Housed at University at Albany (UAlbany) in New York’s capital city, the SUNY Program for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SPEED) is a summer 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 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, innovation and business development. SPEED works best for undergraduate students.
Interns are required to enroll in a variable 1 – 6 credit UAlbany internship course (UUNI-288), requiring a minimum of 150 on- site internship hours over twelve weeks. On-campus housing is available. An orientation session at UAlbany at the beginning of the summer is required, as well as bi-weekly professional development and entrepreneurship workshops. Internship site placement is limited to situations approved by UAlbany’s Minerva Center for High Impact Learning.
Program Eligibility:
- Enrolled at any SUNY institution (including community colleges)
- Must have completed at least one year of higher education at your home institution by Summer 2024.
- 2.0 cumulative GPA
- 18 years old or older Eligible to intern in the United States (see information for international students below)
About START-UP NY
START-UP NY assists early stage to growth stage companies with a technology or innovation focus to grow and prosper in New York State. These companies will offer a unique type of intemship experience, allowing students to see firsthand the work entailed to scale an emerging industry venture and to be part of a formalized public – private partnership. This is an ideal internship for students exploring entrepreneurship or wishing to experience what it is like to work for a startup. START-UP NY helps new and expanding businesses through tax-based incentives and innovative academic partnerships.
Application Information:
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until April 30th, 2024 at 11:59pm. This is a competitive program. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review.
Along with the submission of this form, applicants must also complete the following materials:
- Current Resume
- Personal Essay
- Applications must include an essay (3 pages maximum, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font) in which the applicant discusses how participating in SPEED relates to the student’s academic and career goals. Pages should be numbered and the student’ name should be at the top of each page. It is expected that essays will be proofread for grammar and spelling.
- For International Students Only: International Student Practical Training Eligibility Form
Remember: Incomplete Applications will not be considered for review!
Program Selection:
Selection Criteria: Representatives from UAlbany will review application materials. Program acceptance is based on the following criteria:
- How clearly the candidate demonstrates that participating in SPEED will enhance their academic and career goals.
- Academic qualifications, including 2.0 GPA and at least sophomore standing at the time of internship (current first year students may apply)
Financial Information:
Information about tuition and fees can be found at the UAlbany Student Accounts website. Information about summer 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. Many of the positions will 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 for approximately 12 weeks, from late May through the middle of August.
The internship course 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.