Program Information

Housed at University at Albany (UAlbany) in New York's capital city, the SUNY Program for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SPEED) is an internship-based program that provides students an opportunity to gain professional experience at a START-UP NY company or other local small/medium sized company or organization. All internships take place in the Albany, NY-area. This program is open to undergraduate students from all academic disciplines and majors who are currently enrolled at any SUNY institution, however, many of the available internships may focus on technology, computer science, marketing and communications, and innovation and business development. 

Interns are required to enroll in a variable 1 - 6 credit UAlbany internship course (UUNI-288). Internship site placement is limited to situations approved by UAlbany's Minerva Center for High Impact Learning. Note: Equivalent credit for prior experience is not available due to the requirement of concurrent contract between the employer/supervisor and the university.

Program Eligibility

• Undergraduates enrolled at any SUNY institution (including community colleges)
• Sophomore standing by the term of participation.
• 2.0 cumulative GPA minimum
• 18 years old or older and eligible to intern in the United States (see information for international students below)
• For the summer term, students must be able to work from late May until mid August.
• Have not taken more than 6 credits of UUNI 288 previously.

Questions? Contact the Minerva Center for High-Impact Practices at minervacenter@albany.edu. 

Program Steps

 

Prepare: Make a plan and research options

Begin your search for an internship with a clear sense of your goals. What kinds of internships relate to your major? What experiences would help you meet your career goals? Consider whether there are internships recommended by other students in your major. Does your major have internship partners or internship opportunities?

Take advantage of services offered by the Career Center, including attending Career Fairs and meeting with Career Advisors to discuss your overall professional goals. Use UCAN to connect with UAlbany Alums.

 

Step 1: Submit a Statement of Intent

Along with the submission of this form, upload the following materials:

a. Current Resume

b. Statement of Intent: Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Intent (maximum of one page, single or double spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font). In your statement, please reflect on the following: 

• How does participating in for-credit internship align with your academic and career goals?
• What specific skills or experiences do you hope to gain through this program, and how will these skills or experiences contribute to your future success?
• Why are you interested in the opportunities provided through the SPEED program, and how do you see this program enhancing your overall academic journey?

Selection Criteria: The Minerva Center for High-Impact Practices reviews all submissions. Program acceptance is based on the following criteria:

1. Eligibility
2. How clearly the candidate demonstrates that participating in a for-credit internship will enhance their academic and career goals.

Note that acceptance into the program does not guarantee an internship placement. Participants separately apply for internship positions.

 

Step 2: Internship Preparation Course

Upon acceptance, students enroll in an Internship Preparation Course on the platform Moodle. Completion of this course is required before applying for internships with the Minerva Center's partners. It will cover essential career skills such as resume building, interview preparation, and professional communication. 

Completion of Steps 1 and 2 does not guarantee internship placement. Placement decisions are ultimately made by the internship host.

Step 3: Apply to Opportunities 

Once the Career Prep Course is completed, students will gain access to the SPEED Internship Application Portal in the CPC course in Moodle. In this portal, they can explore available internship opportunities, apply to positions that align with their professional goals, and connect with potential employers. This includes submitting applications and participating in interviews with potential employers.

 

Step 4: Interview with Internship Partners 

Internship partners will reach out to you directly to schedule interviews, usually via Zoom or phone. It helps to bring your work availability with you to the interview.

 

Step 5: Report and Enroll in UUNI 288

After securing an internship placement and finalizing their schedule with the employer, students will collaborate with the Minerva Center to enroll in UUNI 288, which provides academic credit for the internship experience. Students can earn up to six credits of UUNI 288, depending on the number of hours they plan to work. For every 50 hours of work, students can earn 1 credit. 

We calculate based on 12 weeks in order to allow for onboarding, as well as student illnesses, family emergencies, etc.

Credits	Hours	Target hours per week over 12 weeks
1	50	4.16
2	100	8.33
3	150	12.5
4	200	16.66
5	250	20.83
6	300	25

 

 

Program Policies

 

Professional Conduct and Accountability

Students participating in for-credit internships are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, punctuality, appropriate communication, respect for colleagues, and adherence to workplace policies. 

Failure to behave in a professional manner can result in termination from your internship placement. Consequences of termination may include:

• Failing the course (UUNI 288).
• Immediate removal from the internship program.
• Ineligibility for future Minerva Center internship opportunities.

It is crucial to understand that your conduct reflects both on yourself and the University at Albany. To succeed, adhere to the expectations outlined in your internship agreement and the standards set by your employer.

Financial Information

Information about tuition and fees can be found on the UAlbany website. Information about housing fees and timelines can be found on the Department of Residential Life website.

During the summer, UAlbany students pay tuition per credit hour. Enrolling in UUNI 288 is a requirement of this program, which means that students must pay to enroll during the summer. Please discuss your plans with Student Financial Services before enrolling in a For-Credit Internship during the Summer Term.

Course Registration Requirement

Students who participate in this program must enroll in UUNI 288 during the same term as their internship. UUNI 288 is an asynchronous, Applied Learning course hosted on Brightspace.

Note that registration will trigger billing for tuition and fees.

Support during the Program

The Minerva Center for High-Impact Practices is available as a resource to participants throughout the duration of the program. If you have any difficulties during your internship, please contact our office immediately at minervacenter@albany.edu or (518) 442-3976.

For International Students

International students must secure practical training authorization from the International Student and Scholar Services Office prior to beginning any internship. Contact International Student and Scholar Services to confirm your eligibility and understand your legal responsibilities.