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Micro-Internships

Students from all majors can execute professional assignments to build and demonstrate skills while exploring a variety of career paths.
Apply for Micro-Internships

What are SwatWorks Micro-Internships?

SwatWorks Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects enable Swarthmore students to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks, as they are mentored by Swarthmore alumni and parents. SwatWorks Micro-Internships are funded through micro-grants offered by Career Services. 

To participate you must:

  • Be a current or continuing Swarthmore College student
  • Each student may complete multiple projects adding up to 40 hours of work during the Winter Break 2023-2024 SwatWorks cycle
  • Projects must be completed by the start of Spring Semester 2024.

SwatWorks Micro-Internships are facilitated via the Parker Dewey platform and are listed under the "Featured Projects" sectionParker Dewey lists many additional Micro-Internships which are funded by the organizations which offer them. Take advantage of those opportunities, as well.  Some may actually be offered by Swarthmore alums/parents, too.  You will see these additional projects listed under "All Open Micro-Internships."

For more information about the SwatWorks program, click here to review the program FAQ's. If you have additional questions, click here.

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 GET PAID!

But first:

  1. Create/Update your resume. If you don't have a resume yet, Swarthmore's resume guide can help.  In addition, LinkedIn provides many resources.
  2. Create an account on LinkedIn.  This can help you establish your professional network and online presence, and it's easy to get started.  
  3. Review your Core Competencies. The skills employers most value are not tied to a major, but are actually things like communication, problem solving, and adaptability. Understanding these skills and how to communicate them is invaluable.  
  4. Get assistance. Swarthmore Career Services office is here to help.

Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up-to-date as you gain more experiences.

Swarthmore Student at Garnet Day

Apply to Opportunities

Don't wait for a full-time internship to gain professional experience.  Micro-Internships can be done at all stages of your academic career and let you learn about different companies, roles, and career paths!

To begin,

  1. Visit Parker Dewey.  You can see what Micro-Internships are available once you create an account
  2. Apply to Micro-Internships. Since these are short-term and you can work on as many as you want, they're a great way to explore a variety of opportunities including those you may not have thought about.  
  3. Identify learning opportunities. While Micro-Internships are designed for college students, some do require specific skills. If those projects interest you but you don't feel ready, check out LinkedIn Learning as a way to get prepared

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

Swarthmore Student Outside

On the Job

Selected for a Micro-Internship?  Congratulations!  After you receive the notification via email, you should: 

  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. Beyond what you've learned in the classroom, professors, alumni, and others are happy to help.  In addition, as a Swarthmore student you have access to additional tools through LinkedIn learning.
  4. Complete the project by the deadline(s) that you and your project supervisor identify.

Click here to review additional tips for success with your Micro-Internship.

Still have questions?  Reach out to swatworks@parkerdewey.com at any time.

Swarthmore students walking in front of main building

After Your Micro-Internship

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

  • Complete a brief survey about your experience.
  • Review the feedback you receive from your supervisor.
  • Update your resume/LinkedIn profile.
  • Stay in touch with your Micro-Internship Supervisor. 
  • Apply to another Micro-Internship!
Swarthmore Students Outside

Frequently Asked Questions

A.

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, and when classes are not in session.

If you are a current F-1/J1 international student at Swarthmore College you will need to confirm your eligibility to work before you are able to apply to projects. It is strongly advised to contact the International Student Center (ISC) regarding information on eligibility for work authorization to ensure compliance with internship requirements and USCIS regulations.

A.

Current students and alumni do not need to have DACA or TPS to apply to Micro-internships.  All Micro-internships are structured as independent contract work, which means successful applicants would be hired by Parker Dewey as independent contractors.

Other Considerations:

You may use your work authorization or a valid ITIN to be paid as an independent contractor.

You may already have an ITIN if your parents ever filed income taxes and claimed you as a dependent. You can find out if you have an ITIN in your parents’ tax forms.

If you have an ITIN, make sure to find out if it has expired. If it has, you will need to renew it. Find information on ITIN expiration and renewal here.

If you do not have an ITIN, you can learn how to obtain one here: ITIN Guide or this video from Immigrants Rising.

A.

For more information about how the payment process works for students/recent grads completing Micro-Internships, click here.

If you have additional questions about Micro-Internships, please contact Parker Dewey.  

If you have questions for the Swarthmore Career Team, please contact swatworks@swarthmore.edu