There are plenty of opportunities togain real work experienceand build skills employers wantwhile stillenrolled in classes at MCC.Exploredifferenttypesof experiential learning, thenbrowse yourcurrentoptions,includingtheDisneyCollege Program.
You Will:
Get real experience: Practice what you’re learning in a real workplace.
Build connections: Meet people who can help you land interviews and jobs.
Stand out to employers: Show strong communication, teamwork, and work-ready skills.
Not sure which experience is right for you? Co-ops, internships, and fieldwork
all offer hands-on learning, but each serves a distinct purpose. Use the comparison
below to see which option fits your academic path and career goals.
Co-Ops
Cooperative education experiences (co-ops) provide immersive, career-focused work
experiences that integrate academic learning with professional practice.
Extended work experience spanning a semester, summer, or multiple semesters
Directly related to your program or major
Completed for academic credit through coursework completed in a class seminar
Often completed in your final semester or toward the end of your program
Typically paid but could be unpaid
Can alternate study with full-time employment
Focused on applying what you’ve learned in your program
Internships
Internships provide opportunities to explore career paths, build workplace skills,
and gain practical experience in a professional setting.
Short-term, exploratory work experience during the academic year or summer
Directly related to a career field
Required for some programs, courses, or seminars, but could be optional
May be eligible for academic credit
Could be paid or unpaid
Focused on exploring career paths and building professional skills
Fieldwork & Practicums
Fieldwork connects classroom learning to real-world environments through hands-on
observation, research, and professional engagement.
May be short-term or ongoing throughout a course or program
Usually tied to specific academic learning outcomes
Focused on hands-on learning conducted in real-world environments outside the traditional
classroom
Often involves observation, data collection, community engagement, or professional
practice
Typically unpaid
Discover More Opportunities
Gain experience and exposure to a career field even when your academic program
doesn’t require a co-op, internship, or fieldwork.
Live, learn, and work through the Disney College Program. Career exploration opportunities
are offered at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. You’ll take classes and apply
your knowledge in real settings, developing in-demand skills that employers value.
Take the next step toward real-world experience through part- or full-time employment,
volunteering, job shadowing, and more. Browse our list of organizations that frequently
offer internships to college students.
Connect with motivated, work-ready students through internships and co-op experiences.
Partnering with MCC gives your organization early access to emerging talent while helping students gain valuable, hands-on experience. Together,
we can build a stronger workforce for our community.
MCC Courses
Explore the list of courses with co-ops, internships, or fieldwork.
General CE 225 – Disney College Program Internship. 4 credits. CEL 200 – General Internship. 3 credits. EBL 101 - Experience-Based Learning. 3 credits.
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) HVA 271 – Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Co-Op. 4 credits.
Precision Machining TAM 271 - Advanced Manufacturing Co-Op. 3 credits.
Sport Management SMT 201 – Sport Management Co-Op. 3 credits.
Anthropology ANT 205 - Archaeology Field School. 3 credits.
Computer Technology CPT 270 - Information and Computer Technology Practicum. 2 credits.
Education EDU 208 - Guided Observation in Education. 3 credits.
Human Services HUM 109 - Introduction to Helping Skills. 6 credits. HUM 116 - Field Work in Human Services Focus. 2 credits. HUM 119 - Case Management and Documentation. 6 credits. HUM 209 - Applied Helping Models. 6 credits.
Questions?
Want to know more about experiential learning at MCC? Check out our FAQs!
