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Your internship will steer you in the direction of a career.

Every Oak Valley student completes at least a one semester internship by the time they are a junior. This real-world experience often turns into a job opportunity or career pursuit. Many students complete two or more internships in order to gain a variety of skills and experiences.

Internship Process

You are required to participate in at least one internship during your eight semesters. Generally, students start the internship selection process during their sophomore semesters and complete their first one-semester internship as a sophomore or junior.

Many students extend their internships beyond a single semester as the company or organization hosting them offers increasing responsibilities or opportunities. However, you are not required to stay with a single internship or employer and may wish to explore another opportunity before you graduate.

Selecting an internship seems daunting, but like everything else, once you receive a bit of counseling and hear about what other students are doing for their internships, you will get comfortable and identify an opportunity that fits what you want to explore.

Exploration is a great ideal for an internship. This is your chance to identify an opportunity that stretches you, while allowing you to showcase some of your skills, passions, and interests. Most companies and organizations are comfortable working with interns and understand the need to balance school and work responsibilities.

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Intern Hosts

Internship placements and hosts are as varied and diverse as the students at Oak Valley. Small companies, large multi-national businesses, nonprofits, ministries, and government agencies have hosted Oak Valley interns. Below are some examples.

  • A recent student worked for a private company’s HR department to develop a “buddy” program to onboard and orient new employees. The internship allowed the student to develop experience in HR, project management, and presentation skills.

  • A student worked for a nonprofit focusing on all aspects of accounting including analyzing financial statements, preparing budgets, and processing invoices and collecting donations.

  • A student worked on a marketing project for a start-up company, including branding, social media, and marketing plan development.

  • An Oak Valley student worked on a project analyzing the supply chain process including optimizing inventory management and analyzing the efficiency of operations.

Success Stories

  • A woman with straight black hair smiling at the camera, wearing a white top.

    "Oak Valley College prepared me for the business world while creating an outstanding learning environment and great support system. With the skills I am learning I will be able to use my degree to better my life."

    Joesanna, Class of 2023

  • Photo of a young man with glasses, a beard, and a blue plaid shirt, smiling against a plain background.

    “I came to Oak Valley to learn about God while acquiring my bachelor’s degree. Here, I receive a great education and graduate debt free in less than four years.”

    Brett, Class of 2024

  • A young woman with long black hair smiling outdoors near green plants and a wooden fence, wearing a pink shirt.

    “Oak Valley College has been an enriching educational experience. I have learned many things that will help me in my future with the bonus of making new friends with my cohort.”

    Yulisa, Class of 2023

  • A man wearing glasses and a blue checkered shirt, smiling outdoors with trees in the background.

    “Attending Oak Valley College has been better than I expected. It has been amazing to have an opportunity to learn from professors with real life business experience alongside a cohort who makes sure we are succeeding together”

    Michael, Class of 2023

  • Smiling teenage boy outdoors with greenery and a wooden fence in the background.

    “My experience at Oak Valley College has been completely amazing. The cohort system is like my family because we are always helping each other. I have been able to learn so much about business and with the background in theology, I feel comfortable enough to be a disciple of Christ. Oak Valley College not only has provided me with the degree that I need but also with the knowledge that I will need to have a successful business.”

    Daryn, Class of 2023

  • A young woman with long blonde wavy hair, smiling, wearing a red patterned top, against a gray background.

    “Attending Oak Valley College has been one of the most rewarding and challenging decisions I have ever made. I am so thankful for all the life lessons, wisdom, and experiences I have had so far. I know God is using this education to prepare me for the purposes He has for me, now and in the future.”

    Julia, Class of 2024

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Ready to host an intern?

Hosting an intern is easy. If you have a project or open seat in your office and can find a productive opportunity for a eager young business student, that is about all it takes. Unpaid internships are often one day per week, while paid internships can range from one day to 20 hours per week. Below are things to consider.

  • If you have a 40-80 hour project that can be done over a 3-4 month period, consider an intern.

  • Consider an intern for a part-time temporary role and experience if an internship is right for you and your organization. Oftentimes, a short-term temporary role grows into a full-time career for an intern and meets the organic need of an organization.

  • Mentoring a student is a great way to identify a prospective intern. Several Oak Valley mentors have created internships for their mentee after they got to know each other.