Career prototypes can be conversations, internships, research experiences, or other short-term projects enabling you to test assumptions + inform your future career decisions. Whether you’re building a solar car or organizing a conference about sustainability, you’re learning about an industry and trying something new. These experiences are interactive (mens et manus) and leave room to reflect (do I want to do this again?) At MIT you’ll have many opportunities to prototype a career through CAPD and the robust number of experiential learning programs offered at the Institute. Don’t see an option that suits your needs? Schedule an appointment with a CAPD staff member to brainstorm ideas.
Career prototypes
Ways You Can Prototype Your Career

Career conversations with MIT Alums
- Use MIT Alumni Advisors Hub to book an informational interview with an alum.
- Search MIT’s Alumni Directory to find professionals you can connect with.

Internships & Micro-internships
- Review these resources to help you find an internship
- Complete micro-internships ( short-term projects) over IAP many are hosted by MIT Alums

Job Shadows & Work Simulations
- CAPD’s Industry Job Shadows enables first year or sophomore undergrads to observe the day-to-day activities of a professional
- InterSECT enables PhD-level scientists and humanists to explore future career options through job simulations
- Forage offers virtual work experience programs developed through company partners

Experiential Learning @ MIT
- Use ELx to find Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELOs) @ MIT including UROPs, MISTI internships and more!
- Join students groups that partner with employers
- Participate in hackathons, design or engineering challenges