Earn & Learn Internship Program

Jumpstart Your Career With The Earn & Learn Internship Program

Lake Michigan College’s Earn & Learn Internship Program connects students with real-world, paid internships right here in our community. Whether you're a student looking to kickstart your career or an employer eager to support and grow local talent, the Earn & Learn Internship program is your gateway.

The Earn & Learn Internship Program, sponsored by the Whirlpool Foundation, provides paid internships to Lake Michigan College students at local employers. 

• The goals of the Earn & Learn Internship Program are to:
• Help students gain hands-on experience through an internship in their chosen field
• Provide businesses with a source of staff at minimal cost
• Attract students to the College who seek to advance their education and career skills simultaneously
• Encourage students to remain with a business or in the area following graduation
• Foster education and training partnerships between Lake Michigan College and local businesses

The Earn & Learn Internship Program at Lake Michigan College is an exciting initiative that connects ambitious students with local employers, creating a dynamic synergy that benefits the entire community. By participating in this program, students gain invaluable real-world experience, while local businesses tap into fresh talent, fostering growth and innovation. Our mission is to help local employers retain skilled talent and to provide students with opportunities to kick-start their careers.

"Earn and Learn really helped me gain knowledge and experience in different nonprofits throughout Berrien county. It also helped me think about what type of nonprofit organization I would want to work at in the future - an organization that gives back in the form of scholarships and education."
- Zac Mansfield
Earn & Learn Intern 2025 & 2026

Information for Students

The Earn & Learn Internship Program is your gateway to real-world experience and career advancement. This program is designed to help you apply what you've learned in the classroom to a professional setting, build your resume, and develop the skills needed to succeed in your chosen field.

Student Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience in your field of study.
• Earn a competitive wage.
• Build a professional network and enhance your resume.
• Receive mentorship from industry professionals.

Student Requirements and Expectations:

• Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at Lake Michigan College.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
• Have completed at least 12 credit hours before starting the internship.
• Have an updated profile on Handshake, including a resume and a Letter of Recommendation from an LMC faculty or staff member. (Resume and Letter of Recommendation must be uploaded to Handshake prior to applying for the Earn & Learn Program)
• Commit to the internship schedule of up to 20 hours per week for 12 weeks.
• Attend required Cohort Orientation and End-of Internship Review.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
• Complete a pre-, mid-, and post-internship evaluation through Experiences in Handshake.

Student Application Process:

• Complete your Handshake profile
• Upload your resume and letter of recommendation to your Handshake profile
• Apply to the Earn & Learn Internship Program via the survey on Handshake.
• If you meet all qualifications, you will be notified of your acceptance into the program. At that time you may begin to apply directly to internships posted on Handshake. 
• Meet Employers at the next Earn & Learn Internship Fair.

"This Earn & Learn internship allowed me to explore independent responsibilities, leadership skills, and critical thinking as well as thinking communication in the workplace. It familiarized me with the environment of my future career and was a very important first step to achieving my goals as an engineer. "
- Eli Morrison
Earn & Learn Intern 2026

Information for Employers

The Earn & Learn Internship Program provides local businesses with access to a pool of talented and motivated students ready to make a meaningful contribution to your organization. By engaging with these emerging professionals, you not only support their career development but also bring fresh perspectives and skills into your workplace.

Employer Benefits:

• Connect with qualified student interns eager to learn and contribute.
• Conduct on-site interviews during the Earn & Learn Internship Fair.
• Enhance your workforce with new talent and innovative ideas.
• Strengthen your relationship with Lake Michigan College and the community.
• Receive reimbursement of up to $3,072 of the intern’s salary, covering up to 80% of an hourly rate of $16 per hour for 20 hours a week over 12 weeks.

Employer Requirements and Expectations:

• Submit an application through Handshake.
• Attend our Training and Orientation Employer events and complete all necessary paperwork and evaluations as part of the program.
• Post all Earn & Learn Internship positions on Handshake.
• Participate in the Earn & Learn Expo for the semester you are recruiting for.
• Provide a supportive learning environment, offer mentorship and guidance ensuring interns achieve their goals.

Employer Application Process:

• Create an official employer account on Handshake. Click here to learn more about Handshake.
• Submit an application here.
• Once accepted into the program, post your internship opportunities, actively engage with students, and hire your candidate.

"I would say this internship program taught me so many valuable things that I will carry on with me throughout my working career! It's crazy how experience can shape you and build you to be the best possible version of yourself, and to feel this transformed in just one summer is something I'll be forever grateful for!"
- Jocelyn Pittman
Earn & Learn Intern 2026

Join us in making a difference in our community by participating in the Earn & Learn Internship Program. Together, we can cultivate the next generation of professionals and drive local growth and innovation. For more information contact the Career Center at Lake Michigan College, careerservices@lakemichigancollege.edu.