NECC student interns Nick Mazzone and Esther Nieves with Bill Moynihan on right, chair of the NECC Board of Trustees.

In just two semesters Northern Essex Community College’s internship program has nearly doubled in size. The program started last spring when 11 business and journalism/communication students were placed in internships. This fall with the addition of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) students, 19 students participated.

Students work a minimum requirement of 14 hours per week over the course of a 12-week semester while earning three college credits.

Ashley Moore, the internship program coordinator, recognizes how important internships are for student success. “Internship experience is incredibly valuable to job seekers. Internship opportunities in college allow students to gain real world experience and to solidify their future career goals,” she says.

NECC CIS Prof Adrianna Holden-Gouveia; NECC intern employer Cecilia Buckles, Advertising That Works; intern Matthew Sibley, business major; and Bill Moynihan, chair, NECC Board of Trustee

The number of students hearing about the program is increasing. Moore already has 30 students looking for placement for spring semester, which will be the third semester of the program.

“After the success of the first pilot in Spring 2014, we anticipated the word to spread. We are very pleased to see the program’s growth and the increased interest from students at NECC. We are looking forward to continuing to expand our quality internship experience to more students and employers,” says Moore.

During the past two semesters the program has had 18 employer partners participate in offering internship opportunities for NECC students.

Throughout the course of the Internship program students acquire many skills, including professionalism in the work place, emailing and cell phone etiquette, dressing for success; improved verbal and written communication skills through journaling and attending a business etiquette luncheon; improved interview skills by participating in mock interviews; time management; and creating an updated and relevant resume.

NECC interns for fall 14 pose for a photo.

Journalism major Mike Alongi of Haverhill is currently enrolled in the internship II program at NECC and secured a position with The Lowell Sun as a sports writer. Alongi says “having an internship in college gives you a chance to learn on the job while receiving class credit. Internships open doors and opportunities that you didn’t even think existed.”

Esther Nieves, journalism major from Andover is an intern at 98.5 The Sports Hub. “Working for The Sports Hub has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned a lot over the past few months. I’ve developed career skills and a sense of professionalism. Everything I’ve learned will benefit me in my career goals as an aspiring sports broadcaster,” she says.

Students interested in the internship program are initially invited to attend an information session to help them make informed decisions about classes and work schedules. Students then have a mandatory meeting with their faculty coordinator and provide a resume and faculty approval form.

Employers who participate in the internship program assist in the hiring process, approve learning objectives, participate in site visits, and evaluate both the student and program to ensure continued quality.

Businesses and students interested in becoming involved in the NECC internship program should contact Ashley Moore at 978-556-3946 or amoore@necc.mass.edu