Finding an Internship in Boston: What You Should Know

If you're a graduate student in Boston looking for an internship, you’ve probably already realized this city is both a goldmine of opportunity and a little bit of a maze. As a Graduate Student Representative and someone who recently went through the search myself, I want to share a few things I wish I’d known when I started looking.

First off, it really helps to take a beat and figure out what kind of work you genuinely enjoy, not just what looks good on paper. Boston has everything from policy think tanks and education nonprofits to fast-paced consulting firms and data-driven research labs. Narrowing in on your interests gives you a better shot at finding an internship that excites you, rather than something that fills a line on your resume.

What made the biggest difference for me? Talking to people! Professors, classmates, alumni, people on LinkedIn I didn’t even know—but who responded warmly when I reached out with specific questions. One 20-minute Zoom call with someone in a research role helped me completely shift my focus to something that better matched my goals. You never know which conversation could lead to your next opportunity, or at the very least, help you make a more
informed choice.

Also, don’t sleep on Tufts resources! I know everyone says this, but I mean it—Handshake has solid listings, the Career Center will sit with you to polish your resume and mock interview with you, and department newsletters sometimes include positions that aren’t posted anywhere else. Some of these might even be exclusive to Tufts students.

If you’re starting now and feel late, don’t panic. Some internships do have early deadlines, especially big-name programs. But a lot of places post openings closer to the summer, or even on a rolling basis. Boston has a constant churn of opportunities, and being a little flexible about hours, pay, or remote options can open more doors than you’d think.

And yes, rejections happen. A lot. Some places won’t respond at all. Others will ghost you after a promising interview. It’s frustrating, but not personal. I remind myself the right opportunity won't pass me by, it might just take longer to find.

If you ever feel stuck, remember you’re not doing this alone. One of the best parts of being at Tufts is the community; you have faculty and peers who genuinely want to help you succeed.

Internship hunting isn’t always linear or easy, but it is doable and sometimes even fun, once you find your groove. Trust yourself, stay curious, and reach out for help when you need it. You’ve got this.