Experience Matters
There’s no substitute for having practical, hands-on experience no matter what path you want to take. Experience helps you build your resume, strengthen your applications, and learn what you do (or don’t) want to pursue.
Employers are increasingly interested in key transferable skills that demonstrate a candidate’s career readiness. Most graduate schools, fellowships, and similar programs want candidates who have clear career goals, can speak to the value of the program in achieving those goals, and have experience to demonstrate their ongoing interest.
There’s lots of ways to gain that experience—from internships and jobs to volunteering and student activities to experiential learning.
Experiential Learning at BU
With experiential learning, you learn by doing and then by reflecting on your experience. Opportunities include laboratory experiments, internships, practicums, field exercises, study abroad programs, undergraduate research, studio performances, and more.
Opportunities are subject to change. If you would like to add or amend information on a program, please contact us at future@bu.edu. To learn more about the theory and practice of experiential learning, check out the guide from BU’s Center for Teaching & Learning.
Internships and Fellowships
BU Global Programs: Study Abroad Internships
BU Study Abroad is responsible for developing and providing opportunities for undergraduate study around the world. They offer options spanning 70+ programs in 20+ cities and 15+ countries. Many of these programs include an internship component.
Learn more about Study Abroad
BU Spark!: Multiple Programs
Technology Innovation Fellowship
The Technology Innovation Fellowship includes instructional components that cover key topics relevant to the process of technology product development process, including user-centered design, prototyping, agile development processes, and more. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must already have a defined innovation idea or problem they seek to solve that is based on the development of a technology.
Learn more about the Technology Innovation Fellowship
User Experience Design Fellowship
The User Experience Design (UXDesign) Fellowship is a unique program that aims to help computer science and graphic design students build their skills in user experience design. This program, offered in partnership with the RedHat’s UXD team includes an educational component composed of a series of workshops. Open to undergraduate or graduate students. Applicants must already have a defined innovation idea or problem they seek to solve that is based on the development of a technology. Learn more about the User Experience Design Fellowship
X-Lab Internship
BU Spark! offers students an opportunity to work on technical projects provided by companies or organizations in the Greater Boston area through our experiential learning lab (X-Lab). Open to undergraduate or graduate students. Learn more about X-Lab Internships
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS): Multiple Programs
CAS Experiential Learning Connector
The College of Arts & Sciences Experiential Learning Connector is a new program that helps students find and participate in experiential learning opportunities including internships, research, and study abroad. The Connector offers a variety of programs and resources to help students find and participate in experiential learning opportunities, including funding and support. Learn more about the CAS Experiential Learning Connector
Graduate Writing Fellowships
These competitive fellowships provide GRS doctoral students with an opportunity to receive valuable training and teaching experience while serving as instructors in the Writing Program. Learn more CAS Graduate Writing Fellowships
On-Campus Internship Program
The CAS On-Campus Internship Program is a meaningful opportunity for undergraduate CAS students looking to engage in career exploration while connecting to different offices right here on campus. Learn more about the On-Campus Internship Program
Undergraduate Internships in the Humanities
The Center for Humanities provides undergraduate students the opportunity to engage with major Boston institutions through the Undergraduate Internships in the Humanities. Open to undergraduates majoring or minoring in a CAS humanities department or select CAS departments/programs in the social sciences (Anthropology, Archaeology, African American Studies, History, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies). Learn more about this humanities internship program
Hariri Institute for Computing: Multiple Programs
Graduate Student Fellows
The Hariri Institute for Computing’s Graduate Student Fellows program recognizes outstanding PhD students who are pursuing computing and data-driven research at BU.
Learn more about Hariri Fellowships
Software and Application Innovation Lab (SAIL)
SAIL is a professional research, software engineering, and consulting lab that acts as both a driver and a collaborative partner for computational and data-oriented research efforts across BU. SAIL offers paid internship opportunities for BU undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining experience working in a professional software development environment situated in a research university context. Learn more SAIL
Innovate@BU: Multiple Programs
First-Year Innovation Fellowship
Are you bursting with new ideas that you want to turn into something real? Whether it’s an idea to help fix societal problems or the next big tech application, incoming first-year students are encouraged to apply to pursue their passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about Innovation Fellowships
Innovation Pathway
The Innovation Pathway (IP) is a self-paced program with two tracks that supports all forms of innovation. The Project Track is for an action-oriented idea aimed at creating a positive impact on campus and beyond. The Venture Track is for an idea supported by a sustainable and scalable business model, including for-profit and nonprofit. Resources include coaching, progress funding, curated learning content, expert network, and more. Open to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni within 1 year of graduation. Learn more the Innovation Pathway
MassChallenge HealthTech Entrepreneurial Internship
In partnership with MassChallenge HealthTech, the Entrepreneurial Internship provides students with hands-on experiences with some of the world’s most promising digital health ventures. It is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial-minded graduate student to get hands-on experience working directly with a startup. Learn more about MassChallenge
Summer Accelerator Program
The Summer Accelerator Program encourages BU students and recent alumni to start transforming their early-stage venture ideas (creative, tech, social, consumer) into impact through the 10-week guided accelerator program. Learn more the Summer Accelerator Program
Programs with Funding
Center for Career Development: Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program
The Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program is a selective program designed for sophomores and juniors that provides funding to support participation in unpaid internships at nonprofit organizations.
Learn more about the Yawkey Program
College of Communication (COM): Internship Funds
There are several funding opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing internships that are related to their COM major.
Learn more about COM funding
College of Engineering (ENG): Multiple Programs
Distinguished Summer Research Fellowship
Each year, Distinguished Summer Research Fellows spend the summer engaged in a transformative research experience under the guidance of a faculty member. Open to undergraduate students. Participants must work full time in the lab of an engineering faculty member for at least 10 weeks and cannot take summer courses.
Learn more about the ENG Summer Research Fellowship
Summer Term Alumni Research Scholars (STARS)
The STARS program provides a housing allowance of $4,500 that makes it easier for College of Engineering undergraduates to work in Boston alongside College of Engineering faculty over the summer, performing research to create solutions to some of society’s most challenging problems. Learn more about STARS program
College of General Studies (CGS): CITL Undergraduate Research Experience
A gift from Mike Gould endowed the Center for Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning’s (CITL) fund for undergraduate research projects. The Undergraduate Research Experience is an opportunity that allows CGS students to receive a stipend for their research work instead of class credit.
Learn more about the CGS research program
Global Development Policy Center: Summer in the Field Internship Program
The GDP Center Summer in the Field Internship Program provides summer stipends to a select group of qualified master’s and/or PhD students to participate in unpaid internships or PhD students to conduct field research for a dissertation project.
Learn more about the Summer in the Field Internship Program
Innovate@BU: Multiple Programs
Cannabis Start-Up Competition
The Cannabis Start-Up Competition is an annual start-up competition for BU Terriers who are developing innovative ancillary companies within the cannabis industry.
Learn more about the Cannabis Start-Up Competition
Hewitt Pathfinder Startup Internship Fund
The Hewitt Pathfinder Startup Internship Fund makes it possible for current undergraduate students to accept unpaid internships at startups and growing companies. Learn more about the Startup Internship Fund
New Venture Competition (NVC)
The New Venture Competition (NVC) is Innovate@BU’s largest annual competition that awards $64,000 to early-stage BU entrepreneurs and helps them transform their ideas into something real! Learn more about the New Venture Competition
Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant
With grant funding and resources offered by BU Sustainability and Innovate@BU, students are empowered to kick-start a project or develop an intervention that tackles the leading sustainability challenges facing Boston University. Learn more about the Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant
Enlight Summer Social Impact Internships
The Social Impact Internship provides up to six $5,500 stipends to enable current BU students to accept unpaid internships at local Boston nonprofits and social benefit organizations, while devoting part of their time to learning about the innovation problem solving process at the BUild Lab. Learn more about the Social Impact Internship
Kilachand Internship Program
The Kilachand Internship Program (KIP) provides funding to support a number of Kilachand students each year who identify or design a project with an organization focused on social justice work, as defined by the student.
Learn more about the Kilachand Internship Program
Pardee School of Global Studies: Michael T. Corgan Internship Fund
The Michael T. Corgan Internship Fund awards a stipend to selected students for a qualified summer internship in the area of international affairs that would otherwise be unpaid. The fund seeks to support Pardee School students to undertake highly relevant and career-advancing internships in leading institutions that will help prepare them for careers in the field of international affairs.
Learn more about the Corgan Internship Fund
Sankofa Scholars Undergraduate Research Program
The Sankofa Scholars Undergraduate Research Program offers exciting research opportunities for students at Boston University to work with well-established researchers who are committed to their success. Underrepresented Students of Color and first-generation students are strongly encouraged to apply. Scholars complete 5-10 hours of impactful research each week during the fall and spring semesters and can also participate in summer research. Scholars complete a once-a-week seminar to support their research, build community, and prepare for graduate school admission. Learn more about the Sankofa Scholars Undergraduate Research Program
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
UROP facilitates undergraduate participation in faculty-mentored research projects. Funding opportunities exist and the program is flexible, allowing research study in any academic area University-wide. Learn more about UROP
Research
Cross College Challenge (XCC)
The XCC is the Hub’s signature interdisciplinary project-based, 4-credit elective course. The XCC engages undergraduate students in team projects that address a real-world problem or an enduring human question. Student teams work with their faculty as well as with a variety of campus and community partners on a substantial, research-based challenge while building their knowledge and skills in 4 key Hub areas.
Learn more about XCC
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
UROP has a listing of research projects that have been submitted by BU faculty. Each project has a faculty contact person who can provide more information.
Learn more about UROP
On-Campus Leadership Opportunities
BU Admissions: Ambassadors
Admissions Ambassadors are a select group of students who share their experiences on everything from academics to student life and provide a personal outlook on the University.
Learn more about Admissions Ambassadors
BU Sustainability: Residential Sustainability Leaders (RSLs)
The RSL program is a year-long commitment to promote sustainability in student housing and provide support to residents on sustainability subjects ranging from recycling to energy, water, waste, and more.
Learn more about Residential Sustainability Leaders
Career Ambassador Program
The Center for Career Development (CCD) Career Ambassador Program at Boston University is a peer education and outreach program that enlists a diverse group of undergraduates to support the center’s efforts to increase student awareness of and engagement with CCD programs and services.
Learn more about the Career Ambassador Program
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS): Multiple Programs
Dean’s Hosts
Dean’s Hosts have the opportunity to engage with prospective and admitted students and their families. Dean’s Hosts can expect to gain networking and communication skills, knowledge of BU and CAS resources, and professional and personal relationships in CAS. Learn more about CAS Dean’s Hosts
Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors are an integral part of FY 101, a 1-credit course offered to first-year students during the fall semester. Peer Mentors are responsible for helping plan syllabi and course activities, facilitating discussion, and promoting student engagement both in and outside of the classroom. Learn more about CAS Peer Mentors
College of Engineering (ENG): Multiple Programs
Singh Imagineering Lab
The Binoy K. Singh Imagineering Laboratory, also known as The Tinker Lab, gives students the resources to take on extracurricular engineering initiatives and think about new ways to address society’s challenges. There are several student positions: Lab Advisors, Assistant Manager, and several Coordinator positions. The Assistant Manager and Coordinator positions are usually available to someone who has worked as a Lab Advisor for one full semester or both summer sessions.
Learn more about ENG’s Tinker Lab
TRAC Mentor Program (Transfer-Student Resources and Advising Community)
Transferring to a new college/university can be an overwhelming experience. ENG undergraduates who have transferred to BU can take advantage of this program designed to help them begin a career at BU off on the right track. Former transfer students will serve as mentors for the program. Learn more about the TRAC Mentor Program
Community Service Center (CSC): Manager and Coordinator Positions
The CSC is Boston University’s welcoming space for service, leadership, education, and reflection. There are paid opportunities for both summer and academic year leadership positions.
Learn more about the CSC
Office of the Provost: Learning Assistant (LA) Program
The LA Program helps improve undergraduate education by training students in teaching methods and practices. LAs help their fellow undergraduates by providing them with knowledgeable and experienced peer educators, and LAs enhance their own learning abilities through their understanding of pedagogy.
Learn more about the LA Program
Residence Life: Resident Assistant
Under the guidance and direction of over 25 live-in professionals, the Residence Life team delivers a broad range of programs and services to students including Living Learning Communities, Residence Hall Councils, the Faculty-in-Residence program, crisis intervention, conflict mediation, community building, enforcement of residential rules and regulations, and information about campus resources.
Learn more about RAs
Sexual Assault Response & Prevention (SARP): Multiple Programs
Prevention Educators
Prevention Educators are graduate students who focus on content areas such as bystander intervention, consent, healthy relationships, sex positivity, and resources for survivors. SARP Prevention Educators co-facilitate 1-3 in-person prevention programs per week, including the bystander intervention programs Step up Step in BU (SUSIBU) and SUSIBU2; and Yes! Consent, a consent and communication workshop.
Learn more about SARP
SARP Ambassadors
SARP Ambassadors assist in the planning and implementation of SARP events and initiatives, facilitate programs, provide valuable feedback on campus sexual violence initiatives, and facilitate important conversations with other BU students. Learn more about SARP Ambassadors
UROP: Ambassadors Program
Launched in 2022, this program focuses on building a peer-based support system to help undergraduates navigate research opportunities at BU.
Learn more about UROP Ambassadors
Wellness & Prevention: Wellness Program Assistant
