Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a complete application?
Applying to WOW has a two-part application process. You must (1) complete the WOW application on-line and (2) deliver the following in person to Hiatt on or before February 29, 2008 at 12:00 noon: two (2) letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes, Employer Internship Offer and Agreement letter from the sponsor/supervisor at your proposed internship site, academic transcript, and your resume.
What are the deadlines and schedule of notification?
February 29, 2008 at 12:00 noon: complete application to Hiatt
March 17, 2008: applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision
Additional dates for selected Fellows appear on the WOW Timeline
What are the program requirements for length and number of hours of the internship?
The internship must be a minimum of 200 hours; the work schedule is usually 30 to 40 hours per week. The internship should involve substantive duties and meet a set of goals agreed upon by the student and the sponsor/supervisor at the work site.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be current sophomores or juniors (graduation dates: December 2008; 2009; 2010), in good academic and community standing, and proposing an unpaid summer internship in any field that lasts a minimum of 200 hours. Preference will be given to students who are not seeking academic credit for their internship.
Are international students eligible to apply?
All sophomores and juniors are eligible.International students must discuss their plans with the ISSO prior to applying to learn about any visa issues related to their proposed internship.
Is the program open to all fields of work?
Yes, students can propose internships in any field; since students choose their internship sites, they should be motivated to explore the field as a potential career interest. The internship should involve substantive duties and meet a set of goals agreed upon by the student and the sponsor/supervisor at the work site.
Can I work in either the private or public sector?
Yes, you can. There are no restrictions on the internship field.
I’m getting paid for my internship; can I still apply to WOW?
The WOW program is designed to support student internships at organizations that do not have the resources to pay interns for their work. Preference will be given to those students; however, the program will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis in which an internship site offers token compensation of no more than $500 (this amount will be deducted from the normal award of $3,500). Students should include this information in their WOW application. Students who are receiving a salary over $500 are not eligible for the WOW program.
Can I do my internship during the academic year or while I’m studying abroad or on a leave of absence?
No, the WOW program currently supports students pursuing summer internships only.
Will WOW sponsor me to do thesis research?
Applicants doing thesis research are not eligible for WOW funding; the program’s aim is to support students pursuing workplace career objectives in organizational environments.
What should the Employer Internship Offer and Agreement letter from my proposed sponsor/supervisor include?
This letter confirms that you have been offered an internship at your work site, detailing the time frame and number of hours, and the work that you will be performing; indicates the goals that you and organization have discussed for your internship; and suggests how you will be supervised/mentored during the summer. Please refer to the Employer Internship Offer and Agreement letter form on the WOW website.
Can I work in my home country or abroad?
Yes, applicants can propose internships in any country. However, please know that the Hiatt Career Center is concerned about your health and safety while traveling and living abroad. Please consult the State Department Travel Advisory when deciding on places where you would like to gain your experience.
Can I win a WOW award twice – as a sophomore and as a junior?
Students may only receive WOW funding once while at Brandeis. The program has adopted this policy in order to support the career exploration of as many students as possible.
Can I do two separate internships that equal the required length and number of hours?
No, the program is designed to fund a single internship at an organization providing an opportunity to learn about and explore a specific set of career related goals. The benefit of one internship site is that it fosters a commitment between two partners – intern and employer – to an in-depth and sustained work experience where mentors learn about the student’s needs over time and the student makes a substantive contribution to the organization’s work.
How and when do I get my check?
Checks are distributed to selected WOW participants in early April at the required pre-departure meeting.
Do I have to account for my expenses with receipts or other documents?
Selected WOW Fellows do not have to account for their expenses. The program expects that students will pursue the internship for which they were selected and that the funds will support this effort. If for any reason a participant drops out of the program, the Hiatt Career Center will discuss the feasibility of returning any remaining funds back to the program.
Will someone at Hiatt be available during my summer internship if I need assistance?
Yes, you can always contact Hiatt over the summer for information and advice as you pursue your WOW internship.
What if I am studying abroad in spring or fall?
Your study abroad plans in spring or fall do not affect your eligibility. Please consult the information on the application process for study abroad students; Hiatt will work with you to fulfill your other program expectations.
If you are studying abroad in the Spring 2008:
- Please refer to the Application page for specific instructions on how to deliver your application and appropriate materials to us.
- If you are selected as a fellow, we will work with you to obtain pre-departure information and your check.
If you are studying abroad in the Fall of 2008:
- You will still need to complete your final report and project; we will find alternate ways for you to fulfill other program expectations.
I got my internship through an organization that arranges opportunities for student with companies and institutions; am I eligible for WOW funding?
No, you are not. Internships that are secured FOR students by an internship placement service through a third-party organization are NOT eligible for WOW support. The WOW program’s focus is to fund internships that students identify themselves, at a specific site and based on a set of individualized career and learning goals.
Is an unpaid summer laboratory position at Brandeis eligible for WOW funding?
An unpaid summer laboratory position at Brandeis does not qualify for WOW funding. This is great work experience, however a goal of the WOW program is for students to create similar and expanded connections and opportunities in work-related venues off-campus, honing job search skills that are invaluable throughout your career.