Your Internship
As a fellow in Semester in the City, you will intern with a nonprofit, social mission business, or government agency for 30 hours per week for a full-semester. You’ll gain work-based experience, allowing you to learn more about yourself and your passions while also building skills and networks.
We work to place you in an internship aligned with your interests, be it criminal justice reform, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, or beyond. While every placement will be a little different, you will have a dedicated mentor to help you thrive.
What Makes Your Internship Great
Some aspects that make our program unique include the fact that we match students with their internship based on a variety of factors (such as their passions and interests), there is a dedicated mentor at the internship site, and students focus on a special project throughout the semester. We do the heavy lifting of finding students an internship placement, and we put supports in place to make sure students and the host organizations can thrive. This allows students to immerse themselves into the culture of their internship sites and make a meaningful contribution.
What’s a special project?
Special projects are integral to your internship experience, taking up about 40% of your work time. Projects can and will vary, ensuring your ability to explore areas that align with your interests, skill set, and the needs of the organization.
For instance, you might be responsible for social media management, where you will develop content strategies to enhance an organization’s online presence and engage with its community effectively. Or, your special project might focus on direct service, allowing you to work directly with communities in need.
These projects are designed to be both impactful and reflective, allowing you to learn from your experiences by connecting your actions with the insights you gain during your internship. As a result, you will leave with practical experience, a robust portfolio, and a greater understanding of the social issues that matter to you.
Curious what your special project could be? Look at what past Fellows have accomplished!
"At a time when my generation feels like the world is falling apart just as we are coming into it, Semester in the City allows us to roll up our sleeves and make a difference in a supportive community."
Alex Vergara | Fall 2021 Cohort
Our Matching Process
You find out your internship match after you have enrolled in the program, but prior to the start of Semester in the City, typically about a month after the application deadline. You then have a call with your mentor to confirm it’s a strong match. Once the program begins we have a night where you get to meet your program mentor from your internship.
Although we cannot guarantee that you will be placed with a specific organization, we can confirm that you will learn a ton and work in an organization that aligns with your interests and continues to help guide you toward your professional goals.
Students have had opportunities to work on a variety of different projects. We have had fellows do everything from working on social media campaigns, working with youth in the classroom, to urban gardening. What’s so unique about Semester in the City is how we really work with you throughout the enrollment process to learn more about you and the organization we work with to pair you with an internship you’ll love.
Want to learn more about our internship opportunities and how they may align with your interest?
Check out our Internship Guidebook!
Your Weekly Schedule
At Semester in the City, students follow a structured weekly schedule that combines hands-on internships with reflective learning.
In addition to their internship responsibilities, students participate in two in-person hands-on classes. These classes are designed to complement the internship experience, providing opportunities for practical application of learned concepts and facilitating meaningful discussions with peers and instructors. Together, these components create a robust learning environment that emphasizes both experience and reflection.
Students have access to an extensive selection of over 200+ host organizations, offering unique opportunities for a hands-on experience in various social sectors.
By partnering with these organizations, students are not only able to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings but also contribute to meaningful projects that drive social change.
Your Mentor
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of Social Innovation Fellows during their internship in Boston.
Each mentor, typically a supervisor at the internship site, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to guide students through their journey. They not only offer insights into the workings of the social sector but also provide personalized support tailored to the unique goals and challenges faced by each fellow and organization.
Representing over 200+ host organizations spanning the social impact sector, our mentors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to help you navigate and excel in your internship and beyond.
