Micro-Internships
A graduate micro-internship turns a defined campus project into paid professional experience. Students complete focused work for a University unit while host departments gain the time and skills to move a project forward.
Jump to a section:
Information for Interested StudentsCurrent Openings
Are you a faculty or staff member looking for more insight on hosting a micro-internship? Visit our Faculty & Staff Resources page.
Take a project from start to finish.
Information for Interested Students
Types of Micro-Internships
A micro-internship is built around a specific result, not an ongoing role. You might analyze a dataset, develop web content, plan a communications campaign, create training materials, support an event or improve a process. The finished work gives you a concrete example to discuss in a resume, portfolio or interview.
Benefits of a Micro-Internship
- Short-term commitment with meaningful, real-world impact
- Valuable skills for your resume developed through hands-on work
- New campus connections built through collaboration with project partners
- Greater career clarity gained through a focused, applied experience
- A project-based stipend commensurate with expectations
Eligibility
Requirements
- Be in good academic standing.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for master’s students or 3.2 for doctoral students.
- Be enrolled in graduate-level courses (500 level or higher) when they apply.
- Have at least three credits of program requirements at the 500 level or higher remaining when the internship begins.
Disqualifications
- Students in combined bachelor’s/master’s programs who have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree.
- Students enrolled only in certificate programs.
- Graduate or doctoral assistants, regardless of the number of weekly service hours.
- Students employed by the University in any capacity, including full-time, part-time or temporary positions.
Application Process
| Step | Task |
|---|---|
| Watch for new opportunities | Check your email and Handshake regularly for new micro-internship postings and application deadlines. |
| Identify which projects are a good fit | Each micro-internship is designed differently. Compare each project’s work, schedule, compensation, location and preferred experience to find the one that works best for you. |
| Submit an application | You may apply to multiple projects, but each requires a separate application. Review each posting carefully, since application materials may vary. We recommend tailoring your cover letter to show how your experience and skills match the project’s needs. |
| Prepare for follow-up | Host units will contact selected applicants for an interview or additional information directly. Keep checking your email and Handshake for updates. |
| Follow onboarding instructions | Your hiring supervisor will contact you to offer the position. After you accept, the Graduate Center will send your contract and instructions for completing the required onboarding steps. |