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Think about what you'd like to do

Think about what kind of work you'd like to get involved with, what kind of organization you'd like to work for, and what country or part of the U.S. you would like to explore.

Start early

It's never too soon to get the process of setting up your internship in motion. Some organizations have early deadlines for summer internship positions, even as early as January. Many also have limited internship spots, so avoid the competitive rush and get your request in early. Start looking early in the semester or over break periods, before your study load gets too heavy. Avoid the last-minute grab-and-go internship: The earlier you start, the more information you can gather, and the better your internship choice will meet your interests.

Network

First, talk to your advisor and other faculty members about your interests. Find out what internship opportunities they know about and what contacts they can provide. Talk to other students—both those who've done internships and those who are also looking—for ideas and contacts. Talk to everyone you come in contact with through the Friedman School, Tufts University, or related outside work. Good internship ideas and opportunities come from many places.

Research

Visit the websites of organizations that have already provided internship opportunities to Friedman School students to learn more about them and what programs are currently underway that might support an intern. The David Patrick O'Brien Grant is awarded to one Tufts intern each year; consider applying.

Contact and follow up

Once you've found an organization that you'd like to intern with, find out who the correct internship contact is and send him or her your request by email or fill out and mail in the application, as needed, by the deadline provided.

  • Include a brief description of your own course of study and career interests.
  • Refer to the previous Friedman School student (if there was one) by name and date of internship.
  • Outline the dates of the internship period you're pursuing.

If your potential host is interested, ask for more information:

  • What the internship involves (what kind of work you'd be doing or would like to be doing—keep your own goals top-of-mind)
  • What the stipend is (if any)
  • What travel expenses are provided (if any)
  • What housing is provided (if any)
  • With whom you'd be working—who you'd report to and who your colleagues will be.

When you're offered an internship position that you'd like to accept, ask your host contact to provide you with all the details on the information listed above in writing and mail it to you at least one month before the start date of the internship.

Note that people are busy and may not be able to get back to you right away. Polite persistence is the best course of action to get a response. If you don't hear from your contact within a week or so, a courteous followup from you in the form of another email or telephone call is due. If possible, have a fallback contact—someone else within the organization who you can get in touch with in case your first contact is unavailable.