Student applications for the SPEED Summer 2023 Internship Program are now closed.
Local employers interested in partnering with the SPEED program can complete our recruitment form.
The SUNY Program for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SPEED) Summer Internship Program offers students from any SUNY institution the opportunity to gain professional experience as an intern at a START-UP NY company or other local small/medium sized company or organization in the Capital Region.
About START-UP NY
START-UP NY helps technology- or innovation focused companies in their early or growth stages find success in New York State. Through this program, the Empire State Development can offer new and expanding businesses tax-based incentives and innovative academic partnerships.
Internships at companies supported by START-UP NY allow students to work in an emerging industry venture and participate in a formalized public-private partnership. It's the ideal internship for students who want to explore entrepreneurship or learn about life at a startup.
Many of the positions will be paid, either by stipend or hourly wage, and on-campus housing is available.
The program is open to students from all academic disciplines; however, many of the available internships focus on technology, computer science, innovation and business development.
Students work a minimum of 150 on-site internship hours over the course of about 12 weeks — typically from late May to mid-August. Interns are required to enroll in a 3-credit UAlbany internship course (UUNI-289).
How to Apply for SPEED
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for a SPEED Summer Internship, the applicant must:
- Be enrolled at any SUNY institution (including community colleges)
- Have completed at least one year of higher education at your home institution
- Have a 2.0 GPA
- Be 18 years old or older
- Be eligible to intern in the United States
- Be available for a full 12-week program from late May to mid-August
- Register for UUNI 289 Applied Internship Course for three undergraduate academic credits. Visit the Student Accounts website for information on tuition and fees.
Application
Applicants must complete the following for their application to be considered complete:
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Current Resume
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Personal Essay
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Prompt: Discuss how participating in SPEED relates to your academic and career goals.
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Guidelines: Maximum three pages, double-spaced and proofread. Each page must be numbered and include the student's name in the top margin.
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Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Program Selection
Representatives from UAlbany will review application materials and interview all qualified candidates in person or by phone/video chat. 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)
What to Expect as an Intern
Logistics
Internships will be available at several Albany-area START-UP NY companies and other local small/medium sized companies or organizations in the Capital Region. Many of the positions will be paid, either by stipend or hourly wage. The Center for Experiential Education staff will assist you in securing an internship at one of the companies. 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-weekly workshops on entrepreneurship and professional development. More details about the academic requirements of the internship will be provided at orientation.
Registration
Once accepted into SPEED, you will be asked to confirm your place in the program and will begin working immediately with the Center for Experiential Education to secure an internship. During UAlbany summer registration, we will work with students from both UAlbany and other SUNY institutions to help students register for the internship course. As with any other semester, registration will trigger billing for tuition and fees. The Center for Experiential Education will also be happy to help students navigate the process of applying for summer housing at UAlbany.
International Students
UAlbany international students must secure practical training status by speaking with an Advisor in the Office of International Student & Scholar Services prior to beginning your internship. International students from other SUNY institutions must connect with international student services at your home institution.
Support
The Center for Experiential Education is available as a resource to participants throughout the duration of the program.
Students or employers with any questions about the SPEED program should contact us at [email protected] for more information.