IBM SkillsBuild Badges Micro-Internship Program

Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects allow you to showcase the skills you have acquired through your SkillsBuild training so that you can build your resume as you seek the right full-time role.

Micro-Internships are used by companies ranging from those in the Fortune 100 to emerging start-ups across the U.S.  Micro-Internships are facilitated via the Parker Dewey platform, which connects Career Launchers with Organizations in need of support.

Parker Dewey is a mission-driven organization working to connect of highly-motivated Career Launchers and business professionals by working together on Micro-Internships.

All Micro-Internships on the Parker Dewey platform are paid, professional opportunities designed for early-career professionals. These are all competitive, "real-world" assignments where, if selected, you will be working directly with the organization who posted the project on a short-term project.  You will be paid by Parker Dewey upon completion of the project.

Through your participation in SkillsBuild, you have exclusive access to Micro-Internships that align to your SkillsBuild learning pathway.  You are also welcome to apply for and complete other Micro-Internships available on the Parker Dewey platform.

You are eligible for SkillsBuild Micro-Internships if you meet the following criteria:

• 18 or older
• Authorized to work in the United States or have a valid ITIN number
• Currently attending one of the following colleges/universities listed below AND successfully completed an IBM SkillsBuild Getting Started badge.

You will be asked to provide a link to your SkillsBuild badge completion certificate when applying for a Micro-Internship.

At this time, only students who meet the criteria above AND have completed a Getting Started Badge while attending one of the following institutions are eligible for this program:

• Alabama A&M University
• Albany State University
• Chicago State University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Grambling State University
• Medgar Evers College
• Morris College
• Norfolk State University
• North Carolina Central University
• South Carolina State University
• Southern University
• Stillman College
• Talladega College
• Texas Southern University
• Tuskegee University
• Virginia State University
• Voorhees University
• West Virginia State University
• Wiley University

When you are launching your career, Micro-Internships provide a tremendous opportunity to put what you have learned through the SkillsBuild training to work on a real, professional project.  Micro-Internships can help you:

• Add relevant experience to your resume
• Expand your professional network of those working in a related field
• Provide you with project feedback and advice to help you with your future job search

And all of these benefits are in addition to getting paid!

While some Micro-Internship opportunities are completed on-site, all opportunities offered through the SkillsBuild program can be remotely to allow you to have the greatest flexibility in fitting the project into your schedule.

Projects completed through Parker Dewey are only available to U.S. citizens or international students with approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or other work authorization.

If you are a current F-1/J1 international student, contact international student support staff at your institution to confirm your eligibility before applying to projects. 

If selected for a Micro-Internship, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with internship requirements and USCIS regulations.

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

• Complete a brief survey about your experience.
• Update your resume/LinkedIn profile.
• Stay in touch with your Micro-Internship Supervisor. Who knows, they may be able to help you land your next full-time job!