Experiential Learning

Preparation and Search Strategies for Internships

Preparing to Search

It is recommended that before you begin searching for internships you complete the following:

  • Meet with a career counselor to write a resume or have your current resume reviewed, understand how to write a convincing cover letter, and prepare for interviews.
  • Purchase appropriate interview attire.
  • Formally request 3-4 people to serve as your professional references.
  • Identify some occupations you would like to work in after you graduate from FSU.

Need help with these four items? Schedule an appointment with a career counselor using Starfish.

Search for Experiential Learning Opportunities (internships, co-ops, micro-internships)

  • Handshake is our internal career management system for internships, full-time careers and events.
  • Parker Dewey is our newest partner offering connections to micro-internships. Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that can take place year-round, typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work, and are due between one week and one month after kick-off.
  • Attend events
  • Networking is one of the most effective ways to find opportunities. Speak with a career counselor about how to network with FSU alumni using LinkedIn.

State University Internship Incentive Program (SUII) was formerly known as CHOICE. SUII provides grant funding up to $5,000 per student during the semester in which you complete your internship course at FSU. Please note that funding is awarded to eligible students on a first-come, first served basis. Students who have accepted an unpaid internship and meet ALL of the below eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for a funding stipend. The amount of the stipend varies and is determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Completed applications are due no later than 5:00pm on the last day of Course Add/Drop for the fall and spring semesters.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • I am a full-time undergraduate student at FSU
  • I am a Massachusetts in-state resident
  • I have a 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher
  • I have enrolled in an internship course and will complete my internship while enrolled in the course
  • I have filed a FAFSA form for the academic year that I am applying for SUII funding
  • I have received approval for the internship from the faculty member teaching my course
  • I have an internship at a non-profit, government agency, academic center, or private business of no more than 50 employees
    • (Private businesses of more than 50 employees will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

The one-page application form should be completed entirely by the student; no need for anyone else to sign it! Completed applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that funding is disbursed when funding is available, and funding is never guaranteed. For your convenience, you can find the form here. All completed forms should be emailed directly to Sarah McPartland, Coordinator of Internships & Careers in the Career Development office at smcpartland@framingham.edu.


TWC

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) provides a unique opportunity for students to participate in an internship to earn academic credit, while completing a night course and participating in weekly professional development activities all in one semester.  TWC's internship sites include government offices, communication organizations, law firms, trade and professional associations, human rights groups, and a variety of companies all located in and around the Washington, D.C area.

Students must meet with the Internship Coordinator in the Career Development office, Lauren O’Neill, to review academic, registrar, financial aid, and application considerations as soon as possible.

Students must meet with their academic advisor early in the process for permission to apply.  Students are also required to complete all paperwork by the deadlines imposed by FSU and TWC.

For more information about The Washington Center, please visit their website by clicking here.

MA Life Sciences

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is a workforce development program focused on enhancing the talent pipeline for Massachusetts companies engaged in life sciences. The program facilitates the placement of students and recent graduates, who are considering career opportunities in the life sciences, in paid internships across the state. Consistent with the MALSC's role as a catalyst in growing the talent needed by the life sciences industry, the program is designed to provide students and companies with the tools to connect, and will reimburse eligible companies for internship stipends.

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is sponsoring their Internship Challenge again this year. This program offers paid internships to over 500 college students and recent graduates who are considering career opportunities in the life sciences. Students submit one general application, they are not applying to a particular company or for a specific position. There is no application deadline. Interns are selected on a rolling basis throughout the year. For more information, go to the MALSC's website or take a look at the flyer for the program.

Project Onramp Logo

The five leading life science organizations— MassBio, MassBioEd, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, MBI, and Life Science Care—have joined forces to connect passionate, high-achieving four-year college students with paid internships of up to 12 weeks. Across the state, leading companies collectively have reserved a minimum of 75 internship slots for the Life Science Scholars Program each summer. The internships are intended to serve as a stepping-stone to a rewarding career for a talent pool that has typically had difficulty gaining access to the burgeoning life science industry. It will also help growing Massachusetts biotechnology companies fill the additional 12,000 positions estimated to be created by 2023.  Project Onramp is ready to break down barriers and speed students from low-income backgrounds to success. Project Onramp was founded on the principle that there is no better way to get started on a career in life sciences – to get your foot in the door – than an internship at one of the state’s leading life sciences companies.  Please contact Career Counselor, Emily Abel at eabel@framingham.edu for more information.