Internships & Greater Boston Spring Semester

Why Complete an Internship? 

An internship is a great way to work to gain experience and determine if a career area is a good fit. Internships may be paid or unpaid, for credit or not, on/away from campus, during a semester or in the summer.  Learn more about different Position Types and Details on Credited Internships.

Finding an internship shouldn’t be overwhelming – we can help! Feel free to explore Handshake to see available internships. 

To sign up for Academic Credits in Handshake:
Step 1. use your net ID and password to log in https://umass.joinhandshake.com/login
Step 2. Click on the “Career Center” tab, then “Experiences” then “Request an Experience”. This will bring you to the registration form.
All students must also sign the Field Experience Risk Acknowledgement Form
Step 3.  Go to the “Career Center” tab, then “Resources”, scroll down until you see the Field Exp. Risk Acknowledgment Form. Download it, Sign, upload it back into Handshake.

Partnering with Employers

Great internships right here! The School of Public Health and Health Sciences collaborates closely with employers to offer premier internships and practicums for our students.

Mount Ida Internships

An internship or co-op in the Boston area provides so much more than just professional experience. There’s also the experience of city living, filled with action, excitement and opportunities.

Housing is available at Mt. Ida for those students who would like to live on-campus. As a UMASS student, living at Mt Ida campus gets you a great rate on housing, as well as transportation to the MBTA Green Line, access to our complimentary fitness center, fun activities, and even free parking! Take advantage of the Mount Ida Campus today.

Need-based stipends are also available to cover supplemental costs of an unpaid internship.  For more information, please contact Aimee Gilbert Loinaz, Assistant Director for Internships and Employer Engagement at  aimeegl [at] umass [dot] edu (aimeegl[at]umass[dot]edu) or make an appointment with her on Handshake

Need Funding?

Check out AcademicWorks, which automatically matches you with UMass scholarships. These include scholarships and financial awards offered through SPHHS, Commonwealth Honors College, the Alumni Association, Financial Aid, and your major department. Submit your applications and then keep an eye on your dashboard, which shows you the status of any pending and submitted applications.  Scholarship recipients will be notified via email. Questions? Contact acadworks [at] umass [dot] edu. 

Interning Abroad

Are you interested in working in another country? Interning abroad can be a fantastic way to explore other cultures, learn more about a potential career field and get out of your comfort zone. But it's very important to work with an organization that will provide you with a safe, rewarding and educational experience.

Enjoy learning about Grace who completed her internship this past summer of 2023 here.

View the video of two students who got job offers post their internships with Brigham and Women's Center for Community Health and Health Equity.

Credited Internships provide students with a professional level educational and / or training experience within a verified company or organization.

Credited internships are completed during an official academic term.

Credited internships can be paid or unpaid.

Credited internships require an academic component to be completed with a faculty sponsor. (For public health majors this is the Undergraduate Program Director)

Credited internships can earn general academic credits 298Y or department specific credits PH398, KIN398, etc.

  • Must be a registered student in good standing with SPHHS
  • Must meet curriculum requirements for major
  • Must have already completed a minimum of 45 credits, (Under 45 credits - may apply for a dean’s waiver)
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (Certain employers require higher minimum GPAs)

Interested students should create a profile on the UMass Handshake platform

  • Schedule an appointment through Handshake (virtual or in-person) with Aimee Gilbert Loinaz, SPHHS Assistant Director for Internships and Employer Engagement (select Mt. Ida Credited Internships as appointment type).
  • Select-sponsored employers (you will be provided position descriptions) to which you want to apply.
  • Work with the SPHHS career ambassadors to tailor your cover letter and resume for your applications. 
  • Receive notification by mid-November regarding your selection.
  • Complete a field experience application in Handshake, including a risk acknowledgement form.

Students may alternatively apply for internships independently, but to receive full academic credit and participate in the program, the employer must be approved by the Office of Career Planning and a faculty advisor.

 

  • Brigham and Women’s Center for Community Health and Health Equity 
  • Brigham and Women’s Department of Emergency Medicine
  • Boston Children’s Hospital
  • Bose Corporation 
  • Brookline Health Department 
  • Belmont Health Department 
  • Boston City Football Club 
  • MDPH Mass in Motion Program 
  • Equinox Fitness
  • Advocates for Human Potential 
  • Marathon Physical Therapy 
  • Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 
  • The May Institute

For more information, interested students should contact Aimee Gilbert Loinaz, Assistant Director for Internships and Employer Engagement on Handshake or at aimeegl@umass.edu.