive a stipend of $750. Stipends aim to provide financial assistant to help with expenses that may accrue while participating in an 'unpaid' internship.
- Learning Objectives Guide (PDF)
- Work Experience Education Student General Procedure (Coming Soon!)
- Work Experience Education Courses - Fall Semester Flyer (PDF)
- Work Experience Education Courses - Spring Semester Flyer (PDF)
- Work Experience Education Courses - Summer Semester Flyer (PDF)
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