KANNAPOLIS — Practical, on-the-job training can prove to be an invaluable asset for college students. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College understands the need to bridge educational and work experience and has seen great results from students in their work-based learning program.

“At Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, we realize that the right internship can lead a student to a successful job offer right out of college, or in many cases even before graduation,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “The dedicated students who participate in internships make the most of their journey here at the college by using the program to gain real world experience and secure employment.”

The work-based learning program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is designed to give students valuable work experience while still attending college. Students have the opportunity to put classroom theories into practice as they spend one or more semesters in a company or organization related to their area of study and career goals.

“The program allows students to receive academic credit, gain career-related work experience, explore career possibilities, increase their marketability after graduation, build an impressive resume and more, all simultaneously,” said Dottie Moore, coordinator of the college’s work-based learning program.

Students who participate in the program select from a broad range of opportunities.

Natasha Tyus, a Rowan-Cabarrus student pursuing an associate in applied science degree in business administration, interned at a large hotel chain in Concord.

“My work-based learning experience was great,” said Tyus. “I was offered a full-time position upon completion of my internship. I plan to continue with the company and hope to be promoted to manager upon graduation.”

Julius Verrett, a student in the college’s air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology program completed his internship with a local county school system.

“It was a great experience and I made some good connections. When my internship was completed, I was selected for a full-time position,” said Verrett. “I have been working full time there since January of 2015 and I love it. They are a great employer and I enjoy putting everything I have learned at Rowan-Cabarrus to work in the real world.”

Yaritza Cedillo, a Rowan-Cabarrus student pursuing her associate in applied science degree in medical office administration, completed two internships through the college’s work-based learning program, and like Tyus, was offered a job while still enrolled in college.

“A family medicine practice in Concord was in need of a bilingual associate and my internship provided the opportunity for me to showcase my skills,” said Cedillo. “I have now been employed with the practice since May of 2015 and it has been a wonderful experience. I plan to continue working there after I graduate in the spring.”

Biotechnology student Faith Musengo completed his internship with a firm at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.

“The internship solidified my passion of working for a leading company in the biotechnology field and I am proud to say that I work full time and will continue to after I graduate in the spring,” said Musengo.

“We could not be more proud of Natasha, Julius, Yaritza, Faith and the many other students who choose to complete an internship. They are great examples of what makes the work-based learning program so successful,” said Angelo Markantonakis, associate vice president for the college’s academic programs. “The college recognizes the importance of preparing students for their professional lives after graduation, and we are proud to help them gain real world experience while making important and lasting connections.”

For more information about the work-based learning program at the college, visit www.rccc.edu/cooperative/ or contact Dottie Moore (704-216-3648, dottie.moore@rccc.edu) or Hanif Miller (704-216-7193, hanif.miller@rccc.edu).

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu/apply2016 or call 704-216-7222.