US News Release: Which US Universities Offer the Most Internship Resources?
For families preparing to study abroad in the US, the ability to find a decent job after graduation is crucial. The primary reason for this is the increasing pressure of job competition, leading more and more international students to consider the return on investment of studying abroad.
Therefore, when choosing schools, more and more students are paying attention to the school's resources in terms of work and internships, understanding which schools' students graduate without worrying about jobs. So, which universities have a greater competitive advantage in helping students find employment?
In spring 2023, US News surveyed over 1,500 university presidents, chief academic officers, deans of faculties, and admissions officers to identify which universities have the strongest internship and corporate partnership programs.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
US News Ranking: 2
MIT offers a diverse range of internship programs. For instance, the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives provide over 900 undergraduate and graduate students with internship, teaching, and research opportunities worldwide, with the university covering the main expenses. Participants in this program also receive transportation and meal allowances.
Harvard University
US News Ranking: 3
Harvard University offers students a wealth of internship opportunities. For example, the Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard, which takes place from June to August for 10 weeks. Through this program, undergraduate students interested in applying for a Ph.D. can interact with researchers in the humanities, life sciences, and physics fields. The program is held on-campus, providing students with accommodation, a $3,500 stipend, and $1,500 for meals.
Stanford University
US News Ranking: 3 (tied)
Stanford University offers a wide range of internship programs, both domestically in locations such as New York City and internationally. The destinations for global internship programs include various locations in the United States as well as China, India, Georgia, Germany, Estonia, and France, with the university covering all expenses. Other internship programs cover areas such as arts, vocational education, community service, public service, and experimental research.
Duke University
US News Ranking: 7
Internship requirements at Duke University vary by major. Students majoring in public policy and art history are required to complete internships. For students undertaking low-paying (below $1500) or unpaid summer internships and meeting the criteria, the university provides a $4000 stipend for living expenses.
Cornell University
US News Ranking: 12
Cornell University offers a rich array of summer programs to help students gain work experience in their fields of interest. For example, the Cornell in Hollywood program provides students with opportunities for full-time or part-time internships in the film industry in Los Angeles. The university also offers summer research programs that allow undergraduates to engage in graduate-level research.
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
US News Ranking: 21
The University of Michigan Ann Arbor offers the oldest and largest summer internship program called the University Career Center's Public Service Intern Program, which takes place in Washington, D.C. Students need to apply and interview, with the final number of participants ranging from 80 to 100. Participants in the program can gain work experience in the public service sector, learn professional development skills, and network with alumni in related fields. The program lasts between 8 to 10 weeks.
Carnegie Mellon University
US News Ranking: 24
Carnegie Mellon University offers a variety of internship programs, including a semester-long internship in Washington, D.C. According to the university's website, the school provides summer internship scholarships to subsidize students participating in unpaid or low-paid internships (hourly wage below $12) in the United States. The maximum grant amount for this scholarship is $2,500.
Georgia Institute of Technology
US News Ranking: 33
Georgia Institute of Technology offers a voluntary five-year cooperative education program for all engineering majors. In their junior year, students work full-time for one semester and attend classes for another semester. Students participating in the cooperative education program are required to work for at least three semesters. This voluntary cooperative education program is the largest of its kind in the United States.
Purdue University
US News Ranking: 43
Purdue University offers three-phase or five-phase cooperative education programs, where participating students work at the same company in each phase. These programs aim to help students establish connections with employers, engage in more projects, and gradually take on more responsibilities.
Northeastern University
US News Ranking: 53
Northeastern University was one of the first schools to start the Co-op program, with 90% of students participating in at least one Co-op program during their undergraduate studies. Students participating in cooperative education must first complete preparatory courses on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, and workplace etiquette. Students will start working in their sophomore spring semester or the following summer, but they must meet with a cooperative education coordinator beforehand. While participation in this program is not mandatory, the majority of students choose to participate.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
US News Ranking: 82
Students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute can participate in internships or paid co-op programs that do not count for credit, with durations ranging from 4 to 8 months. Due to government regulations, international students must complete a full year of study before participating in co-op programs. The university also offers project-based learning programs where students accumulate practical experience by completing projects addressing real-world issues in the classroom.
Rochester Institute of Technology
US News Ranking: 98
Most undergraduate majors at Rochester Institute of Technology require students to complete cooperative education. According to the university's website, in 2022, over 4500 students completed cooperative education, working at least 35 hours per week during their participation. Unlike many small colleges, these programs at Rochester Institute of Technology are typically paid, and students do not need to pay additional tuition.
Conclusion
Internships are an excellent way for undergraduate students to gain work experience and explore career interests. Undergraduates with paid internship experience or backgrounds are more likely to find jobs and often receive higher starting salaries. Therefore, if your school offers relevant opportunities, be sure not to miss them. If you plan to work in the United States after graduation, it's worth considering universities with more internship opportunities and cooperative education programs when choosing a school.