Purposeful Work Internships

Looking for a summer internship?

Start thinking about: what are you curious about, which skills would you like to work on this summer, what are your budgetary needs, whether you’d like to be in-person, remote, or hybrid, where you’d like to live, etc…

As a starting point, check out:

Already have a summer internship and need financial support?


PW 2024 Internship Competitive Funding

Eligibility:

  • Bates sophomores (2026) and juniors (2025) who have received an offer for an unpaid or low-paying internship will be eligible to apply for funds.
  • To apply for Purposeful Work 2024 Competitive Internship Funding you must submit all materials (resume reviewed by PW, short answers, budget and employer verification form) by the Funding Application deadlines (March 1-passed, 2024, April 1, 2024 and May 1, 2024)

Funding Amounts:

  • Internship funding awards will range from $2500 to $5000 to support internships ranging from 250 to 300 hours. 
  • A thoughtful application and budget will be very helpful for the committee’s consideration.

Click here for the application form on Handshake

*Please note- each round has a new application link on Handshake.

Purpose

Through the Purposeful Work Internship Programs, students explore interests, deepen skills, and build networks during the summer. Students learn about and experience preparation for the overall process of life and work exploration.

Approach

The Purposeful Work approach to summer internships gives students the tools they need to deepen what they learn through their internship, as well as access to Bates-specific paid internships with employer partners in diverse industries and locations, and the chance to apply for a summer stipend for any unpaid or low-paying internship.

Benefits

Through the programs, students benefit from application feedback, goal setting, and reflection activities designed to help maximize their experiences, strengthen their skills, and build connections within their site and across industries. 

After an enriching and reflective experience, students return to campus ready to connect their summer experience to their studies and present on what they’ve learned during their time in a professional environment.

Components of the program include:

  • Comprehensive and personalized learning experience
  • Career Counseling that will help strengthen application materials through the Bates Center for Purposeful Work
  • Participation in weekly virtual cohorts to encourage reflection and discussion of personalized goals with fellow Bates students
  • Post-program presentations to reflect on their summer experience and pay their knowledge forward.