Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for the ITC Internship class?

You cannot register for this class until you have secured an approved IT position. Unlike traditional courses, the ITC Internship class awards credit for active, hands-on work experience. Instructor approval is required to enroll.

Step-by-step registration flow:

  1. Fully read the ITC Internship Handbook and Syllabus: Make certain you understand all of the requirements and expectations for the course. Discuss any questions or concerns with the ITC Internship Supervisor after reading everything and before continuing.

  2. Secure an IT position: Review How do I find an internship position? and the "ITC Internship Course Enrollment Steps" from the ITC internship guidelines and policies.

  3. Submit for approval: Once hired, submit your position details to the ITC Internship Supervisor.

  4. Enroll in the course: Upon approval, you will receive permission to register in eServices.

This course is offered every term (including Summer) and has flexible capacity. We expand seat limits as needed and allow late registration after the term starts, so you do not need to rush or worry about the class filling up before you secure a position.

When am I ready to take the internship course?

We recommend starting your job search after completing ITC 2000: PC Hardware & Software.

Because the internship course is offered every term (Fall, Spring, and Summer) and features rolling enrollment, you can begin your internship and register for the class as soon as you receive position approval from the ITC Internship Supervisor.

How do I find an internship position?

You will find your internship position through the same search strategies used to find any IT role. IHCC does not directly place students in internships; you are responsible for seeking and securing a suitable position. We strongly recommend working with the IHCC Career Development Center to review your resume, practice interview skills, and refine your search strategy. If you have not yet completed it taking the ITC-2100: IT Career Success Skills and Strategies class (typically offered in the Spring) can also assist you in providing some IT specific job search, application, and interview advice.

It’s easier to get hired if you have previous experience in IT. However, we realize this is not normally the case for students! Especially if you do not have previous experience, you will probably find it easier to get hired if you have passed professional certification exams so that employers know you have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities. The CompTIA A+ professional certification is a good place to start. If you’ve taken the ITC PC Hardware & Software course, you should be well on your way to passing that certification. We suggest contacting your instructor for advice and taking practice exams to prepare. If you already have the CompTIA A+ and have completed our CCNA courses, passing the official CCNA exam is another great way to prove your technical capabilities.

What kinds of positions count?

In IT, very few entry-level roles are explicitly titled "internship." Most standard, paid IT jobs qualify for credit as long as they meet our handbook criteria and allow you to complete the required 192 hours.

  • Common Roles: Most students securing their first IT position land in roles like IT Helpdesk, Service Desk Analyst, or Desktop Support.

  • Internal vs. External Support: Positions providing internal support (supporting a company’s own employees) typically work best because they allow opportunities for small project work or job-shadowing with higher-tier IT staff. External support roles (supporting outside customers or call centers) often lack these cross-training opportunities.

    MSP (Managed Service Provider) entry roles, even when client-facing, often act like internal support and provide strong broad-spectrum technical exposure.

  • Requirements Check: See the Internship Guidelines and Step 1 of the ITC Internship Course Enrollment Steps later in this handbook for detailed criteria. Contact your IHCC ITC internship supervisor if you are unsure whether a specific position qualifies.

Where should I look for a job?

  1. Local & Regional Job Board Searches:

    • Dice.com: Tech-focused job board with strong Twin Cities listings.

    • ZipRecruiter: Popular job posting board used by many regional employers.

    • LinkedIn & Indeed: Set your location search radius to Minneapolis–St. Paul (or within your commuting distance, e.g., 25–30 miles of home).

    • Handshake: Accessible through IHCC Career Development to find employers specifically recruiting college talent.

  2. Tech Staffing Agencies:

    A large percentage of entry-level IT roles in the MSP metro area are contract-to-hire positions filled through IT staffing firms (such as Robert Half, Apex Systems, Insight Global, Kforce, or TekSystems).

    • Pros: They can get your resume in front of hiring managers quickly and offer valuable interview coaching.

    • Cons: Be mindful of your time, ensure the recruiter is matching you with roles aligned with your actual skill level and not just trying to fill interview quotas. Also make sure the job opportunities they are presenting you with are interesting and appropriate for your skills.

      A 3- to 6-month contract position is a fantastic way to gain early experience and counts toward internship requirements.

  3. Networking in the Twin Cities:

    Networking remains the single most effective way to land any job whether an IT position or something else.

Search Terms to Try

Job titles in IT are not standardized. A position with the exact same duties might be called Service Desk Analyst I at one company and PC Technician at another. Try combining these keywords in your searches:

  • Role Titles: Helpdesk, Service Desk, IT Support Specialist, Desktop Support, PC Technician, Support Analyst, ITSM / ITIL, NOC Technician

  • Certification / Skill Keywords: CompTIA A+, Network+, Active Directory, Entra ID, Office 365 / M365, Windows 11, Ticketing System

Always read the full job description before skipping a posting, a job title that sounds overly specialized or unfamiliar might actually be an entry-level support role underneath!

What if I am unable to find a position titled "intern" or described as an internship?

No problem! We realize there are very few positions advertised specifically as internships in the IT field. Most IT jobs can be used for credit in the internship course. See details elsewhere in this handbook for specific requirements for positions. For advice on looking for a position see the above question.

What about jobs that list a requirement for a degree or experience?

Apply anyway! Job postings often describe an "ideal candidate," but employers frequently accept equivalent coursework or certifications in lieu of a completed degree or multi-year experience for entry-level roles.

  • Highlight Progress: List your degree on your resume as "In Progress (Expected Completion: [Term/Year])" alongside relevant completed coursework (e.g., Networking, PC Hardware).

  • Leverage Certifications: Holding certifications like CompTIA A+ or CCNA proves hands-on competency, making formal degree requirements negotiable for many hiring managers.

What if I don’t have an internship position when classes start for the term or I won’t have 192 hours done by the end of the term?

Late Registration During the Term

If you do not have a position when the term begins, keep searching. You do not need to be registered before Day 1. Once you secure a position mid-term:

  1. Contact the ITC Internship Supervisor immediately for position approval.

  2. We will register you for the current term (or the term in which you will complete the majority of your 192 hours).

  3. Hours worked prior to formal registration may count only if pre-approved by the ITC Internship Supervisor and all preliminary course requirements are satisfied.

Handling Unfinished Hours at End of Term (Incompletes)

If the term ends before you complete your 192 hours or required coursework:

  1. Contact your ITC Internship Supervisor before final grades are due.

  2. Request an formal Incomplete ("I") grade. Per college policy, you must initiate and sign an Incomplete Agreement.

  3. Finish your remaining hours/assignments during the subsequent term to earn your final grade.

If you do not complete the required hours and coursework within one semester following the term of registration, the Incomplete grade will revert to a failing grade ("F"), and you will need to re-register and pay for the course again.

Can I get credit for work I did in the past? What if I worked somewhere last summer and want to get internship credit for that work?

No. Retroactive credit is not permitted. You cannot apply past work experience toward internship credit.

To earn internship credit, you must complete the process in sequence: 1. Obtain approval from the ITC Internship Supervisor before counting hours. 2. Register for the course. 3. Complete synchronous course assignments (progress reports, supervisor evaluations, and self-reflections) during and at the conclusion of your 192 work hours.

What if I already have a job and cannot take a new internship?

Our primary goal is to ensure you graduate with relevant IT experience. How we handle your current employment depends on your role:

  • If you currently work in an IT role: Your position may qualify! Review the job eligibility guidelines in this handbook and contact the ITC Internship Supervisor to request approval to use your current job for course credit.

  • If you work outside the IT field: Non-IT roles cannot be used for credit. However, you have flexible options:

    • Part-Time Hours: You are not required to work 20–40 hours a week. You can complete the 192-hour requirement over a longer timeframe at 5–10 hours per week alongside your primary job.

    • Paid Internships: Nearly all IT internships/entry-level support roles are paid positions, which can facilitate a transition into the IT field.

Document Build Time: 2026-11-04 20:50:40 UTC
Page Version: 2026.08
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License