The Cooperative Work Experience counts for three credit hours within one semester. Prerequisite: completion of 30 credits or advisor approval.

Through a field externship/internship experiece, students apply their technical knowledge, skills and professionalism in a working kitchen. Students have the opportunity to observe and participate in an operation related to their field of study, gaining practical work experience prior to gradution.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF AN EXTERNSHIP?

The main objectives are to have the student observe and participate in the operation of successful businesses related to their field of study and to gain an understanding of an outside working organization. To achieve these objectives the student is required to work a minimum of 225 hours over a 15-week period. The Culinary Institute of Charleston will assist the student, if necessary, by providing approved externship sites.  The Culinary or Hospitality & Tourism Chair will coordinate and facilitate the program, providing feedback to the student.

WHERE DO EXTERNSHIPS COME FROM?

Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining and facilitating their externship subject to departmental approval.  Externships are developed through a variety of sources.  The majority of externships are referred by faculty, Advisory Board members, Chefs Council members or the Department Chairs. The students themselves can and are encouraged to generate externships if possible. 

WHAT EMPLOYMENT IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN EXTERNSHIP?

In order for a "job" to qualify for an externship, the work must be deemed “professionally meaningful” by the Department Chair and relate to the student’s general career path. If the student’s current employer is an approved externship site, the student will be required to work another position while on externship hours.

WHAT KIND OF PAY GOES WITH AN EXTERNSHIP?

Any monetary compensation for the externship is determined by the employer.

HOW DO EMPLOYERS SUBMIT POTENTIAL EXTERNSHIPS?

The employer contacts the Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Department Chairs to discuss available positions. The employer will fill out a job description form, which can be otained by email from Marion Sullivan at marion.sullivan@tridenttech.edu. 

If the student starts the initial contact, the potential employer must be willing to sign the student contract for Culinary or Hospitality Department approval.

HOW AND WHEN DO STUDENTS APPLY?

The student fills out the Application for Externship form, which can be found through the Hospitality, Tourism, & Culinary Department Chairs.  This must happen before the 1^st day of the new semester.  Approved applicants call and arrange an interview with the perspective employer.  The student interviews and reports back to the Department Chair or Externship Instructor. The student completes an Externship Approval form prior to or during registration week for the upcoming semester.  The Department Chair or Externship Instructor must sign this form.  The employer, student and Department Chair or Externship Instructor sign the Externship Contract.  All of the above steps must be completed before starting the course for student eligibility.