GradFUTURES Pre-Matriculation Internships

Gain experience before you begin your doctoral studies!

This unique summer program combines opportunities for mentoring and direct professional experience prior to your first semester.
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Offered in collaboration with participating academic departments, these opportunities provide interdisciplinary project team experience the summer before you begin your studies. Working under the direction of an industry mentor, you will receive one-on-one mentoring and coaching and gain exposure to organizational dynamics and leadership strategies via shadowing and participating in meetings and/or presentations. You will also work collaboratively on projects and learn from staff while being responsible for high-quality and on-time completion of project work that has an impact on the field. Some internships may be fully remote and others may involve a combination of in-person and remote work. The host organization will assist you with housing/lodging for in-person participation.

Hours & Compensation

The pre-matriculation summer internship program involves participating in an internship at a partner/host organization for up to 8 weeks and up to 40 hours/week. Based on Princeton’s academic calendar and applicable graduate student enrollment and funding cycles, these opportunities are generally held between June 1 through July 30.

Partner/host organizations agree to pay the intern directly and the total compensation is competitive with national Ph.D. internship rates. Work authorization is required for international graduate students from U.S. undergraduate institutions. Sponsorship is not available.

Application Process

Please visit the links below to review the information and internship opportunities at each partner organization. You will apply directly to the organization using the links provided. 

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“As an incoming first year student with limited prior industry experience, this internship exposed me to a wide range of other career opportunities to ponder and explore during my time as a graduate student."

Anna Eddelbuettel Hancock, GS, CBE

Related Programs

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In addition to Pre-Matriculation Internships, the Graduate School offers a range of immersive experiences, all structured to support the timely completion of your degree program. Most of the fellowships are offered throughout the academic year and/or during the summer, and include University Administrative Fellowships, Social Impact FellowshipsCommunity College Teaching Fellowship​​​​​s​, Higher Education Leadership Fellowships, and Micro-Internships in Industry.