Professional Pathways Program

The Professional Pathways Program is an opportunity for students to intern at Boston based organizations while exploring different professional pathways within an organization.

While interning at the organization, students will have the opportunity to meet with professionals, hear from industry leaders, and receive guidance from the McCafferty Career Center. 

The Program runs from May 18th to August 7th, 2026.

Students in this program will receive:

  • $2000 stipend
  • Free on-campus summer housing (learn more in the FAQs)

Funding for this program is made possible through the Yawkey Foundation.

February – Applications Open

March – Professional Pathways Program Recruitment Event, on campus March 10, 4:00-5:30 pm; applications for program due March 13.

Late March/Early April – Internship Sites interview candidates

Mid-April – Internship Sites finalize offers, students attend required Kick-Off Event and move into housing; internships begin

Mid-May/Early June – Students begin internships if they have not already

August – Students and Supervisors attend Certificate Dinner, students submit final assignments to course

After acceptance to the program, students must be enrolled in INT1010 Independent Internship and complete all assignments.

Complete the application below to be considered for the program.

The application will require you to upload a resume and cover letter.

NOTE: Please be aware that your resume and cover letter will be shared with each employer, so do not tailor to one but instead focus on the skills and experiences that match the sites you’re most interested in.

Internship sites will directly interview candidates and select interns.

SUMMER 2026 APPLICATIONS DUE BY MARCH 13.

Students in the program are required to enroll in INT1010 Independent Internship (at no cost) regardless of also being enrolled in a department internship course.

Within the course students will:

  • Track and summarize their hours and tasks each week
  • Complete pre & post surveys measuring career readiness skills
  • Complete modules over the summer months that cover various professional topics

Learning Goals + Outcomes:

Through the Professional Pathways Program and course, students will develop and strengthen essential professional development skills and explore various career pathways within organizations. By the end of this class, students will have a greater understanding of how to conduct informational interviews, craft effective elevator pitches, and leverage LinkedIn for networking. Through engagement with industry professionals and reflective assignments, students will leave this program and class with an understanding of broader career options, enhanced professionalism skills, and how to make informed decisions within their own career development.

By the end of this class, students will…

  • understand what various professional pathways are within organizations, including roles, responsibilities, and career trajectories, broadening their potential career opportunities.
  • understand what an informational interview is, how to conduct informational interviews, identify appropriate contacts, formulate insightful questions and reflection on information gained from interviews.
  • know how to develop a polished elevator pitch that effectively communicates their professional background, skills, and career aspirations to potential employers or networking contacts.
  • understand how to create a strong professional LinkedIn profile, that showcases their experiences and effectively utilize features to expand their professional network and opportunities.

COURSE STRUCTURE
This is an online course with 2 in person meetings.

Both the student intern and the internship supervisor must sign the Learning Agreement Form below.

This form is designed to formalize the internship arrangement between a student and the host organization.

It includes sections for both student and site information such as:

  • Job description/details about the internship
  • Internship title
  • Total hours per week
  • Start and end dates

The agreement outlines the Learning Goals + Outcomes the student aims to achieve through the internship, specifying the activities that will help reach these goals.

By signing the agreement, the student agrees to performing their duties to the best of their ability and adhering to the organization’s rules and schedule.

By signing the agreement, the supervisor agrees to provide a conducive learning environment, communicate with the student about their performance, and complete an evaluation of the student’s work.

Can this count as the internship I need to graduate/for my major requirement?

You may be able to use this internship experience to fulfill your department’s internship requirement IF you also enroll in your major’s internship summer course and complete the assignments in the Professional Pathways Program AND your summer internship course. Use this link to view summer internship courses to see if your department’s internship course is offered.

Can I park on campus over the summer?

At this time parking is not part of the Professional Pathways Program and is extremely limited in the summer months. Please make arrangements for the summer months. Any requests for parking should be directed to studentparking@emmanuel.edu.

What are the beginning and end dates of the internship?

This should be worked out with your direct Supervisor, but generally it should begin late May/early June to mid-August.

What are the beginning and end dates for Summer on-campus housing?

Summer housing for 2026 is offered May 18th – August 7th in St. Ann’s which is a traditional building with no air-conditioning included. Transitional housing is not part of the Professional Pathways Program (housing between the regular semesters and the summer term). Any requests for transitional housing should be directed to Andy Anderson andersona4@emmanuel.edu.

What are the hours over the summer per day/week?

A minimum of approximately 12-20 hours per week. Your exact schedule should be worked out with your direct Supervisor.

When will I receive the stipend?

Payroll will coordinate with you on direct deposit or a check. Payout dates for the stipend usually take place in mid June ($1000) and mid August ($1000). The full payment of the stipend is based on completion of the program including on site and course participation.

If I have questions or concerns who can I contact?

If you have any questions or concerns throughout the application or internship process, please connect with Elizabeth Deren, Director of Career and Professional Development. The McCafferty Career Center staff is available M-F 8:30-4:30 PM during the summer months and can arrange both in-person or virtual appointments.

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Contact & Location

Phone
617-735-9930
Address

Leslie Ferrick McCafferty Career Center
WSC 316
400 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

Hours

Monday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm