Internships and Micro-Internships
Definition of an Internship
An internship is any carefully monitored work or service experience through which students can pursue intentional learning goals and reflect actively on what they are learning throughout the experience.
During an internship experience, the student should be guided by a mentor skilled in the area in which the intern is working. An internship is designed to be:
- An opportunity to promote a student’s academic, career, and personal development.
- An experience that involves learning activities, such as observation, reflection, evaluation, pursuit of learning objectives, and assessment.
- An opportunity to develop a future full-time hire for a career-track position.
- A part-time or full-time commitment.
- A paid or unpaid assignment. However, to support equitable experiences for students, UNLV recommends paid internships for all students.
- A duration of three to six months, typically aligned with semester or summer term.
Types of Internships
Curricular, Elective, and Extra-Curricular Internships
UNLV offers a variety of models for an internship. Internships may be:
- Curricular: Required for a student’s declared degree or major.
- Elective: Not required for the student's academic degree or major but relates to the student's program of study or career interests. These may qualify for academic credit.
- Extra-curricular: Initiated by the student with the employer and are not required for the degree.
Virtual Internships
A virtual internship is an internship experience done entirely via email, online chat, or phone. The intern's geographic location is not a factor. Both onsite and virtual internships allow students to obtain work experience in their chosen fields while applying skills and knowledge learned.
Micro-Internships
Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects enable students and alumni to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks as they seek the right full-time role. Unlike traditional internships, micro-internships are year-round opportunities that typically require 10 to 40 hours of work per project, with some extending up to 200 hours, and are often completed within one week to two months.
At UNLV, students can explore micro-internship opportunities through the Parker Dewey platform.
Specialized UNLV Internship Programs
College of Engineering’s StepUp & StartUp Program
StepUp & StartUp Internship Program (SUSU IP) is designed to support our College of Engineering students and Nevada's local technology industry. The College of Engineering will provide a stipend for the students who register and obtain internships in the approved opportunities. This program pairs underrepresented students in tech and computer science disciplines with local start-up companies supporting their capacity to host paid student interns.
Internship Readiness
As a Title III Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), UNLV hosts the AANAPISI STEM/Health Sciences program.
Dream.US Scholars
UNLV has partnered with TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant youth. TheDream.US believes that “everyone, regardless of where they were born, should have equitable access to a college education, a meaningful career, and opportunities to contribute to the communities they call home.” TheDream.US Scholars can engage in 200-hour internships or short-term projects (micro-internships) at no cost. This unique opportunity provides extensive support to participating students and facilitates future career success.