51论坛

Definition: An Internship is a structured, career-related experience where students apply knowledge in a professional environment. Internships range from 5 to 15 weeks and typically require 10 to 40 hours/week. Internships can take place during the fall or spring semester or during the summer.

NOVA students participating in internships can choose to apply to take a Coordinated Internship course, which allows them to earn academic credit for their internship experience.

Example: NOVA has partnered with the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Asian Art to hire 5 students every summer to participate in their internship program. Over the past 5 years, the NMAA has hired 25 NOVA students to be interns in museum curation, research, finance, IT, and more.

Definition: A Micro-Internship or Project-Based Internship is a short-term, paid, professional assignment that is similar to the type of work typically given to a new hire or intern. These opportunities generally last 20 to 40 hours total and are completed in person or remotely over a few days to a few weeks. Due to the short timeframe, students will support the mission of an organization by engaging in a defined project.

Examples: 

• In 2023, NOVA’s Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LASS) Department established a Humanities to Career Program. This initiative integrates career-readiness skills into the LASS curriculum by providing professional skills training, work-based learning experiences, and career navigation support. Through the micro-internship program, LASS faculty advisors recruit and guide students throughout the work-based learning experience. The overarching goal is to strengthen career outcomes for LASS majors while sustaining the relevance and viability of the liberal arts and humanities as career pathways for future generations. Instead of employer-funded compensation, the LASS Division provides the micro-internship stipend.
• In Summer 2025, NOVA’s Business Engagement team partnered with NOVA Workforce and the NOVA IET Department to pilot a program where a select of students who have an A+ or Data+ IT certification do a 40-hour on-the-job Mirco-Internship with the IET staff who help run the college’s technology infrastructure.

Definition: A Pre-Apprenticeship is a program that prepares students for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP). Pre-apprenticeships typically last a few weeks to months and may or may not be paid. NOVA offers both academic and workforce pre-apprenticeship programs.

Examples: NOVA Workforce partnered with Amazon Web Service’s AWS Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship (I2PA) program. I2PA is a paid 4-week program, where students work 30 hours each week preparing to enter careers that build, connect, power, and operate the infrastructure that powers our information economy. Training is hands-on, working with the tools and materials used on the job. Everything the students need is included: Protective gear, supplies, and a laptop computer.

NOVA Workforce has also partnered with Google to connect students to their Google STAR program. The Google Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) Program is a short-term training program preparing new-to-industry talent for entry-level careers in construction and the skilled trades. By supporting these initiatives in the data center communities, Google is working to help create a robust workforce of skilled, local, and underinvested talent to bolster each region's growth.

NOVA’s Information and Engineering Technology Department has created a Career Scholars program that gives high school students the opportunity to pursue an apprenticeship in the Engineering Technology Field. Students participate in a summer bridge program that gives them a structured introduction to the college environment and to the data center industry or semiconductor industry and the career opportunities available. Next, Career Scholars complete NOVA's Data Center Operations (DCO) career studies certificate (CSC) or an Engineering Technology Technician CSC focusing on the semiconductor field. Upon completion, students receive a guaranteed interview for an apprenticeship in the semiconductor industry or an internship with a data center of semiconductor partner. Learn more about the Engineering Technology Career Scholars Program.

Definition: An apprenticeship enables employers to provide employees with a holistic talent development program through high-quality education, industry-recognized credentials, and on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities.  administers Virginia's Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program. Registered Apprenticeship creates earn-while-you-learn models that provide occupation-specific training. Virginia's community colleges serve as providers of the required Related Technical Instruction (RTI) that supports Work-Based Learning (WBL). Community colleges deliver valuable training and RTI for various employers, businesses, and sponsors. Employers who wish to start RA programs can .

Example: NOVA’s automotive technology program partnered with General Motors to create GM’s Automotive Service Educational Program (GMASEP). GMASEP is a collaboration between General Motors, local GM-affiliated dealerships, and NOVA. Students spend half of the semester in the classroom and the other half working at their sponsoring dealership. At the end of the two years (five semesters), students earn an associate degree and 80% of the requirements needed to be certified as a GM technician. Students may continue to work at the dealership after they have graduated. Learn more about GMASEP.

Definition: A Co-op is a paid experience that connects classroom instruction and practical work experience. The work experience should relate directly to the student’s individual interests, abilities, and goals as well as the courses in which the student is enrolled.

Example: NOVA has partnered with Peraton’s Procurement division who has a co-op program for students pursuing a degree in Contract Management. Students spend a year pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Contract Management, then interns with Peraton for 10-weeks on a part-time basis, then complete a semester-long, full-time internship with Peraton, before returning to NOVA to complete their Associate Degree. After they have graduated, they are eligible to be offered a full-time role by Peraton in the contract management space.

Definition: An Entrepreneurship allows students to explore entrepreneurial concepts from idea to inception, business planning, enterprising, and growing a business. During an entrepreneurship experience, the student plans, implements, operates, and assumes financial risks in a business that produces goods or delivers services. The entrepreneurship student owns the business assets and keeps financial records to determine return on investments. An entrepreneurship experience provides students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to become established in their own business or to gain employment. An integral part of the experience includes the submission of a business plan by the student. The inclusion of a business mentor is highly recommended to help guide the student through the planning and implementation process.

Example: While NOVA does not currently offer formal entrepreneurship programs, we are eager to collaborate with employers who can help develop such opportunities.