MCS will not host programming or drop-ins during spring break week. Appointments will continue to be available.

Nonprofits cut across every type of industry and function area—including education, communication, healthcare, and technology—and working in this sector can be a great way to combine a subject area interest with a desire to make a difference. Think Tanks are organizations which conduct research and study and recommend public policy alternatives. They can approach issues from a partisan or non-partisan perspective, and often serve a broader educational function as well, through conferences and publications. Social enterprises are businesses with two goals: to generate income by selling a product or service, and to create a social, environmental, or cultural impact. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives run within organizations include environmental sustainability programs, alternative energy ideas, and improving the quality of life of the workforce and families in society at large.

Finding Internships

Many think tanks have structured internship programs that run throughout the year. For social enterprise, consider interning or volunteering at a nonprofit organization, or at a startup or business to help you acquire the necessary business skills. For corporate social responsibility, consider the public relations department at for-profit companies, working at a government agency in policy, or spending a summer working for a niche CSR consulting company. If you are interested in grant-making, consider volunteering on a grant-making committee for a foundation. If fundraising is of interest, consider volunteering as a Crimson Caller at Harvard, where student callers spend their time raising money for the University.

Finding Jobs

Nonprofits use “just in time” hiring, which means that opportunities are posted only once a position becomes available. Use the fall to connect with interesting organizations and professionals in the field. These connections can be helpful in identifying future opportunities and during the application process. Get involved in Harvard student groups, connect with Harvard alums through the Alumni Directory and LinkedIn, go to networking meetings, and consider joining a professional association.

Also, to find out about volunteer, internship and post-graduate opportunities, take advantage of on-campus resources such as the Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship, the Institute of Politics (IOP)Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA), the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) and the Harvard i-lab.

Graduate and Professional Programs

Some think tanks prefer to hire research assistants (RAs) who have a master’s degree or who are doing graduate work. However, it is possible for students with a bachelor’s degree to be hired for RA positions, which usually last from one to two years. If you are interested in affiliating yourself with a think tank as a career goal, you will need a Ph.D.

Many foundations require extensive experience or an advanced degree when hiring.

Looking for first-year or sophomore friendly opportunities? (Check back – list gets updated every Friday!)

Check out these blogs and posts highlighting first-year and sophomore friendly internships/fellowships/summits:

The Walt Disney Company (various roles)

Internships @ Biogen – Biogen

2025 Fellowship Program – ArtTable

Early Leaders Program – Wayfair

Consulting Kickstart – Bain & Company

Multiple Internships

By Zach Vigliani
Zach Vigliani Assistant Director, Harvard College Still Deciding, Exploring, & Self-Assessment
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Funding for Internships in New York City – All Industries

Is the concrete jungle calling your name? If you’re looking to gain hands-on experience in New York City this summer, we’ve got great news! The Foundation of the Harvard Club of New York, the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS), …

By Amy DiGiovine
Amy DiGiovine Assistant Director, Arts, Entertainment, Media, Pre-Law, Advertising, Marketing, Journalism, Publishing, Fashion, & Sports
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Tamarin Tales: Gabrielle’s Summer Research in the Amazon

Gabrielle Mostow is a junior from Adams House concentrating in Human Evolution Biology. This past summer, Gabrielle completed an eight-week internship with Field Projects International in the Peruvian Amazon, where she assisted in research on the behavior and ecology of …

By Summer Funding
Summer Funding
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Below is a sample of the organizations that have structured leadership development programs. These entry-level programs often allow employees to …

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