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Micro-Internships

Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from all disciplines can execute professional assignments to build and demonstrate skills while exploring a variety of career paths.

What are Micro-Internships?

Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects allow you to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build your networks as you seek the right full-time role. Unlike traditional internships, Micro-Internships:

  • Can take place year-round
  • Typically range from 10 to 40 hours of work
  • Are typically due between one week and one month after kick-off.

Micro-Internships are used by companies ranging from those in the Fortune 100 to emerging start-ups both in North Carolina and across the U.S. Micro-Internships are facilitated via the Parker Dewey platform, which connects Students/Recent Grads with Organizations in need of support.

Getting Started

When you are launching your career, Micro-Internships provide a tremendous opportunity. You can explore different career paths and work on interesting projects all while building your resume and GETTING PAID!

But first:

  1. Update your resume/CV. Check out these resume/CV examples.
  2. Update your LinkedIn. Growing your professional network is necessary for career exploration and preparation.
  3. Explore your career options. Reach out to the Graduate School Professional Development Team for assistance. 

Apply to Opportunities

Micro-Internships can be done at all stages of your academic career and let you learn about different companies, roles, and career paths! This is a great tool for you to build your professional skill set, complete projects that are flexible with your graduate school commitments, and help prepare you for industry roles.

To begin,

  1. Visit Parker Dewey. You can see what Micro-Internships are available once you create an account. 
  2. Complete your profile.
  3. Apply to projects that interest you. Be sure to be professional in all communications with the prospective employer. 

Be sure to return to the Parker Dewey platform regularly to keep on applying to new opportunities!

On the Job

Selected for a Micro-Internship? Congratulations!  When you receive the notification via email, you’ll also receive a checklist of recommended next steps, including:

  1. Schedule your kickoff meeting. Email the project contact to set up a time to discuss the Micro-Internship real-time. Remember, communicate professionally, ask good questions, and make sure you understand what's expected. And be prepared - the project supervisor is counting on you to do a GREAT job!
  2. Sign up for Parker Dewey's payroll system. You will be paid directly by Parker Dewey, and the link is provided in your congratulations email.
  3. Use your resources (knowledge from class and other experiences, mentors, faculty, etc.) to complete the project to the best of your ability.
  4. Complete the project by the deadline(s) that you and your project supervisor identify.

If you have questions, reach out to support@parkerdewey.com at any time.

After Your Micro-Internship

When you complete your Micro-Internship, you will receive a checklist of things to do such as:

Frequently Asked Questions