Micro-Internships
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 enable Career Launchers to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks as they seek the right full-time role. Unlike traditional internships, Micro-Internships can take place year-round, typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work, and are 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, and go across departments such as marketing, IT, or operations. Additionally, Micro-Internships are used in a variety of industries including financial services, tech, small business, nonprofit, and more.
Micro-Internships are facilitated via the Parker Dewey platform, which connects Career Launchers with Companies in need of support.
For Students/Recent Grads
When you are launching your career, Micro-Internships provide a tremendous opportunity. Not only can you explore different career paths and work on interesting assignments, you can also demonstrate your abilities to potential employers while building your professional portfolio and network. Beyond that, your academic experience will improve as you apply what is taught in the classroom to the real world (and vice versa). Projects can be a good fit for first-year through graduate students and are even open to recent grads.
Oh, did we forget to mention that you get paid for all of this?
For International Students
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 international student at UConn, you will need to confirm your eligibility to work before you are able to apply to projects. If you have already graduated from UConn, you will need to ensure your project meets the requirements of OPT.
If you are unsure about your eligibility and/or need to confirm your eligibility, contact the University of Connecticut International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for more information.
For Undocumented/DACA Students
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.
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 you ever filed income taxes or your parents did 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: IRS.
If you do not have an ITIN, you can learn how to obtain one here: ITIN Guide or Independent Contractor Forms video from Immigrants Rising.
For more information: