Empire State University Internship Initiative

The Office of Career & Experiential Learning Services has received funding from SUNY to support enrolled undergraduate and graduate students pursuing internship opportunities. Internships provide invaluable real-world experience that can set you apart from other job applicants, and excellent opportunities to gain career and industry knowledge. However, many students face the dilemma of choosing between participating in an unpaid internship or missing out on valuable experience that can aid their post-graduation plans.

To address this, Empire State University recently launched the Career Search and Internship Supports Program in June 2024. Additionally, we are excited to announce a stipend for students participating in unpaid, credit-bearing internships. Please note that a limited number of stipends are available.

What is the Career Search and Internship Supports Program?

Students participating in unpaid internships are eligible to apply for this stipend. An approved undergraduate applicant will receive a stipend of $5,000 for completing 160 hours. An approved graduate applicant will receive a stipend of $4,000 for completing 120 hours. To receive the stipend, students must:

  • Be a matriculated, undergraduate or graduate student at Empire State University.
  • Have approval from their mentor to participate in an internship.
  • Have been enrolled in classes the preceding semester.
  • Be enrolled in an unpaid, credit-bearing internship.
  • Undergraduate students work 160 hours with the internship site. Graduate students work 120 hours with the internship site.

Internship Opportunities

Students can participate in internship opportunities with SUNY Empire or a non-profit organization in their community. Currently, SUNY Empire has the following opportunities available: (please continue to check the Career Hub for additional postings): Empire State University Advancement Intern, Accessibility Resources & Services Office, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern

If you are interested in hiring an intern to work in your office, please contact our office at CareerServices@sunyempire.edu so we can give an overview of the program.

Internship Forms

For students who have already obtained an internship, please complete the Internship Registration Form.

Students who are interested in pursuing an internship, but have not obtained one, please complete the Internship Interest Form.

Contact us with questions about these stipends or internship opportunities at careerservices@sunyempire.edu.

Needs-Based Stipends

We recognize that many students need additional support in order to participate in an internship. You may be eligible for additional funding to support expenses associated with this experience:

  • Professional Attire: First impressions matter. This stipend is intended to ensure you have the attire you need to feel confident and prepared as you interview for jobs or work at your internship location.
  • Childcare: Finding reliable childcare can be a significant hurdle. This stipend can help alleviate costs associated with childcare.
  • Travel: Whether you rely on public transportation or use your own vehicle, commuting expenses can add up. The stipend can help offset these costs.

For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our Internship Stipend site. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The 411 on SUNY Empire’s Internship Initiative

Attend one of our upcoming workshops giving an overview of this new initiative, the opportunities and how you can participate in an internship.

By Anita DeCianni-Brown, '12 & '15
Anita DeCianni-Brown, '12 & '15 Director, Career & Experiential Learning Services