Course Syllabus

Welcome!

Practicums provide an opportunity for advanced students to supplement and enhance classroom training with real-world experience while earning academic credit for the work. Practicums are a vital link between academic training and professional employment because they provide an opportunity for students to apply and test what they have been learning in school. They are the beginning of a life-long, on-the-job learning process. Practicums provide current work experience in the field that can be listed on a résumé and they often lead to permanent employment.

This introduction and the Practicum Handbook documents referenced below comprise the syllabus for this student-directed work-based learning course. This course does not meet for regular class sessions, or provide interaction through this Canvas site. The purpose of this page and the Canvas course site is primarily to provide the resources you need to manage your practicum documentation, which is the primary evidence of your required 150 hours of practicum experience. 

NOTE: Due to Federal Financial Aid laws, students are required to complete their INDES 485 class during the quarter in which they enroll. If they do not, and receive an incomplete, they will have only one additional quarter in which to fulfill the course requirements (excluding summer). Failure to do so may result in loss of financial aid. 

If you have any questions, please email me directly at dan.beert@bellevuecollege.edu, not through the Canvas message system.

Course Requirements and Instructions

The following links provide an outline of the course requirements and a detailed explanation of how to successfully negotiate the practicum experience for college credit.

Course Syllabus

Student Practicum Handbook

Your primary source of instruction, including how to approach the job search process, identify your personal/professional goals, set up a profile in the CONNECT system, link your employer to your profile, and document your experiences. 

Employer Practicum Handbook

Much the same information as contained in the student version, but directed at the employer audience. You should share this with your employer, or direct their attention to specific sections, when needed.

Student Guide to CONNECT

How to use the CONNECT online career portal, managed by the Center for Career Connections at Bellevue College.

Addendum: CONNECT UPDATE 2017 Download CONNECT UPDATE 2017

The Student Guide provides a comprehensive overview, but the CCC hasn't updated the instructions since the user interface changed. This document shows the current interface for the:

• Student Home Page
• Internship Profile and My Internship page instructions
• Linking your profile to your employer's profile 
• How to Upload Required Documents

Internship Laws

Laws governing paid and unpaid internships. Be familiar with this before you negotiate for an internship. Unpaid internships are only allowed under specific conditions. Share this with your employer if you feel it is necessary, if you think they are taking advantage of you, or if you are wondering whether you should be paid for certain activities.

I wish you a successful and satisfying work experience!