Internships & Fieldwork
Gain real-world experience, develop your professional skills, and build strong industry connections through field placements beginning in your very first year.
Real-World Opportunities & Field Placements
At Champlain, we’re committed to providing you with the best internships and fieldwork opportunities. That’s why we’ve developed strong relationships with the local business community and nonprofit organizations to connect you and help you gain early experience across Vermont and around the world.
Our career-focused programs allow you to begin taking major-specific courses at the beginning of your studies so that you are well-prepared for internships as early as the summer after your first year. You’ll have an advantage in the competitive job market with this early exposure to professional skills. Many Burlington-area companies choose Champlain College candidates for internships because students are known to be well-prepared, eager to learn, and have valuable real-world expertise.
Why are internships important?
Experience in Your Field
Internships provide hands-on experience in your chosen profession, bridging the gap between theory and practice and allowing you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Professional Skill Development
Internships enhance your professional skills, strengthen your resume, and make you more competitive in the job market after graduation.
Cultural Immersion
Our diverse international internships allow you to immerse yourself in different cultures, broadening your global perspective and fostering personal growth.
Strong Industry Connections
Our established relationships with local businesses and non-profit organizations create a wealth of internship opportunities, giving you a unique advantage in securing meaningful and impactful internships in Vermont and beyond.
92%
Percent of students over the last six years who completed at least 1 internship during their time at Champlain College.
82%
Students Completed Experiential Learning
of graduates from the Class of 2023 participated in at least one experiential learning opportunity, such as an internship, before graduating.
Right from freshman year—my first semester—I had an internship. And that’s something a lot of schools don’t do, and it’s something I really appreciate, too. It helped me build my confidence and be able to articulate when I don’t understand and ask, “Can you please explain it to me?” That’s something I was never taught or knew I was able to say.
Laila Martinez ’25, Computer & Digital Forensics | Chicago, IL
International Internships
Everyone’s heard of internships and studying abroad in college, but what about having an internship while you study abroad? That’s the kind of real-world experience you’ll be encouraged to pursue at Champlain — ones that aren’t just resume-building, but life-changing. The world is waiting for you!
Learn about the Freeman Foundation Grant for International Internships
Student Teaching & Community Field Placements
For some majors, including Education and Social Work, you’ll get out into the field during your first year or even first semester. Our supportive faculty and trusted partners in the surrounding area open doors to Vermont elementary, middle, and high schools—in rural, small towns and urban settings—and opportunities to strengthen and deepen your perspective by working with New Americans, English Language Learners (ELLs), and diverse learners.
Your Future Starts Now
“Champlain graduates bring hands-on and real-life experience they’ve attained through their internship programs. They’re really ready to contribute as part of the team.
Heather Adams, Director of Human Resources, Logic Supply
Internships
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More Inside Career-Focused Academics
Upside-Down Curriculum
Champlain emphasizes practical, hands-on learning early and often. Our Upside-Down Curriculum gets you into major-specific classes early in your college career allowing you to practice your skills often through multiple internships and cooperative experiences.
Core Curriculum
At Champlain, we embrace an unconventional academic model because we know that our job is to give students the skills needed for a career AND for life-long growth.
InSight Program
Success is about more than landing a great job. It's also about living your best life! Get ready to cultivate the skills and knowledge you need to grow and thrive for a lifetime.
Studio Experiences
We have a different approach to education—one that gets you ready for work by letting you get to work on real projects. Introducing the Studio Experience.
Centers of Experience
Taking classes in your major is one thing—doing it in the real world is another. Champlain’s Centers of Experience bridge that gap by inviting students to work on real projects, challenges, and research in agency-like settings.
Internships & Fieldwork
Gain real-world experience, develop your professional skills, and build strong industry connections through field placements beginning in your very first year.