CUNY Career Launch

When is Career Launch?
This is a summer internship with opportunities starting in early July and running until late August. Interns must be available for 19 hours/week during a typical work week (M-F, 8am – 6pm) during that time.

I have participated in Career Launch before. Am I able to apply again?
Unfortunately, no. Past participants of this program, and our sister program Spring Forward, are not able to participate again.

If you were an intern during Career Launch 2022, Spring Forward 2023, Career Launch 2023, or this current cycle of Spring Forward 2024 – unfortunately you are no longer eligible as you already have paid internship experience during your college career.

I am an international student. Can I participate?
Yes, depending on your visa. Contact your international advisor or your college’s international student office for more information about the requirements of your particular situation.

I am an undocumented student. Can I participate?
Undocumented students who are not on DACA are not eligible for Career Launch at this time.

Undocumented students who do have a currently valid DACA status are eligible for Career Launch IF they also have an unexpired Employment Authorization Card.

I am pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Can I participate?
Yes! Both CUNY associate degree and baccalaureate degree students are eligible. Students from every CUNY undergrad college are welcome to apply.

I am graduating this Spring. Can I participate?
Yes, Spring graduates are eligible!

I am a part-time undergraduate student. Can I participate?
Yes! Part-time and full-time undergrads are eligible for Career Launch.

I am a graduate student. Can I participate?
Unfortunately, Career Launch is only for undergraduate students. Please contact your school’s career center for other opportunities for graduate students.

I am a former CUNY student/alumni. Can I participate?
Unfortunately, Career Launch is for current undergraduate students only. You must be actively enrolled in matriculated courses.

I am a liberal arts major but I am interested in one of the Career Launch industries. Can I participate?
Yes! Liberal arts majors are encouraged to apply.

What is the application process?
You first need to submit your application, which includes a short statement of interest. Qualifying students attend an interview with CUNY. You will find out if you are selected and will need to complete hiring documents (like submitting an I-9). Once you submit your hiring documents, you will meet with employers and choose an internship site!

I don’t have a professional resume. How do I apply?
Your resume is required to apply. Visit your career services office if you do not have one.

I would like to prepare my statement in advance. What is the short-answer prompt?
Tell us more about yourself. In 200-400 words, please describe how your personal interests influenced your desire to apply for the Industry Hub you have selected.

I applied but I haven’t heard from anyone. What can I do?
We are reading your applications on a rolling basis through March! Everyone who applies will be contacted with an admissions decision, please be patient with us as there are thousands of applications to go through.

Check your email inbox AND spam folder for updates about your status in the program.

I changed my mind about what industry I am interested in. Can I switch to another industry hub?
Unfortunately, no. Please be sure of the industry hub you are applying to as you cannot move once your application has been submitted.

I’ve never interviewed for an internship before. Who can help me prepare?
Visit your career services office and ask for interview preparation help.

Can I apply to multiple Industry Hubs?
No, you must pick ONE Industry Hub to apply to.

How do I know which Industry Hub to apply to?
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Please see details below to help you make an informed decision.

STEM/Green Hub

Are you studying in a STEM related field and looking for your first internship? Then the STEM/Green Industry Hub is for you. Explore the various opportunities that are available within the dynamic STEM field! Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are areas of constant growth and possibilities. Some of today’s fastest-growing occupations are within the STEM field. Our employers expect students with an academic background related to their field but have no expectations of prior work experience in the field. Most of our interns have an interest in Computer Science, Engineering and Research, but we welcome those with an interest in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences as well. We have placed a wide range of students in both industry and research internships. Join the STEM Hub if you’re looking to gain the necessary skills and experience to be a part of an ever-expanding field.

Past organizations represented: Unadat, Art Beyond Sight, The Coder School, NYC DOT, MTA, The Difference App LLC, and Blackfacts.

Past internship positions offered: Software Engineer, IT Developer Intern, Cybersecurity Research Analyst, Mechanical Engineer, Structural Engineer, and Research Intern.

Healthcare Hub

The Healthcare Industry Hub aims to bridge the gap between education and molding the future Healthcare workforce with real life work experience. By providing comprehensive support and resources, Career Launch empowers CUNY students in many career tracks (i.e. Pre-Med, Physical Therapy, Pre-PA, Nursing, etc.) to embark on successful and fulfilling Healthcare careers, while addressing the evolving needs of the industry. CUNY Career Launch participants will attain first-hand experiences in patient facing and/or administrative opportunities in Healthcare facilities.

Past Organizations Represented: Achieve Beyond, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Centers Health Care, NYU Langone Health, New York Presbyterian, NYC Health+Hospitals Network (Woodhull Hospital, North Central Bronx) Mount Sinai, Isabella Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, Mercy Home for Children, AHRC, Clinical Directors Network, Premium Speech Therapy, University Physicians of Brooklyn, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Past Internship Positions Offered: Research Assistant, Patient Navigator, Healthcare Administrative Intern, Mental Health Intern, Case Management Intern, Optometry Intern, Therapeutic Recreation Assistant, Behavior Technician, Radiology Assistant, and LPN Intern.

Skill building areas include: Strong/clear communication skills, interpersonal skills, time management, flexibility, independence, team oriented, growth mindset, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

Marketing & Communications Hub

Marketing & Communications roles encompass a wide range of projects within an organization including but not limited to research, event planning, content creation, public and customer relations, social media and brand management, web development, advertising, and general internal and external communication. Most of our interns have majors in Marketing Management and Computer Information Systems, but we encourage any student who has a strong desire to gain experience and exposure in Marketing & Communications to apply. Successful interns are those who show up with a can-do attitude!

Past organizations represented: Education, Real Estate, Sports & Entertainment, Non-profit organizations, Digital Arts & Media, and Consultant Agencies.

Past internship positions offered: Marketing & Communication Strategist, Grant Writer, Administrative Assistant, Videographer, Events Management intern, Research & Social Media intern, Project Development intern and Market Research intern.

Skill building areas include: Passion and the willingness to take initiative, excellent writing, time/project management skills, research skills, customer relations experience, social media management, data analytics, detailed oriented, database management, and general administrative skills.

Community & Social Services Hub

Discover your potential and make a difference in your community! Complete your Career Launch internship in the Community & Social Services Hub! We focus on internships in community-based, nonprofit organizations and New York City government offices. Our Hub is for students interested in working in mission-driven organizations that serve New York City residents and improve the lives of individuals, families, and local communities. This internship will help you build your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Join us to take action and help strengthen New York City!

Past internships have included: Accounting Assistant, Community Outreach Worker, Human Resources Assistant, Media Coordinator, Mental Health Assistant, and Technology Assistant.

Past internship organizations have included: Every Day is a Miracle, Hey There Beautiful Foundation, Latinas on the Verge of Excellence, Make-A-Wish Metro New York, Make the Road New York, and New York City Council.

Education Hub

This year our Education Hub consists of a partnership between two existing CUNY Programs, Reading Corps and CCB4A (College & Career Bridge for All).

CUNY Reading Corps engages CUNY students as paid tutors to provide one-on-one, high-dosage literacy tutoring to striving readers in NYC public schools.  Tutors are trained in the evidence-based programs Reading Go! and Reading Ready to support the varying needs of striving kindergarten, first and second graders.  CUNY Reading Corps tutors not only receive paid clinical work experience, but also gain deep knowledge in reading science-based approaches.

Neighborhood Mobilization Hub

This hub is a partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office, Public Engagement Unit. Their core mission is to assist New Yorkers in crisis by connecting them with essential city services such as housing and healthcare. Intern outreach activities involve in-person engagement to identify and screen individuals for benefits eligibility. Intern outreach methods include tabling at events, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, peer-to-peer texting, and relational organizing.

I am really busy. Can I intern 10 hours a week OR can I only work during the evening and on weekends?
We know the life of a college student is packed. However, if you can’t commit to intern 19 hours per week during the typical workday (Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM), this is probably not the right internship program for you.

Can I work another job while interning with Career Launch?
Yes, but you cannot work another job with the CUNY Research Foundation (RF). With Career Launch, you will be an employee of RF and students can only hold one RF position at a time. Additionally, if you do have any other second job, you must still be able to commit to 19 hours of work per week to participate in Career Launch.

I want a remote position. Will I be able to choose?
There are very few remote internships, and students with documented health issues are given priority for these placements. The CUNY Career Launch Program asks you to choose internships based on the skills you will build and the work you will do at the internship, not where the physical work will be done. If working remotely is your most important consideration, this may not be the program for you.

What will my hours be? Will the internship site be flexible with my class schedule?
Each intern will work with their internship supervisor to create an individual schedule that works for them both. Internship sites know you are a CUNY student.
Keep in mind that you need to be available 19 hours per week during the typical workday (Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM).

How will I be paid? Will I be an employee of my internship site?
All interns are hourly employees of the Research Foundation of CUNY and paid bi-weekly. You will not be an official employee of your site. In order to be hired and paid by the Research Foundation, you will need to complete several documents including an I-9. See here for the proof of identification you need.

What happens if my availability changes after I apply. Can I withdraw from the process?
Yes, but do not ghost us! We understand that life happens and plans change. Please send CareerLaunch@cuny.edu an email if you can no longer participate.

What kinds of internships will you offer? Can I see a list?
Just like students, employers also apply to Career Launch. We won’t have a list of internship sites until later in the Spring. Accepted students will have access to their Industry Hub’s internship list in April 2024.

I have questions that aren’t listed here. Who can I ask?
Please contact us via email at CareerLaunch@cuny.edu and our team will get back to you.