Research shows college students who complete internships are more likely to be hired and often by the same employer. Yet many community college students delay participating in these experiences, often believing internships should wait until after transferring to a four-year institution. TCC is changing that narrative.
Launched in 2023, the TCC Career Internship Academy was designed to connect students with meaningful, paid work experience early in their academic pursuit while also helping regional employers build a skilled talent pipeline.
“We were intentional about developing a program that offered flexible options since many of our students are balancing work schedules, family responsibilities, and course demands,” says Mark Hays, director of TCC Career Services.
The Academy provides students with a hands-on learning experience with local employers while earning a paycheck from the employer. Upon successful completion of their internship, students also receive a $1,000 stipend applied directly to their TCC bursar account, thanks to the TCC Foundation.
Recognizing not all students can participate in a traditional nine-to-five internship, the Academy also offers virtual job simulations through partnerships with national employers.
“These short, asynchronous experiences allow students the opportunity to complete real-world projects designed by Fortune 500 companies, earn certificates, and explore career pathways on their own time, often after hours,” says Hays.
Employer partnerships are at the heart of the Academy’s success and include organizations such as Tulsa Responds, Fastenal, and Quality Signs & Banners.
In just two years, 45 students have completed internships through the Academy, with an additional 25 participating during this current academic year. Several have already been hired into full-time roles, while others have built relationships that position them for future employment after completing their education.
“Even when students do not immediately transition into full-time roles, the experience strengthens their résumés and prepares them to compete in today’s workforce,” says Hays.
One student who has directly benefited from the Career Internship Academy is Andrew Jimenez, a Business Administration major who is interning with Tulsa Responds through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. He was drawn to the internship because of the amount of experience he could gain, as well as the opportunity to help low-income Tulsans with their taxes.
“Through the training, I learned about the different complications people face with new tax changes each year,” says Jimenez, whose main responsibilities include entering documents and checking if the clients qualify for any additional credits or deductions. “This is actually my first year doing my own tax return, so it opened my eyes to things I hadn’t considered before.”
He also likes the flexible work schedule the internship provides. “I can work mornings or afternoons—which really helped me.
On Fridays, I work mornings because I don’t have class, and I sometimes work Saturdays because that’s when many people come in to file their taxes.”