Innovation Incubator

For Students

Cal Poly Pomona students looking at career guide

For Students

When you are launching your career, Micro-Internships provide a tremendous opportunity. Not only can you explore different career paths and work on interesting assignments, you can also demonstrate your abilities to potential employers while building your professional portfolio and network. 

 

How It Works

Learn how to integrate Micro-Internships into your curriculum.

CREATE A PROFILE

Signing up takes less than 10 minutes - name, school, hobbies, a few other things, and you're good to go.

Sign Up

SEE MICRO-INTERNSHIPS AND APPLY

Check out details on available assignments, including when they’re due and how much you’ll be paid. You decide which opportunities seem most interesting - it’s a great way to explore different roles and industries.

SUBMIT LIABILITY FORMS

Click this link to submit liability forms before starting your micro-internship. 

 

Liability Form Submission

COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT

Once you’re selected, work directly with the company. Do your best to exceed their expectations as it could lead to a full-time role.

COMPLETE SURVEYS

Complete surveys post-completion of the project.

For International and DACA Students 

International Students - International students are strongly advised to contact the CPP International Center regarding information on getting work authorization to ensure compliance with internship requirements and international student federal regulations. International Students will be required to apply for CPT to get a paid Micro-Internship. 
 
DACA Students - DACA recipients are eligible to apply. Students who do not have DACA are encouraged to contact Undocumented Students Services to learn more about other educational opportunities. 

Steps For CPT:  

 

 

 

General Frequently Asked Questions

A. Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that enable Career Launchers to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks. They can take place year-round, typically require 10 to 40 hours of work by the student, and are due within a few days to a few weeks.

A. Unlike traditional internships that are tied to the academic calendar, Micro-Internships can be used year-round to provide on-demand support for short-term projects (usually requiring a total of 10-40 hours of work). They can be performed remotely and require minimal oversight and commitment. Micro-Internships are utilized across industries and roles, as a precursor or alternative to traditional internships, and as skills-based hiring auditions.

A. Micro-Internships are comparable to those assignments typically given to new hires or summer interns — things like conducting market research, performing financial analysis, and assisting in lead generation. Companies partner with us to provide services across a variety of departments, industries, and organization sizes.

A. Micro-Internships can be either on-site or virtual, depending on the specific requirements of the project. 

A. Micro-Internships are not meant to replace traditional internship programs but rather complement and even supplement them. Due to their short-term nature, Micro-Internships can be used year-round to find on-demand project support while simultaneously allowing you to engage and evaluate potential talent.

International and Undocumented Students Frequently Asked Questions

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. 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 must confirm your eligibility to work before you can apply to projects. International students are strongly advised to contact the CPP International Center regarding information on getting work authorization to ensure compliance with internship requirements and international student federal regulations. International Students will be required to apply for CPT to get a paid Micro-Internship.

A. Parker Dewey defines an international student as a non-U.S. student attending school at a U.S-based school. If this matches your situation, you first should check with your school's International Students Office to confirm your eligibility to work in the U.S.

When signing up for the Tipalti platform, you should select Form W-9 and enter your SSN or ITIN in the “Social Security Number” field.

A. To complete opportunities on Parker Dewey, all Career Launchers must have a valid Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The ITIN must be valid prior to beginning your Parker Dewey assignment.

When signing up for the Tipalti platform, you should select Form W-9 and enter your SSN or ITIN in the “Social Security Number” field.

Resources

Micro-Internship Student Guide on Parker Dewey (PDF)
Academic Internship Learning Plan (PDF)
Academic Internship Release of Liability (PDF)
Video/Audio Image Release Form (PDF)
Student Orientation Micro-Internship PowerPoint (PDF)
Liability Form Submissions

Ready to Get Started?

Connect with the Micro-Internship team if you have any questions on getting started with Micro-Internships.

Contact Us