Are you a CUNY student eager to jumpstart your career and gain invaluable professional experience? The Career Launch Program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in real-world internships across diverse industries. This program is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional application, providing you with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Navigating the internship application process can feel daunting, but the Career Launch Program simplifies it with a structured and supportive approach. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know to apply and make the most of this career-defining opportunity.
Understanding the Career Launch Program Application Process
Applying for the Career Launch Program involves a few key steps to ensure you are a good fit and are placed in an internship that aligns with your career aspirations. Let’s address some common questions about the application journey.
Application Submission and Statement of Interest
The first step is to submit your application, which crucially includes a short statement of interest. This statement is your chance to express why you are drawn to a particular Industry Hub and how your personal interests connect with the opportunities it offers. Think of it as your introduction to the program committee, highlighting your passion and motivation.
The Resume Requirement: Your Professional Snapshot
A professional resume is a mandatory part of your application. If you don’t currently have one, don’t worry! CUNY’s career services offices are excellent resources for resume building. They can guide you in creating a compelling resume that showcases your skills and experiences, even if you haven’t had a formal internship before. Remember, your resume is your professional snapshot, so make it count!
Crafting Your Statement of Interest: The Short-Answer Prompt
To help you prepare, the short-answer prompt is straightforward: “Tell us more about yourself. In 200-400 words, please describe how your personal interests influenced your desire to apply for the Industry Hub you have selected.” This prompt encourages you to reflect on your personal journey and articulate your career interests within the context of the chosen Industry Hub. Authenticity and a clear connection between your interests and the hub are key here.
Application Status and Timelines: Staying Informed
After applying, patience is important. The Career Launch Program reviews applications on a rolling basis, typically through March. Rest assured, every applicant will receive an admissions decision. To stay updated, regularly check both your email inbox and spam folder for communications regarding your application status. With thousands of applications to process, the team appreciates your understanding as they work diligently to review each one.
Industry Hub Selection: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right Industry Hub is crucial because, unfortunately, switching hubs after submitting your application is not possible. Therefore, take your time to carefully consider each hub’s focus and align it with your career interests. Explore the details of each hub to make an informed decision that sets you on the path to your desired career field.
Interview Preparation: Nailing Your Internship Interview
If you’ve never interviewed for an internship before, CUNY career services are here to support you. They offer interview preparation assistance to help you feel confident and prepared. Practice sessions and guidance on common interview questions can significantly boost your interview skills and increase your chances of selection.
Applying to Multiple Hubs: Focus is Key
To ensure a focused application process, you must select only ONE Industry Hub to apply to. Applying to multiple hubs is not permitted, so dedicate your attention to the hub that genuinely resonates with your career goals.
How to Choose Your Industry Hub: Informed Decision-Making
The ultimate decision of which Industry Hub to apply to rests with you. To aid in your decision-making process, consider the detailed descriptions of each hub below. Reflect on your interests, academic background, and career aspirations to determine the best fit for you.
Explore the Industry Hubs: Diverse Pathways to Professional Growth
The Career Launch Program offers a variety of Industry Hubs, each tailored to specific sectors and career paths. Let’s delve into the details of each hub to help you find your perfect match.
Community & Social Impact Hub: Making a Difference in NYC
For students passionate about social change and community service, the Community and Social Impact Hub is an ideal choice. This hub partners with mission-driven organizations and government offices in New York City, allowing interns to engage in hands-on projects that positively impact individuals, families, and local communities.
Relevant Majors: Criminal Justice, English, Human Services, Liberal Arts, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Urban Studies, and related fields. Students from all majors with a desire to make a difference are encouraged to apply.
Past Organizations: Association to Benefit Children, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Center for Justice Innovation, Hey There Beautiful Foundation, Make the Road New York, Make-A-Wish Metro New York, and New York City Council.
Past Internship Roles: Accounting Assistant, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Community Organizer, Education Programs Intern, Fundraising and Events Coordinator, Human Resources Assistant, Outreach Intern, Media Coordinator, Mental Health Assistant, and Youth Development Specialist.
Key Skills Developed: Communication, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork.
STEM/Green Hub: Innovating in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
If you’re studying in a STEM-related field, the STEM/Green Industry Hub is your gateway to the dynamic world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This hub provides opportunities in rapidly growing STEM fields, even if you lack prior work experience in the sector.
Ideal for Students with Interests in: Computer Science, Engineering, Research, Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences.
Past Organizations: Unadat, Art Beyond Sight, The Coder School, NYC DOT, MTA, The Difference App LLC, and Blackfacts.
Past Internship Roles: Software Engineer, IT Developer Intern, Cybersecurity Research Analyst, Mechanical Engineer, Structural Engineer, and Research Intern.
Healthcare Hub: Shaping the Future of Healthcare
The Healthcare Industry Hub is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. It offers CUNY students pursuing careers in Pre-Med, Physical Therapy, Pre-PA, Nursing, and other healthcare tracks, invaluable real-world experience. Interns gain firsthand exposure to patient care and administrative roles within healthcare settings.
Relevant Career Tracks: Pre-Med, Physical Therapy, Pre-PA, Nursing, and other healthcare fields.
Past Organizations: Achieve Beyond, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Centers Health Care, NYU Langone Health, New York Presbyterian, NYC Health+Hospitals Network, Mount Sinai, Isabella Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, Mercy Home for Children, AHRC, Clinical Directors Network, Premium Speech Therapy, University Physicians of Brooklyn, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
Past Internship Roles: Research Assistant, Patient Navigator, Healthcare Administrative Intern, Mental Health Intern, Case Management Intern, Optometry Intern, Therapeutic Recreation Assistant, Behavior Technician, Radiology Assistant, and LPN Intern.
Key Skills Developed: Strong communication, interpersonal skills, time management, flexibility, independence, teamwork, growth mindset, curiosity, and open-mindedness.
Marketing & Communications Hub: Mastering the Art of Connection
The Marketing & Communications Hub caters to students interested in the diverse fields of marketing and communication. Interns engage in projects spanning research, event planning, content creation, public relations, social media management, web development, and advertising. A proactive and enthusiastic attitude is highly valued in this hub.
Ideal for Majors in: Marketing Management, Computer Information Systems, and related fields. Open to all students with a strong interest in marketing and communications.
Past Organizations: Education, Real Estate, Sports & Entertainment, Non-profit organizations, Digital Arts & Media, and Consultant Agencies.
Past Internship Roles: Marketing & Communication Strategist, Grant Writer, Administrative Assistant, Videographer, Events Management intern, Research & Social Media intern, Project Development intern, and Market Research intern.
Key Skills Developed: Initiative, excellent writing, time/project management, research, customer relations, social media management, data analytics, detail orientation, database management, and general administrative skills.
Education Hub: Empowering the Next Generation Through Education
This year, the Education Hub is a collaboration between CUNY Reading Corps and CCB4A (College & Career Bridge for All). CUNY Reading Corps provides paid tutoring opportunities for CUNY students to support striving readers in NYC public schools. Interns receive training in evidence-based literacy programs and gain valuable experience in education and literacy.
Partnerships: CUNY Reading Corps, CCB4A (College & Career Bridge for All).
Focus: Literacy tutoring in NYC public schools.
Training Provided: Reading Go! and Reading Ready programs.
Benefits: Paid clinical work experience, deep knowledge in reading science-based approaches.
Neighborhood Mobilization Hub: Connecting Communities with Essential Services
Partnering with the NYC Mayor’s Office Public Engagement Unit, the Neighborhood Mobilization Hub focuses on community outreach and service connection. Interns play a crucial role in assisting New Yorkers in need by connecting them with essential city services like housing and healthcare. Outreach methods include in-person engagement, event tabling, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and peer-to-peer texting.
Partner: NYC Mayor’s Office Public Engagement Unit.
Mission: Connecting New Yorkers in crisis with essential city services.
Internship Activities: In-person outreach, event tabling, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, peer-to-peer texting.
Take the First Step Towards Your Dream Career
The CUNY Career Launch Program is your springboard to professional success. By providing structured internships, skill-building opportunities, and real-world experience, this program empowers you to launch your career with confidence. Explore the Industry Hubs, prepare your application, and take the first step towards a fulfilling and impactful career journey. Your future starts here!
