Dear PhD Students,
Approximately 40% of Pitt PhD graduates pursue career paths outside of academia. In response to the growing trend of PhD graduates transitioning to higher education careers other than faculty positions, the Office of the Provost – Graduate Studies offers a summer micro-internship program in higher education for University of Pittsburgh PhD students.
About the Program
Now in its third year, this program places eligible PhD students in units across Pitt for a 10-week period beginning in June 2023. The internships require a time commitment of 8 hours per week and provide participants a stipend of $1,600.
PhD students will contribute their expertise to a defined project and, in the process, leverage and learn new professional skills, develop a deeper understanding of higher education administration and policy, and gain exposure to various career paths. The program also includes weekly professional development programming to support PhD students’ career exploration and preparation.
All PhD students who have passed their doctoral comprehensive exams are eligible to apply.
Last summer, PhD students were placed in various units across the University of Pittsburgh including the Office of the Provost – Graduate Studies, the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Engagement and Community Affairs, and the Innovation Institute. Meet the Summer 2022 interns.
Application Guidelines
We are now accepting applications for summer 2023.
To apply, please submit an email with the subject line “2023 Summer Micro Internship” along with the following information to graduate@pitt.edu by March 31, 2023.
1. Your name and preferred pronouns
2. Your graduation date (or expected graduation date)
3. Your degree program and school
4. Your advisor’s name and email (for confirmation of your expected graduation date)
5. A notation if you have limitations which require the internship to be fully virtual or are an international student on an F-1 Visa. (Please note that we will do our best to accommodate students who require a virtual placement but are not sure of how many virtual placements we will have to offer).
6. A ranking of your internship interest areas from highest (1) to lowest (5):
• Student/Education Initiative
• Administrative Initiative (including communications/relations)
• Research Enterprise/Infrastructure
• Policy Development/Implementation
• Community Engagement/Research Practice Partnership
7. Attachment: A statement of no more than 300 words that includes:
• Your interest in learning about and potentially pursuing a career in higher education beyond a faculty position
• What you hope to gain from the internship experience
8. Attachment: A condensed CV/resume of no more than 2 pages
Summer Internship Acceptance and Eligibility
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program in mid-April. The program will then match students to internship opportunities based on materials submitted.
Interns are required to complete the internship and all the associated professional development.
Note that to be eligible you must have passed your doctoral comprehensive exam before you submit the application.
Additionally, if you hold a fellowship or appointment as a GSR/GSA/TA/TF during summer 2023, your advisor will need to approve your participation in the internship.
Questions
If you have questions, please email Treviene A. Harris, Graduate Career and Professionalization Manager, Office of the Provost - Graduate Studies.
