Here at Sage Corps, we offer two types of international internship programs: a traditional full-time 8-week internship, or a 2-week micro internship with a team of university students.
BUT WHAT IS A MICRO INTERNSHIP?
We like to think of micro internships as a taste of the real world, providing brief but real professional exposure to students. However, eCampusNews has a more eloquent definition of micro internships:
“Short-term professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. Like a full internship, these projects give students valuable work experience, the chance to explore possible career paths, and opportunities to network and stand out in a competitive job market.”
The scope of micro internships can vary, but projects such as a short-term market research project or website audits are common.
There are many ways in which companies and providers are able to execute these brief professional immersions. Companies like Parker Dewey, for example, allow companies to post projects to their database for students to complete remotely.
Here at Sage Corps, we provide in-person micro internships at global startups, highlighting our emphasis on tangible work product and global work experience. Our Start! program allows university students to collaborate in teams of 3-4 on short term consulting-style projects for our startup partners. Past students have created recommendations and framework for implementing a full digital marketing presence FOR a digital marketing agency, developed an alumni program and platform for a coding bootcamp’s former students, and developed a marketing and branding strategy for a healthcare startup’s newly launched app – incredible output, given the short time frame. All in all proving that micro internships work.
SO WHY ARE MICRO-INTERNSHIPS IMPORTANT?
Micro-internships have obvious benefits to companies – the most valuable of which is the ability to hire short-term consultants who are able to crank out “gig work” for little or no cost, without sacrificing team bandwidth or committing to a new full-time hire.
But our focus, as is the focus of many private or university providers, is on the benefit to the student. As we always say, experience is the new classroom. We fully believe that students are learning at their best when they are doing, and particularly when they are under the guidance of startup CEOs and founders who are able to provide real-time feedback and assistance to our fellows.
Micro internships also increase accessibility to professional experiences for many students. In the case of Parker Dewey and similar providers, accessibility is a no brainer – students can execute these tasks from the comfort of their university library. Apart from that, though, in-person micro internships appeal to a large number of students who can’t relocate for a full summer; or, as we’ve seen, students who are looking to supplement their two month summer internship with an additional short term resume boost. These programs allow them to explore a new city without sacrificing a semester or full summer, while also honing in on their professional development. Micro internships present a unique opportunity for all relevant parties, and we are thrilled to play a role in making these opportunities more common and increasingly beneficial to undergraduate students.
“Sage Corps is an awesome opportunity for students to get relevant work experience while also gaining international work experience. It is a perfect opportunity for students who may not have the time or funds to go abroad for a full semester. Sage Corps allows students to grow in an innovative and engaging startup environment, seeing their work hold real world implications while also fostering their professional skills.”
