Micro-Internships for University of Houston

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 Texas 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:

Create/Update your resume. If you don't have a resume yet, UCS Resume resources can help.
Create an account on LinkedIn. This can help you establish your professional network and online presence, and it's easy to get started.
Explore your career options. If you are not sure what kinds of opportunities interest you, check out the University of Houston’s University Career Services career exploration/assessment resource(s).
Get assistance. University Career Services (UCS) is here to help.

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

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,

Visit Parker Dewey. You can see what Micro-Internships are available once you create an account.
Complete your profile.
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! After you receive the notification via email, you should:

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!
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.
Use your resources (knowledge from class and other experiences, mentors, faculty, etc.) to complete the project to the best of your ability.
Complete the project by the deadline(s) that you and your project supervisor identify.

If you have questions, reach out to Parker Dewey support at any time.

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are international students eligible to participate?

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 at University of Houston 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 and Scholar Services (ISSS0) office regarding information on eligibility for work authorization to ensure compliance with internship requirements and USCIS regulations.

Q. Are DACAmented or undocumented students eligible to participate?

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.

Additional resources can be found by contacting the UH Center for Student Empowerment.

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.

Q. I have more questions. Who can I contact?

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.