Princeternship Program
Student FAQ
What is the difference between a Princeternship and an internship?
Princeternships are short-term (1-3 contiguous days), offer no pay, and are hosted by alumni to help Princeton undergraduate students get the “feel” for a specific career field. Students are selected and matched by the Office of Career Services.
Internships, on the other hand, are longer term (from several weeks to a year), may involve pay, and provide a work function in support of the organization. Interns are also selected and hired by the hosting organization.
Who is eligible to apply for the Princeternship Program?
All undergraduates currently at Princeton University, freshmen to seniors.
How can the Princeternship Program benefit me?
There are 3 ways you can benefit from participating in this program:
- You will have the opportunity to explore a career field that is of interest to you, without the commitment of an internship. You will have "first-hand" knowledge of a particular work environment as you continue to consider possible internships and careers.
- You will also have the chance to connect directly with an alum host. S/he can serve as an excellent resource for career advice and may be able to offer tips on finding jobs and internships in a particular industry.
- If you are new to the job or internship search process, applying for a Princeternship will help you get started by introducing you to resumes and cover letters, interviewing, and on-the-job etiquette.
What does the Princeternship experience involve?
During a Princeternship, the student will “shadow” the host through a typical day’s activities. A 1-day Princeternship might include meetings, informational discussions with various divisions, tours of the organization, and general observation of business proceedings. A 2-3 day Princeternship could also involve a short project, assignment, or training experience.
When will the Princeternships take place?
Princeternship opportunities will be offered January 4 – 8, 2010 (Reading Period), January 25 – 29, 2010 (Intercession Break), and March 15 - 19, 2010 (Spring Break).
Which career fields or industries are represented by the Princeternships?
The Princeternships cover a wide range of industries and career fields. Past opportunities included the fields of journalism/media, marketing/PR, architecture, business/management, engineering, law, medicine, and non-profit. During the application dates, you may log onto TigerTracks to view the complete list of opportunities (search for "Princeternship").
Do I need work experience in order to participate in a Princeternship?
No. The Princeternship Program is designed to introduce students to fields and careers that may be of interest to them. Therefore, you are not expected to have prior work experience. What is important is particular interest in the field and demonstrated ability to maximize this opportunity.
Am I responsible for transportation or other expenses?
Yes. You are responsible for all costs involving transportation and meals. Since all the Princeternships are located within commuting distance (Philadelphia, New York, nearby New Jersey), this should eliminate the need for finding overnight housing for 2- or 3-day Princeternships.
How do I apply to the Princeternship Program?
- All applications must be submitted through TigerTracks. Search for the list of opportunities using the "employer search" option with the keyword "Princeternship" or use the "1-click search" link.
- Once you have decided which Princeternships you would like to apply for, submit your resume and cover letter by clicking "apply" to each one you are interested in. Be sure that your resume and cover letter are current and polished.
- In your 1-page cover letter of 3-4 paragraphs, please address to Career Services and include (1) how this Princeternship would help you explore your interests at this time and (2) what you hope to gain through this experience.
- You may apply for as many Princeternships as you would like, but you will most likely only be placed in one. Please indicate your first choice in your cover letter if you apply for more than one.
- The deadlines will be viewable on TigerTracks under each listing. If selected, you will receive an email instructing you to sign up for an interview slot through TigerTracks.
What are my responsibilities if I am selected?
If you decide to accept the Princeternship for which you have been selected, you will be expected to attend an orientation session before your Princeternship, at which time you will be asked to sign a statement of commitment. You may also be asked to provide feedback to Career Services in regards to this program.
If you have any questions, please contact Anthony Chiappetta, Associate Director for Recruitment and Employer Relations.