Northeast Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation

Undergraduate Students

Many colleges don't have a graduation, but rather they have a commencement. Indeed, the American Heritage Dictionary defines the former as "a mark indicating a boundary" whereas Webster's defines the latter as "a first existence." As a college student, you've crossed that mark delineating the end of your high school years, but your true life has yet to begin! After you finish your undergraduate education, there's graduate school - which will involve taking the Graduate Record Exams (GREs) for admission.

There's no need to be worried about how to pay for it all: there are plenty of fellowships out there which can cover the entire cost. Even if you still have a few more years in college, it's not too early to prepare for the future. Completing an internship is a good way to learn more about career opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors - and to make some extra money during the summer as well!

What You Need To Know About STEM Internships

Article from the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE). For more information about NEBHE, visit www.nebhe.org. See NEBHE Internship Opportunities www.nebhe.org/internship_program.html for other resources.

Why do a summer STEM internship?

  • Learn a lot and gain new skills.
  • Make money.
  • Have fun with mentors and other students.
  • Get a head-start on learning how t succeed in college or graduate school.
  • Make contact with people who can help you in the future.
  • Clarify and focus your career goals; pinpoint your interests.

How do you get an internship?

  • Timing. Start calling now - some deadlines can be early (January/February). If you miss a deadline, don't give up - see if an exception can be made.
  • Support. Get together with friends and make calls together.
  • Options. Apply to more than three programs. Give yourself a lot of choices.
  • Connections. Advisors in the Science Network may know of the perfect summer opportunity for you.

Think about what you want

  • Setting. Do you want an academic enrichment program? Research in a lab? Work in industry?
  • Location. Where do you want to be? Close to home? Away from home?
  • Duration. How long do you want your internship to be? 4, 8,10 weeks?
  • Money. Do you need a paid internship? Or can you participate in a program that does not pay a stipend?

Resume Tips

  • KISS - Keep it short and simple. One page is sufficient for information you want to convey.
  • A second reader is crucial. An objective eye can make your resume impressive.
  • Present the best you for the internship desired. Structure your resume around the type of internship you want. Include only information that is pertinent to your interests.
  • Present your resume in an attractive and professional way. Attention to margins, spacing, headings, clarity of typeface will contribute to a resume someone will want to read.
  • Be prepared to revise your resume as your objectives become more defined. Expect to alter your resume and cover letter when applying for different opportunities.
  • Headings you may want to include in your resume: Education, Related Courses, Careers-Related Activities, Work Experience, Extra-curricular Activities, Skills.

Cover Letter Tips

  • Audience. Who will receive the letter?
  • Purpose. Why are you writing this letter?
  • Message. What is your message?

Internship and Research Opportunities

Fellowship Opportunities

Related Resources