Internship Opportunities at Nichols College
At Nichols, internships are a core part of the student experience and one of the reasons the college is recognized as a leader in career readiness.Located in Dudley, MA, on the border of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, Nichols connects students to a strong network of employers throughout Worcester County, the broader New England region and beyond.
Internships help students test out potential careers, build professional skills and gain the confidence that comes from applying classroom knowledge in real work environments.
At Nichols College, every student gains real-world work experience through internships.
In fact, 100% of Nichols College students complete at least one credit-bearing internship or experiential learning opportunity before graduation. Through the support of our faculty, alumni and the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC), students find opportunities in business, nonprofit organizations, hospitality, sports, government and more that align with their goals and open doors to future success.
How Internships Work at Nichols College
A credit-bearing internship is an approved work experience tied directly to academic learning outcomes. Students at Nichols College earn academic credit by completing required hours on site, participating in reflection activities and receiving faculty supervision and assessment.
The CPDC supports students throughout the process by helping them search for positions, prepare applications and interview with potential employers. Faculty members also play an important role, offering subject expertise and connections in their fields.
Internships as Experiential Learning
Nichols College has a strong commitment to experiential learning, and internships fall underneath that commitment. Students can complete for credit:
- Traditional internships with employers in Central Massachusetts, New England and beyond
- International internships, which can be coordinated through the Office for International Studies
- Alternative internships models, which include an experiential learning project where in a three-credit course students work and produce deliverables for real organizations under faculty guidance
While internships provide longer-term workplace immersion, the alternative internship model offers a structured classroom experience tied to working with organizations in real-world projects or roles.
Nichols Students Have Interned Here
Nichols College students have completed internships with well-known organizations across business, government and sports and media.
Students have interned with:
- Fidelity Investments
- ESPN
- NASCAR
- U.S. Secret Service
- The Walt Disney Company
- The Kraft Group
- JP Morgan
- Boston Celtics
- PwC
- EY
- IBM
- Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
- Pratt & Whitney
- 98.5 The Sports Hub
- Bollus Lynch, LLP
- Boston Red Sox
- Publick House Historic Inn
- Massachusetts State Police
- Mohegan Sun
- Enterprise Mobility
International Placements
International internship placements and global opportunities are available through our Center for International Studies.
Career Impact
Internships often serve as the bridge between academic coursework and a student’s first full-time role after graduation. Many Nichols College students report securing job offers through their internship site or using their internship experience to stand out during the application process. The practical foundation of internship experience can also feed into successful applications to graduate school.
Preparing Students for Internship Success
Nichols College sets students up for internship success with a structured career preparation process:
- Internship preparation through PDS focused on resumes, interviewing and professional communication all targeted at career readiness
- Soft skills training, including teamwork, leadership, adaptability and time management skills
- Ongoing support from faculty and CPDC staff, including mentorship during internships
- Reflection after the fact to help students articulate what they learned
How to Get Started
- Meet with a CPDC team member to discuss interests and strategy
- Apply, interview and secure internship
- If the internship is credit-bearing, report it prior to deadline
- Work with faculty advisor on course deliverables and reflections
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an internship vs. experiential learning project?
An academic internship at Nichols College is a credit-bearing work experience with an employer that includes required hours, faculty supervision and reflection tied to academic learning outcomes. An experiential learning project is a three-credit course in which students work with organizations in real-world projects or roles under faculty guidance, completing structured deliverables rather than working as an employee on site.
Can I do an internship abroad? What are the options?
Yes! Nichols College offers international internship opportunities through the Center for International Studies.
Will the internship always be paid? For credit? What costs are involved?
All approved internships at Nichols College are credit-bearing, meaning students earn academic credit for completing required internship hours and coursework. Some internships are paid and others are unpaid, depending on the employer and industry. Students are encouraged to speak with Student Financial Services to understand costs and expectations before accepting an internship.
Why Just Study Business When You Can Live It?
We’re committed to preparing you for your career. Learn more about internships at Nichols College or start your journey today.
