Facing the Internship as an International Student: Insights from the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning Internship Info Session
As a first-year student in the Sustainability MS program, the concept of internships had been looming large in my mind since the program began. Not only is the internship a pivotal opportunity to apply the knowledge I’m learning in the classroom, but it’s also a mandatory part of the curriculum. For many of us, finding the right internship is a journey into unknown territory, filled with excitement and nerves. But for international students like me, that journey comes with additional challenges.
From the moment I enrolled, one of my biggest concerns was how I would secure an internship. We’ve all heard the stories: companies hesitant to hire international students due to visa requirements, or preferring candidates with permanent work authorization. I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling the pressure, but it still weighed heavily on me.
That’s why I was so eager to attend the department's Internship Information Session last fall, hoping to find some clarity, and maybe even a little bit of hope. What I found far exceeded my expectations.
The session was packed with valuable insights, led by students who had already completed their internships - many of whom were international students themselves. Hearing directly from people who had successfully navigated the process despite facing the same obstacles I feared was incredibly reassuring. They didn’t just gloss over the difficulties; they addressed them head-on, offering practical advice that I hadn’t considered before. From finding companies open to international hires, to leveraging Tufts’ resources like the Career Center and alumni network, they shared strategies that felt both doable and encouraging.
One piece of advice that really stood out was the importance of building relationships early on - whether through informational interviews or attending events like these. The connections we make during the program are just as crucial as the knowledge we gain, and that’s something I hadn’t fully appreciated before.
Of course, I wasn’t shy about asking my own questions, and I appreciated how open and transparent the panelists were. Visa concerns? They had faced them and offered detailed advice. Company preferences? They shared specific industries and organizations that tend to be more flexible. And just as importantly, they reminded us that the support systems at Tufts are strong - our professors, career advisors, and even our peers are all there to help us succeed.
But the session wasn’t all serious. After the formal Q&A, we had time to just chat, unwind, and connect with our classmates over some snacks. This part was equally valuable. It gave me a chance to bond with my peers, many of whom I hadn't gotten to know deeply yet. The energy in the room was positive and supportive; a reminder that, even though the search might feel daunting at times, we’re all in this together.
I walked away from the session feeling a sense of relief, but more than that, a renewed sense of possibility. Sure, the road to finding an internship as an international student might have a few more hurdles, but it’s not impossible. Hearing the stories of others who had been in my shoes, and who had come out the other side with fulfilling internships, was the encouragement I needed.
To anyone feeling the same worries I did before the session, my advice is simple: take advantage of opportunities like this. Show up, ask your questions, and connect with the people around you. You never know how much of a difference one event can make in shaping your journey.