CAPD is dedicated to helping all MIT students, including those who are undocumented or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status. We admire the determination, problem solving ability and resilience of these community members and strive to provide the appropriate support.
Your Career Planning
Explore and build skills
- Explore your interests and develop skills by conducting research, taking project-based classes and volunteering. MIT’s Office of Experiential Learning provides information about these opportunities.
- Join student organizations with an academic or pre-professional focus to learn about different industry areas and build your leadership skills.
Applications and workplace rights
- If you are a DACA recipient, you can complete paid internships and work after graduation. Be sure to understand your rights within the workplace.
- Connect with CAPD staff to determine the best way to answer certain questions on your job or internship application.
Life after college
Review Life After College: A Guide for Undocumented Students, created by Immigrants Rising, to explore your career options after graduation. A few examples include:
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- Attending graduate or professional school. Review and apply for fellowships sourced by Immigrants Rising and My Undocumented Life to get funding to pay for your education. These fellowships don’t require proof of US citizenship.
- Becoming a part of the freelance/gig economy. Learn more about entrepreneurship through resources at MIT and those developed by Immigrants Rising.
- The New York State Youth Leadership Council also provides a Non-Citizen’s Guide to Entrepreneurship and details about independent contracting, including advice to negotiate job offer into an independent contractor role.
Resources at CAPD & MIT
- CAPD staff can help you explore your career options, connect you with allies on campus, provide feedback on your application materials (resume, cover letters, and graduate school essays), and help you prepare for interviews.
- Undergraduates can also contact Student Support Services (S3) for additional support.
Immigrants Rising provides resources and recommendations to generate income through entrepreneurship and freelancing.
While initially it may seem as though undocumented students have limited options upon
graduating from college, this guide is intended to shed light on the possibilities that
do exist. The guide has been written to be as inclusive and comprehensive …
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