FAQ for Students

  1. When is registration?

  2. The UPOP Program is underway for the Class of 2012. Applications are now closed.

  3. Is UPOP open to students outside the School of Engineering?
  4. Yes! UPOP welcomes all MIT sophomores to participate. While a few of the concepts emphasized over IAP have an engineering focus, all the activities have multidisciplinary applications.
  5. Can I participate in UPOP if I already have an internship?
  6. Yes! UPOP provides valuable skill-building, networking, mentoring, and educational opportunities to all participants, regardless of where they are in their search.
  7. What if I’m planning to do a UROP or departmental internship this summer? Or go abroad with the MISTI program?
  8. UPOP is happy to support students pursuing a variety of summer opportunities. We encourage you to discuss your options with UPOP staff.
  9. Can I do UPOP and an externship?
  10. Possibly. The UPOP IAP workshop is offered twice (Jan. 11-15 and Jan. 25-29). If you can wrap up your externship by the 26th, you may be able to participate in the second session. Since space is limited, we will ask students who are considering externships to notify UPOP staff upon registration.
  11. What are the requirements/time commitment?
  12. In order to be eligible for academic credit and UPOP benefits, students must:
    1. Produce and revise a resume to the specifications of UPOP staff;
    2. Attend four mandatory 2-hr workshops over the course of the year;
    3. Attend all of the IAP course (5 full days in January);
    4. Complete a summer internship, UROP, or other employment;
    5. Complete three short writing assignments over the course of the summer; and
    6. Participate in a reflective experience upon returning to campus.
  13. If I do UPOP, am I guaranteed an internship?
  14. We’ve found that nearly 100% of UPOP students who make a real effort to find an internship are successful. That said, UPOP is not an internship placement program. Our staff will partner with you to help you showcase your skills and identify opportunities that might be a good fit for you. Our open door policy means that you can stop by anytime for help, advice, or just a mid-day break! The responsibility for procuring an internship, however, is yours.
More questions? Contact us!
Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 | 617.253.0077