UPOP

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Transitioning from academia into the world of work is a challenge for even the most technically skilled student. MIT's Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP) is a full year co-curricular program that helps talented sophomores gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to effectively apply classroom learning to successful careers in engineering leadership by beginning the process even before graduation.

With guidance from MIT faculty, UPOP staff, and industry professionals students obtain meaningful summer internships in industry, government, and the nonprofit sector. They receive instruction and individual coaching before, during, and after their practicum to help locate and negotiate the terms of summer work and then thrive in the internship.

The UPOP program comprises five credit-bearing phases:

1. A fall semester program of workshops and individual coaching in which students learn to author an effective resume, excel in a job interview dialog, and make contact with a professional network.
2. A one-week intensive course of experiential learning in which students receive instruction and coaching from engineering and management faculty and industry professionals. The course is offered twice during the intersemester break each January.
3. A spring semester program of workshops and individual coaching in the job search process and professional etiquette, with help in securing a summer internship assignment suited to their individual needs and aspirations.
4. A 10- to 12-week summer internship in which students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Students submit three entries to an electronic journal and host a site visit by UPOP staff who meet with the students, supervisors, and HR representatives to ensure a positive outcome for student and employer.
5. A reflective learning experience upon return to campus the next fall in which students report on their UPOP experience. Participants in this phase are eligible to take part in a UPOP closing conference and competition.

In addition to applying their technical skills on the job, UPOP students gain insight into economic, legal, organizational, and business realities of engineering. Students who complete the program have a keen appreciation of the social, environmental, and ethical implications of engineering decisions and better understand how to put their unique talents and skills into practice.

Have Questions?

For general questions about UPOP, please contact Jessica Jones.
For student-related questions, please contact Sharona Jacobs.
For employer-related questions, please contact Ronda Devine.
For faculty and curriculum-related questions, please contact Dori Peleg.
For the Executive Director, please contact Susann Luperfoy.