Youngstown State University Logo

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 Micro-Internships?

Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional, typically-remote assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. After applying for  projects and being selected by a company, these projects allow students and recent graduates from any major 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
  • Are often remote
  • Typically range from 10 to 40 hours of work done 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 Ohio 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.

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. Create/Update your resume. If you're creating your resume for the first time, you can upload it to Handshake for feedback.
  2. Visit Parker Dewey. You can see what Micro-Internships are available once you create an account. 
  3. Complete your profile. Check out Parker Dewey's Career Launcher Tutorial for tips and guidance.
  4. Apply to projects that interest you ASAP. Be sure to be professional in all communications with the prospective employer. 

Be sure to return to the Parker Dewey platform regularly! Because Micro-Internships move quickly, those who log in frequently see the most opportunities. Daily log-ins are recommended.

GettyImages_1181353763_SN_Cutout_jpg_916744

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 support@parkerdewey.com at any time.

Happy asian man sitting at the table with laptop

After Your Micro-Internship

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

  • Get paid! Micro-Internship pay is processed at the end of each month. If you have earned more than $600, keep an eye out for a 1099 form from Parker Dewey come tax season. For more details and more information about pay, check out Parker Dewey's Pay FAQs.
  • Complete a brief survey about your experience.
  • Review the feedback you receive from your supervisor.
  • Update your resume/LinkedIn profile. Make sure to list your title as an Independent Contractor of Parker Dewey.
  • Stay in touch with your Micro-Internship Supervisor. 

 

  • Apply to another Micro-Internship!
Portrait of a smiling woman with an afro at the computer in bright glass office

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.

If you are a current F-1/J1 international student, you will need to confirm your eligibility to work before you are able to apply to projects. It is strongly advised to contact international student support staff 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.