Try Something

Pick up a violin. Or, better yet: make one. Each academic year, students have the opportunity to experi ment with their passions and try something completely new during a seven-week, off-campus winter term called Field Work Term (FWT). In each of their four FWTs, students bring their studies to the world, confronting the challenges of implementation firsthand and refining their questions to further shape their on-campus experiences.

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14 Students, 1 Biologist, Lots and Lots of Fish

Bennington College biology faculty member Betsy Sherman took 14 students to the Cayman Islands for Field Work Term, in conjunction with her class Field Course in Coral Reef Biology. Students became certified scuba divers and gained first-hand experience studying coral reef fish biodiversity, collecting collecting valuable data to be used for research studies and governmental policy.



All photos and video by Betsy Sherman.

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FWT Photo Contest

The following photos are the 2012 winners of the Field Work Term and Career Development Office's annual FWT photo contest. Students submit photos from their internships, and the community votes on their favorites in each of four categories.

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Skip Navigation LinksFWT Planning

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Questions? Ask Us

Field Work Term (FWT) is a thrilling part of a Bennington education. Every year from early January to mid-February, you’ll head out to explore your interests in the world of work. Like most great adventures, it takes preparation to make it a success. As such, we encourage you to start planning for FWT early. Below are some tips to get you thinking about, and planning for, your first FWT.

  • Think about what experiences you might like to have or what you would like to learn during your first FWT.
  • Prepare a clear and concise resume reflecting your work and educational experiences. The Field Work Term and Career Development Office (FWT & CDO) staff can review your resume before you arrive on campus. Just email us a draft.
  • Begin to network by talking with people about FWT. Ask them what kind of work they do and if they know of anyone who might be interested in having a winter intern.
  • Over the summer or once you’re at Bennington, schedule a meeting with FWT & CDO staff who can help you with anything from polishing your resume, to brainstorming and securing FWT positions, to introducing you to all the FWT resources.
  • Leave room in your fall schedule to attend ongoing FWT workshops designed to help you navigate the steps required for securing your first FWT position.

The FWT & CDO staff looks forward to helping you make your first FWT a fantastic experience. Contact us anytime, including during the summer, if you have questions or need assistance with your FWT planning. We look forward to working with you.