Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Internships in New Haven
Internships in New Haven offer invaluable experiences for students and graduates alike, providing a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world application. Whether you're a University of New Haven student seeking funding for an unpaid summer internship or a New Haven Promise Scholar looking for exclusive opportunities, this article will guide you through the landscape of internships in the city.
Bergami Family Summer Internship Program at the University of New Haven
The Bergami Family Summer Internship Program at the University of New Haven is a fantastic opportunity for undergraduate students to gain practical experience and offset the costs associated with unpaid summer internships. This program provides funding to cover living expenses and related costs, making internships more accessible to students in any field.
Eligibility and Requirements
The awards are open to undergraduate University of New Haven First Year, Sophomore, and Junior class students. Seniors who are returning for Fall 2025 are eligible to apply. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours at the University of New Haven.
- Be returning to the university for Fall 2025.
- The unpaid internship must be during the summer.
- The unpaid internship must be at least 8 weeks long at a minimum of 12 hours per week.
- The unpaid internships are to be conducted with government, non-profit organizations, or for-profit business. Internships that cover expenses such as parking are still considered unpaid.
It is critical that interested students carefully read the requirements and application procedures. Due to the large volume of applicants and highly competitive nature of these awards, students who fail to address all required components of the application will NOT be considered. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Career Development resources available to help them identify internships and prepare stipend applications.
Securing an Internship
Students are encouraged to have secured the unpaid internship by the application deadline, but it is not a requirement for application.
Read also: Hilgard Haven Article
Application Process and Key Components
The application process for the Bergami Family Summer Internship Program requires careful attention to detail. Here are some key components to keep in mind:
- Personal Statement: This is your opportunity to showcase your passion and explain why you're pursuing this particular internship. Discuss how you came to discover your career path, and how this internship fits into your journey of career discovery. What do you hope to achieve by working with the organization; include specific skills you hope to gain. Describe the previous experiences that have led you to pursue this opportunity. These could include coursework, community service, employment, or personal experience.
- Budget Statement: This statement should specify your perceived expenses for the summer and the following school year. For example, an applicant might state: "My estimated budget for the summer is approximately $2,500.00. I have received a $250 fellowship from my hometown Rotary Club and have about $350 of my own money that I have saved from campus employment. I am responsible for my book expenses and spending money for the academic year, money which I would normally earn over the summer." You will enter the budget statement directly into the application form.
- Interview: Finalists will take part in an individual interview conducted via Zoom. In the interview, students should be prepared to explain in greater detail their personal statement responses and the relevance of the internship to their future academic/career plans.
Tips for a Successful Application
Given the competitive nature of the Bergami Family Summer Internship Program, students should strive to submit a polished and compelling application. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:
- Start Early: Begin your application well in advance of the deadline to allow ample time for revisions and feedback.
- Seek Guidance: Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Career Development resources available to help them identify internships and prepare stipend applications. Students should have completed a rough draft of their application prior to walk-in. Fifteen-minute drop-in application critique sessions at the Career Development CenterBeginning Monday, March 3 and continuing until deadline day, Mon.
- Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos.
- Be Specific: Provide concrete examples and details to support your claims and demonstrate your passion for the internship.
City of New Haven Student Intern Program
The City of New Haven values education and believes that students bring new ideas, new energy, and new skills to the workforce. The City’s employment of students takes place through the Student Intern Program. This program offers valuable work experience directly related to a student's academic field of study, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the local community while gaining professional skills.
Program Guidelines and Restrictions
It's important to understand the guidelines and restrictions of the City of New Haven Student Intern Program:
- Student Interns may not replace a full-time position/function which would normally be performed by a bargaining unit employee.
- The maximum number of hours a Student Intern can work may not exceed 19 hours per week.
- Student Interns cannot begin employment without approval from the Department of Human Resources.
- Departments: Student Interns may be paid from your 56695 appropriation (Temp & PT Help). The department is responsible for ensuring adequacy of funds within the 56695 Account.
- Student hourly rates are based on the last academic year completed. Note that the burden of proof of grade advancement falls on the student. No adjustments in pay will be made until evidence of progression is provided by the student.
- There are no benefits associated with a student intern position, and pay is based on the number of hours worked.
Application Process
To apply for a Student Intern position with the City of New Haven, follow these steps:
Read also: A Guide to UNH Admissions
- Student must complete the online application process and submit a resume and current transcripts.
- The department head should submit a Request to Appoint (RTA) form to the Department of Human Resources. Incomplete RTA's may hinder timely and smooth start dates.
- Your new intern should come to the Department of Human Resources on their first day of employment in order to complete New Hire Paperwork.
- Apply online during open posting period. Find “Student Intern” under Positions Available, click on the “Apply” link, and follow all instructions on that page.
The posting period for Student Interns is NOT open at all times; check Employment Opportunities online regularly for available positions.
Important Requirements
Employment for interns age 18 or older is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, and (2) a pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*.
Candidates selected for internship may be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and a Release of Information in order to perform a background check.
*Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.
New Haven Promise Scholar Internships
New Haven Promise Scholars have access to exclusive summer internship opportunities. These internships are designed to provide scholars with valuable professional experience and career development opportunities.
Read also: Applying for the New Haven Scholarship
How to Apply
Below are links to summer internships available exclusively to registered and eligible New Haven Promise Scholars. To apply, follow these steps:
- Please complete your STARS profile right away (instructions are provided below, if needed).
- Create New Account if you do not have a STARS profile. Read authorization (see bottom of page) and confirm. Note that this obligates you to provide ACCURATE information.
- Resumes and cover letters may be uploaded to your STARS profile.
- Read and review the posted job descriptions that are available (those with active links) and stay tuned for the remaining descriptions (inactive links).
- Hiring managers - who have access to all resumes of eligible scholars - will select scholars and contact them for interviews on a rolling basis.
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