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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.

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.

UCS Career Launcher Program

University Career Services is excited to launch the Career Launcher Program. As a participant in the program, students will have the opportunity to be mentored by a UNC alumn, and receive hands-on career coaching and development that will holistically prepare them for their Micro-Internship project. This program is open to all UNC – Chapel Hill students, but is strongly encouraged for underrepresented students, underserved majors, and students who lack any career-aligned professional experience. For students interested in participating, please 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 GETTING PAID!

But first:

  1. Create/Update your resume. If you don't have a resume yet, Vault can help. 
  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. Explore your career options. If you are not sure what kinds of opportunities interest you, check out What Can I Do With This Major.
  4. Get assistance. University Career Services is here to help.

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

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. Complete your profile. Don't forget to add 'UNC Chapel Hill: UCS Career Launcher' as an affiliation if you qualify!
  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 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:

Frequently Asked Questions