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
MakerLodge is an extracurricular training program open to all MIT first-year undergraduate students. Connect with this resources to discover MIT shops and makerspaces!
Did you find an amazing experience or a project but you are unsure of how to cover the cost? Review these funding sources available through MIT and apply if it works for you!
Application due: Applications will …
You can supplement your internships with other opportunities that will help you gain experience in a new career area and develop your skills. Check out some of these resources:
Coursera
Free online courses offered through various universities
MIT’s subscription to …
Learning more about industries and careers options can help you narrow your focus on those that might be a good fit. Below are some tools and techniques to help you begin researching potential career paths. Don’t forget: if you need …
ELx is your gateway to Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELOs) at MIT including UROP, MISTI, and more! Find and apply for important, real-world projects in MIT labs and makerspaces, start-ups, non-profits, K-12 schools, and global industries. ELx has opportunities for undergraduate …
