Work Experience Education
Program Description
Work Experience Education (WEE), is an equity-based program aligned with MSJC's Mission, Vision, and Call to Action. The program is committed to removing institutional barriers, increasing diversity and inclusion, and providing supportive learning environments that promote student success. It is designed to expand students’ knowledge, increase job readiness and marketable skills, build confidence, and strengthen work habits.
Work Experience Education (WEE), formally known as Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE), is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively when their educational journey incorporates work experience. The WEE internship program is integrated into the student's educational pathway and allows students to earn course credits for paid or unpaid (voluntary) supervised work experience. Students apply knowledge gained in their courses to an actual work setting which helps them to gain career awareness, learn industry culture, competencies and norms, develop professional networks in their desired field to support career mobility, and achieve their educational and occupational goals.
Research shows that employers are more likely to hire employees who participate in college work-based learning programs. WEE courses are integrated into Career Education programs and designed to enhance the total development of our students while preparing them for the job market. Through WEE, MSJC and employers collaborate to provide student-centered instruction and realistic employment experiences in business, industry, government and human services. To find out more about how to obtain an internship, please visit the MSJC Work Experience Education page.
Career Education Programs
- Administration of Justice
- Allied Health
- Audio Production
- Automotive Transportation Technology
- Aviation Science
- Business Administration
- Business /Office Administration
- Computer Information Systems
- Culinary Arts
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Digital Media
- Digital Photography
- Engineering Technology
- Fire Technology
- Geospatial Information Science
- Horticulture/Turf & Landscape Management
- Legal Studies
- Management/Supervision
- Nursing
- Real Estate
- Teacher Education & Development Studies
- Theater Arts
- Water Technology
- Wine Industry & Hospitality
Contact Information
Menifee Valley Campus
Phone: (951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
(951) 629-5352
AWBL@msjc.edu
Students currently enrolled at MSJC may earn up to 14 semester credit hours of work experience education during one enrollment period.
Participating in the WEE program begins with completing Orientation. Other steps include:
STEP 1: Students must be currently enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College.
STEP 2: Students could be working or have identified a job directly related to their educational pathway. Positions can be paid or unpaid (service-oriented, voluntary).
STEP 3: Students should have completed at least one course in their major. Some disciplines require completion of all core courses to be eligible to participate.
STEP 4: Students are required to attend a WEE Orientation to receive information about the program and complete the required paperwork, including the WEE Application and Training Plan. Orientations are held prior to the beginning of the semester.
Students need a minimum of 48 hours for each unit of credit.
| Hours | Units |
|---|---|
| 24-27 | .5 |
| 48-54 | 1 |
| 96-108 | 2 |
| 144-162 | 3 |
| 192-216 | 4 |
| 240-270 | 5 |
| 288-324 | 6 |
| 336-378 | 7 |
| 384+ | 8 |
WEE courses incorporate Career Development and New World of Work (NWoW) content to assist with resume building, increasing employability skills, career exploration, and the job search process. Students participating in the program will be able to:
- Apply critical thinking, research, analysis and resolution for work-related and personal objectives.
- Develop and apply personal skills, attitudes, and competencies in the workplace and within the course-related activities.
- Convert classroom instruction to the employment environment through the development and attainment of three (3) learning objectives.
- Write specific, measurable, achievement, relevant and time (S.M.A.R.T.) objectives to new or expanded workplace responsibilities
- Build self-identity and confidence as a worker through individual attention given by the WEE team, instructor, and employers.
- Demonstrate effective communication and technological awareness through the use of technologies (Internet, email, and telephone) in ways appropriate to the course.
- Demonstrate accountability for personal actions at work and as it relates to the course.
- Research resources for education and/or career options.