student internship handbook cover

Have Questions?

Sherry Rhinehart

Sherry Rhinehart

Title/Position
Senior Specialist, Employer Engagement & Experiential Education
Jenny

Jennifer Noyce

Title/Position
Associate Director, Experiential Education

Micro-internships are short-term, paid professional projects for students and recent graduates.  They typically range from 5-40 hours of work over 1-4 weeks, depending on the project.   The projects are similar to those given to interns or new hires and are provided by a range of companies from emerging start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. 

How do I complete a micro-internship?

You can create an account on the Parker Dewey platform in less than 5 minutes, and then browse the projects posted by a variety of companies.  When you find one you like, select the project and apply. 

To ensure your application is more likely to be selected for projects, consider having your resume and/or profile reviewed by a Career Peer Advisor or Career Coach.  For extensive tips, watch this short overview, robust webinar, or review the resources page.  There are also tutorials for each step with pictures. 

Who can complete micro-internships?

Students and recent graduates from all majors can apply. However, international students must qualify and be approved for OPT.  Currently, micro-internships are not eligible for CPT.   Undocumented students must have DACA to participate. 

International students can contact isss@uiowa.edu to inquire about OPT. 

Can I get course credit for micro-internships? 

At this time micro-internships are not eligible for Pomerantz Career Center internship courses.

What are tips for success on the Parker Dewey micro-internship platform?

  • Meet with a Career Peer Advisor or Career Coach to have your profile and resume reviewed. 
  • Completely fill out the education section and add affiliations (ex. Honors, Student-Athlete, Student Organization, etc.) on your profile.
  • Spend 5-10 minutes every few days reviewing available micro-internships to identify opportunities that match your interests and skills.
  • Apply early.  Some micro-internships are filled within hours.
  • Apply often. Just like a full-time internship search, you should expect to apply to 10-15 micro-internships before being hired. 

What are the benefits of a micro-internship for students?

  • Explore companies and career options
  • Demonstrate skills to employers
  • Network with industry professionals for future full-time internships or jobs
  • Build your resume by doing more than one project
  • Get paid!
  • Balance school and other activities with a lower time commitment than a full internship