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Five Steps Toward an Internship

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Student Advice

"Even if an organization does not have a formal internship program, make inquiries. The last two organizations I interned with had never had interns at their respective chapters before me. Also, take every opportunity to go to events and sit in on meetings that your organization may be holding, even if they are not related to your specific project. You never know who you will meet at an event, and at the very least you will likely learn something and gain experience in conducting yourself in public as an individual and representative of an organization."

Garrett Nada '10

  • Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
  • American Jewish Committee
Read other student profiles here.

Non-US Citizens: Summer Internships

Follow the decision tree below to determine your specific internship timeline.
  US Citizen
     not a US Citizen  
           
     
 Highly Selective Internships
           
Fall Spring
 Summer
      
  • Unless you are doing OPT (Optional Practical Training), you MUST be taking an academic class simultaneous to your internship experience.
  • For the summer, that typically involves enrolling in the 1-credit INT 92g course.
  • The timeline below is suggested, but there are certain steps that are required!

September

  • Consider developing your resume by joining clubs, volunteering, or holding a part-time job on or off campus. Find out here how these opportunities can help you.

October

  • Look for information on Hiatt Shadowing Experience & Alumni Networking. Get connected to Brandeis alumni to learn what career field might suit you best.
  • Some selective internships have due dates in November or December. Find them under "Highly Selective Internships" above.

December through January

  • Learn about sources of funding for internships. Some programs will require that you have a Letter of Offer by application deadline, which can be as early as February.
  • Though companies might not have internships postings at this time, you can inquire with them whether they will have openings in the near future. Send them a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in their particular line of work.
  • Participate in the Hiatt Shadowing Experience: Talk to your Shadowing Contact about internship opportunities in his/her company or in the field in general. Create a spreadsheet tracker with all your contacts.

January

  • If you have not done so, take TypeFocus to determine what career fields you might excel in.
  • Research our pages on choosing a career.
  • Make a meeting with Hiatt if you need to process your results.
  • Attend ISSO's Employment Workshop or make an appointment with an ISSO Advisor. Determine whether you can do CPT or OPT.

February

  • If you're just starting your search, attend an Internships Workshop or read through our Five Steps Toward an Internship very carefully.
  • Start researching your career fields of interest, using Hiatt's resources.
  • Get your resume in best shape possible.
  • Make an appointment with Hiatt to go over your materials.
  • Speak to your faculty about a possibility of doing a 4-credit internship class during the summer, rather than just the 1-credit INT 92g course. See this section for more information on specific academic programs. Your faculty might be of assistance with finding an internship.

March

  • 2nd wave of deadlines: If you're not applying for an internship stipend, and did not speak to organizations about creating or securing a spot, March is typically when regular deadlines for applications appear.

April

  • Continue applying to positions.

May

  • 2nd wave of applications: Many companies post their openings at this point, with a quick turn-around for start of summer.
  • Attend 'Making the most of your internship' workshop to learn how to maximize your experience.
  • Process your INT 92g paperwork if you have secured an internship.

June

  • IMPORANT: You cannot start working until you have received appropriate approval from Brandeis. Starting work without proper authorization would mean breaking immigration law and can result in serious consequences.
  • Some companies are still looking for interns, so you can still continue applying. However, be aware of the deadline to enroll in INT 92g class.

August

  • You and your supervisor must complete your Evaluations.
  • You MUST finish all academic work - withdrawal from the INT 92g class is not an option, as it would violate your immigration status.