Experiential and Applied Learning
Are you an employer with opportunities you'd like to share with DCC students? Whether you want to post a job, join a career fair, visit a class or recruit on campus, we’d love to hear from you!
GET IN TOUCHCollege and career don’t need to be separate! At DCC, you can gain hands-on experience in your chosen field while pursuing your education, setting yourself up for success both now and in the future.
Learn by Doing
Experiential and applied learning goes beyond the classroom. From internships and practicums to community service and student employment, you’ll gain real-world skills, build connections, and strengthen your resume for life after DCC.
A Strong Career Start
“I found my paid, local accounting internship on Handshake! The platform made it easy to find the internship I wanted. My career seems promising now that I found an internship through Handshake."
Melody Sanni-Thomas
DCC Accounting, AAS ’24
What is Experiential and Applied Learning?
The State University of New York (SUNY) defines applied learning as “an educational approach whereby students learn by engaging in direct application of skills, theories and models.” It’s a powerful way to bridge theory and practice, preparing you to excel both academically and in your career.
OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE
Student Employment and Internships
Many DCC students work to support themselves or offset tuition costs. Did you know your job or internship—paid or unpaid—can also help you build skills and connections? DCC offers opportunities both on- and off-campus to help you grow professionally while learning valuable skills.
LEARN MORE
Service Learning
Service Learning at DCC gives you the chance to make a difference in the community. You’ll apply classroom knowledge, build experience and explore career paths—all while earning college credit. It’s a hands-on way to learn, grow and give back!
LEARN MORE
Capstone and Portfolio Courses
Demonstrate your skills through real-world projects. Whether you're aiming for a job or planning to transfer, courses like capstone projects in Electrical Technology and Architectural Technology and final-year portfolios in Visual Arts and other majors help you stand out.
EXPLORE PROGRAMS
Clinicals and Practicums
For fields like healthcare, human services and education, hands-on experience is essential. DCC offers major-specific clinicals and practicums designed to prepare you for success in your career.
EXPLORE PROGRAMS
Events
DCC offers a variety of career, job, and internship events year-round, including the annual career fair, Dress for Success, health career fairs and the Black History Month STEM panel.
Join the Empire State Service Corps!
Do you want to serve the community, make a difference, build lifelong skills, gain hands-on experience, and get paid? Get all of this and more through the Empire State Service Corps.
Frequently Asked Questions
From assisting in the library or tutoring to working in an office, such as marketing, athletics or admissions, on-campus jobs offer flexible schedules and valuable experience. These roles may align with your major or help you explore new interests, all while contributing to the DCC community.
- Talk to Your Faculty Member and Academic Advisor
They will explain how an internship will fit into your program and help you think about what you want to learn from the experience. If you are a human services, nursing or education student, you are required to speak with a faculty member before securing an internship. - Decide if Your internship Will Be Paid or Unpaid
Paid internships can be found on Handshake. Support for unpaid internships may be available through the SUNY Internship Grant Program. If you need assistance with this stage of the process, contact the Workforce Pathways Coordinator. - Choose the Semester for Your Internship
If you plan to take the internship for college credit, you should complete it during the fall or spring semester. - Get Help with Your Resume and Apply for Positions
The coaches in DCC's Academic, Career & Transfer (ACT) Center will assist you with your resume, applications and interview prep! - Secure Your Internship and Complete the Required Forms
To earn college credit, you must complete the Release from Liability and Learning Agreement. Make sure it's signed by your internship site contact and faculty member. - Register for the Course (If Applicable) and Complete Your Internship!
If you're earning college credit for your internship, you'll need to register for the appropriate course.
Many majors offer the opportunity to earn college credit for internships. Below are a few examples*:
- Accounting (ACC) – ACC 260: Internship in Accounting
- Business – BUS 290: Business Internship
- Communications & Media Arts (COM) – COM 261: Communications & Media Arts Internship
- Hospitality & Tourism (HNT) – BUS 290: Hospitality Internship
- Humanities and Social Sciences (LAH) - GOV 807-811: Public Service Internship I, II, III & IV
- Paralegal (PAL) – PAL 290: Paralegal Internship
* Course offerings vary by semester. For a complete and updated list of courses, consult your academic advisor and visit the DCC Catalog.
Here’s a sample* list of courses that might include a portfolio, capstone project, or service learning component:
- Architectural Technology (ARC) – ARC 240 (capstone)
- Visual Arts (VAT) – ART 262 (portfolio capstone course)
- Construction Technology Management (CNS)– CNS 240 (capstone project)
- Computer Information Systems (CIS) – CIS 265 (capstone course with internship or vendor certification option; designed for matriculated CIS/CNC/WAC students)
- Geology – GLG 124 (possible service learning project within Earth Science (EDS) education major)
- Electrical Technology (ELT) – ELT 250 (capstone course)
* Course offerings vary by semester, and service learning opportunities are not guaranteed. Contact your instructor to verify whether or not a service learning component will be included in your course.
For a complete and updated list of courses, consult your academic advisor and visit the DCC Catalog.
Some majors and programs at DCC require practicum or clinical placements as part of their curriculum. Below is a sample* list of programs that typically include these requirements:
- Aviation Science: Pilot (AVI): Yes (multiple flight labs and practicum courses).
- Education: Yes (multiple practicum courses).
- Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (PAR), A.A.S. and Paramedic Certificate (PRR): Yes (clinicals).
- Human Services: Yes (multiple practicum courses).
- Medical and Allied Health: Varies (clinicals and hands-on testing are common within these programs).
- Nursing (NUR): Yes (clinicals).
- Performing, Visual Arts & Communications: Varies (Performing Arts: Theatre Track requires practicum; Performing Arts: Music Track requires performance courses).
* Course and program requirements are subject to change, and specific details may vary. Consult the your academic advisor and visit the DCC Catalog for the most complete and up-to-date information.
Visit the Academic, Career & Transfer (ACT) Center at DCC for assistance with writing and updating your resume, searching for jobs and internships, preparing for interviews and more!
There are also free online tools, such as MyPerfectResume, that provide templates and step-by-step instructions to help you showcase your skills and experience.
Resources
Contact Us
Dr. Linda Haas Manley, Workforce Pathways Coordinator
219 Bowne Hall
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Call or email for appointment
Phone: 845-431-8904
Email: linda.haasmanley@sunydutchess.edu
53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601