Minerva Center Internships for Fall 2025

 

Internship Program Information and Instructions

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:

• Undergraduate enrolled at any SUNY institution (including community colleges)
• Must have completed at least one year of higher education at your home institution before the beginning of the program.
• 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.

 

 

Student Onboarding Steps for SPEED

 

Step 1: Personal Information and Statement of Intent 

 

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

1. Current Resume

2. 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 SPEED align with your academic and career goals?
• What specific skills or experiences do you hope to gain through this program, and how do you believe these will 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: Representatives from the UAlbany Minerva Center will review your Step 1 materials. Program acceptance is based on the following criteria:

1. How clearly the candidate demonstrates that participating in SPEED will enhance their academic and career goals.
2. Academic qualifications, including 2.0 GPA and at least sophomore standing at the time of internship. 

 

Step 2: Career Prep Course Enrollment and Completion

Upon acceptance of their Step 1 form, students will be enrolled 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. 

Disclaimer:

Please note that completion of Steps 1 and 2 does not guarantee internship placement. Completion of these steps only grants students access to apply for internships with our partners. Placement decisions are ultimately made by the internship host.

 
Step 3: Apply to SPEED Internship 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: Confirm Hiring 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

 

 

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, please 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 at the UAlbany Student Accounts website. Information about housing at UAlbany can be found on the UAlbany Housing website.

Logistics:

Internships will be available at several Albany-area START-UP NY companies or other local small/medium sized company or organization. Positions may be paid, either by stipend or hourly wage. Positions will be in-person, remote, or hybrid.  The Minerva Center for High Impact Learning staff will assist you in securing an internship at one of the companies. While this program is open to students from all academic disciplines, many of the available internships focus on technology, computer science, innovation, and business development. Students are required to intern the entirety of the semester. 

The internship course UUNI 288, includes both a work and academic component. Students will also be expected to attend bi- weekly workshops on entrepreneurship and professional development. More details about the academic requirements of the internship will be provided at orientation.

 

Registration Procedure:

Once this Step 1 is accepted, you will begin working immediately with the Minerva Center for High Impact Learning to secure an internship. During UAlbany registration, we will work with students from both UAlbany and other SUNY institutions to help students register for the UAlbany internship course. As with any other semester, registration will trigger billing for tuition and fees.

 

Support While in the Program:

The Minerva Center for High Impact Learning is available as a resource to participants throughout the duration of the program. All students accepted into SPEED will participate in a career-preparation workshop.  Completion of the preparation program is required before gaining access to the internship opportunities, made available exclusively to SPEED interns.

 

For International Students:

International students must secure practical training authorization from the International Student and Scholar Services Office prior to beginning your internship.

For More Information about SPEED, please contact the Minerva Center for High Impact at minervacenter@albany.edu.