Micro-Internships

Micro-Internships with Parker Dewey

Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, project-based work experiences. These projects enable students to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks as they seek the right full-time role. Micro-Internships are used by companies ranging from those in the Fortune 100 to emerging start-ups and go across departments including sales, marketing, technology, HR, and finance. 

Parker Dewey is a mission-oriented organization that helps connect great talent with great companies through Micro-Internships. Parker Dewey believes that knowledge and ability go beyond what is learned in the classroom and that Micro-Internships can be a launching pad for career growth and exploration alike.

For Students:

Micro-Internships offer a great chance to kickstart your career. You can try various roles, enhance your skills, showcase your talents to employers, and expand your network. Moreover, you'll earn money and gain practical knowledge that complements your academic studies.

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Create a Parker Dewey account to start a Micro-Internship today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. For any further questions, please reach out to the Career Center at careercenter@ucsd.edu or request an appointment with a career coach via Handshake.

How long are Micro-Internships?

Unlike traditional internships, Micro-Internships can take place year-round, typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work, and are due between one week and one month after kick-off.

Are these Micro-Internships remote or on-site?

Micro-Internships can be either remote or on-site, but they usually tend to be remote due to their short-term and project-based nature. Remote Micro-Internships offer flexibility and allow individuals to work from anywhere, which can be particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or who live in different locations. However, some Micro-Internships may require on-site work, depending on the nature of the project or the company's location.

Can I have more than one Micro-Internship at the same time?

Because Micro-Internships typically are over a short, compressed time-frame, UC San Diego recommends that students participate in one Micro-Internship at-a-time when they are enrolled in classes full-time or part-time. If students are not enrolled in classes, students could decide to work part-time or full-time hours depending on their availability.

What type of Micro-Internships are there?

There is a wide range of Micro-Internship opportunities available with companies of all sizes and across various industries. On their projects portal, you can narrow your search by filtering the following areas:
- Research & Strategy 
- Sales & Business Development
- Finance & Accounting 
- Operations & Support
- Human Resources
- Marketing & Creative 
- IT & Cyber
After creating an account, visit the projects portal to search for available opportunities and apply today.

How does payment work?

The full payment will be detailed on each Micro-Internship opportunity. Payment will vary depending on the estimated number of work hours and estimated time frame for an individual project. You will receive the payment amount listed on the project upon successful completion of the project. 
- Can I use my work-study award for my Micro-Internship?

Unfortunately, students may not use their work-study award to fund their micro-internship project.
- How are these Micro-Internships funded

Payment for micro-internship projects is funded by Parker Dewey. After you have been selected for a project, you will receive documents from Parker Dewey to release payment in either Direct Deposit or paper check.

Can international students participate?

Projects completed through Parker Dewey are only available to international students with approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or other work authorization. Students must confirm their eligibility with the International Students & Programs Office. 

How do I showcase my Micro-Internship experience?

Participating in multiple Micro-Internships can expand your ability, show the breadth of experience, and highlight different skill sets both related to and separate from your degree. On your resume, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio, you can showcase your work as an “Independent Consultant” and list each Micro-Internship as an individual project. Those who participate in Micro-Internships have more success marketing their skills to recruiters. Of survey participants who had Micro-Internships, 94% are now employed, compared to the 64% employment rate of graduates overall, according to the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE, 2019).