Career Exploration and Development
Internship+ Program
Oberlin’s Internship+ Program empowers third-year students to explore careers, gain real-world experience, and build professional networks through high-impact summer opportunities from internships and research to arts and music-based projects. Internship+ offers eligible students up to $5,000 in funding, prioritizing unpaid positions so students can gain the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to thrive beyond Oberlin.
Funding is available to students who meet the following requirements:
Degree & Timeline Criteria
BA, BS, and BM Students: Summer between 3rd and 4th year (completing degree requirements the following academic year).
Double Degree Students: Summer between 3rd and 4th year.
3–2 Engineering Students: Summer after 2nd year (prior to final year at Oberlin).
BA + BFA Integrated Arts Students: Summer between 4th and 5th year.
Academic & Program Criteria
Enrollment & Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing and are enrolled on campus or on an approved academic leave of absence to study away in the spring prior to the summer experience and the fall after the summer experience.
Interest Form: Submitted the Internship+ Interest Form and received confirmation from the Center for Engaged Learning & Development (CED).
Experience: Formally secured and accepted an eligible summer experience.
General Experience Categories
Internships & Undergraduate Research: Must run 6 to 12 weeks with a minimum of 240 total hours.
Fully Remote Opportunities: Must run 6 to 12 weeks with a minimum of 240 total hours. Funding decisions are evaluated based on experience quality and budget justification.
Academic Immersion Programs: Oberlin June Block intensive courses and language immersion programs are fully eligible. Other intensive academic programs may be considered if they are at least 4 weeks, include clear career development components, and include a faculty letter confirming equivalent academic rigor.
Arts Experiences: Must be at least 4 weeks with a minimum of 120 total hours. Eligible fields include theater, acting, improv, creative writing, cinema/media, visual arts, music, dance, design, and other relevant arts-based disciplines. Formats include public performances, exhibitions, master classes, workshops with significant mentorship, personalized projects, screenings, professional development opportunities, and/or other meaningful arts-related activities.
Music-Based Experiences:
- Music festivals, summer institutes, academies, artist residencies, or other music-based educational experiences that provide sustained, intensive study with professional musicians, faculty, or industry leaders. Eligible experiences must total a minimum of four weeks, which may be fulfilled through multiple non-concurrent programs.
- Programs offering significant mentorship opportunities, including master classes, ensemble rehearsals, seminars, networking opportunities, and other structured educational activities designed to foster artistic and professional development.
- Music competitions that require substantial preparation and participation and include meaningful educational components beyond the competition itself, such as master classes, professional development workshops, lectures, career seminars, or other organized learning experiences.
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Independent or self-directed projects, including self-organized concert tours, self-produced recordings, independently arranged performances, private lessons or other activities that do not provide a structured educational component.
To apply for Internship+ funding, you must submit a budget worksheet and an offer letter verifying whether your summer role is paid or unpaid.
Internship+ awards help cover necessary summer living costs such as housing, meals, and transportation. Awards are designed to offset expenses rather than serve as compensation or salary.
Award Ranges & Eligibility Guidelines
Award amounts are based on your submitted budget, financial need, and the type of summer role:
| Summer Role Type | Maximum Potential Award | Key Guidelines |
| Unpaid Roles | Up to $5,000 | Receives priority funding consideration. |
| Paid Roles (Earnings up to $7,500) | Up to $2,500 | Award covers necessary living expenses based on submitted budget. |
| Paid Roles (Earnings over $7,500) | Up to $2,500 | Available only to students with demonstrated high or very high financial need; strictly covers housing and food expenses. |
How Funding Decisions Are Made
Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee full funding.
The review committee evaluates each application holistically based on:
The strength and clarity of your proposal
Alignment with Internship+ program objectives
Total available funding and the size of the applicant pool
Applicants may be awarded partial funding, even if all submitted expenses meet the program criteria.
Follow these steps to prepare your application and meet the program requirements for your college.
Step 1: Submit the Internship+ Interest Form (Required for All Students)
Before starting your application, you must complete the Internship+ Interest Form.
Important: The Interest Form is not the funding application. Submitting it connects you with Career Exploration and Development (CED) so we can verify your program eligibility early and ensure you receive important updates.
Step 2: Complete Your Track-Specific Requirements
Review and complete the required career development milestones for your enrolled degree program:
College of Arts & Sciences Track
Complete the following two required activities:
Join a Career Community Group: Connect with career resources and network with Oberlin alumni on OberLink. (See the Guide To Navigating OberLink
Guide to Navigating OberLink Conduct Two Career Conversations: Complete 2 career conversations with an industry expert or Oberlin alumnus in your field of interest.
Timeline: These must be completed during the academic year and before the end of your summer experience so they can be included in your required Digital Portfolio. (Review the conversation guide
Recommended: Have your resume reviewed at the CED Resume Review Lab before submitting your application. (Hours and operational details are forthcoming, please check back soon).
Conservatory & Dual Degree Students:
If your summer experience involves musical performances, training, or music programs, choose one of the following options:
Option 1:
Schedule a Resume Review appointment with Conservatory Professional Development Staff.
Schedule a Professional Biography Review appointment with Conservatory Professional Development Staff.
Conduct Two Career Conversations: Complete 2 career conversations with an industry expert or Oberlin alumnus in your field of interest.
Timeline: These must be completed during the academic year and before the end of your summer experience so they can be included in your required Digital Portfolio. (Review the conversation guide to get started.)
Option 2:
Complete PROF 200: Professional Development for Musicians (a 4-credit course offered every semester).
Step 3: Submit Your Application & Materials
Review the Application Guide to assemble and submit your required materials.
Internship+ Funding Application Opens in January
For questions email internships@oberlin.edu