Internships and Co-ops

Sometimes referred to as Experiential Education, both Internships and Co-Ops are work experiences that provide practical hands-on learning in your area of study or career interest. Internships and Co-Ops are opportunities to enhance your classroom learning, explore career options and gain an advantage in the job search process. Here's some general information about the Internship and Co-op programs as UMass Boston:

• Earn Credits: Both Co-op and Internship students may receive credits toward their major for their participation.

• Possibly Get Paid: Co-op students are usually paid for part- or full-time work over a semester, a summer, or a six-month period. Interns generally work part time, 12-20 hours a week--for a semester, a summer, or longer, and may or may not be paid.

• Resources: The staff of the Internship Office can meet with you during their flexible walk-in hours, provide you with an evaluation of your compatibility with the program, direct you to internship listings, and provide continued assistance with résumés and cover letters.

Here's a sample of some of the many different types of Internships and Co-ops you'll find here:

• If You're a Fan of Communications/Music, We've Got something for You: Intern opportunities are available at some of Boston's major Hip-Hop/R&B/ Pop radio stations like JAMN 94.5 or HOT 97.7. By interning with a radio station, you'll have the opportunity to learn the "business: from the inside, improve the skills related to your interests, and network with department heads, DJs, promoters, record executives, the public, and entertainers. In addition, most radio stations host a ton of events throughout the calendar year, including themed parties and celebrations, concerts, and coverage of national events like the Billboard Awards and the American Music Awards.

• Planning to be an English major? Do you have an interest in TV broadcasting? Intern at one of the local television news stations (WCVB, WHDH and WLVI) and write skits for on air local and national news , cover political events, work on live filed stories, get first exclusives and interviews, learn how to chronologically daily news by level of importance, learn to be aware of what the audience wants to see.

• Think You'd Like to Be an Exercise Scientist? Intern with the Red Sox, Celtics, Boston Bruins, or even the two-time Superbowl Champion New England Patriots. By interning with a professional sports organization, you'll see firsthand what it takes to maintain a world-class sport team.

• Three words: Crime Scene Investigation. Sound cool? If Biology or Chemistry is your thing, you may have the chance to witness the process of a real life investigation, learn how to collect, and preserve evidence, and gain an understanding of what stands up in court.

• You may have a chance to intern at lots of other places, too... the State House, the Boston Globe, Merrill Lynch and the New England Aquarium--UMass Boston students have the advantage of living and working in a world-class city with world-class organizations and businesses. Come find out which one of these business experiences might right for you.