host an MIT intern

"Working with MISTI interns is unlike any professional experience I have ever encountered."

- MIT-Denmark intern supervisor, 2021

Why host an MIT intern?

Host companies and labs provide MIT students with pivotal personal and professional experiences. Many say that their organizations benefit just as much as the students do. They report that MIT students bring fresh perspectives, new knowledge and invigorating enthusiasm

Interns contribute to patents, academic articles, and new technologies. Students gain a firsthand understanding of the international workplace and culture, and are able to help transform innovative projects and cutting-edge research.

All students are recommended by MIT faculty or previous internship supervisors. Priority placement is given to MIT students with technical knowledge and relevant experience.

What kind of students does MIT offer?

• MIT is known for its strengths in Engineering, Computer Science, and other Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, etc.), but also has robust social sciences, architecture, and business programs. Learn more about the courses (‘majors’) offered at MIT.

• The majority of students are working towards their bachelor’s degree, although we work with students of all levels, including master’s and occasionally PhD-level students.

• Most students are only available for three-month internships during their summer vacation period (June - August). MIT students are used to working at a fast pace, and can often meet or exceed project expectations in a tight time frame. Few students have the flexibility to pursue long-term internship opportunities, but some may be interested in semester or academic-year internships.

What is the process for an MIT intern?  

1. Students apply to the program and express their interest in specific opportunities or industries

2. MIT Denmark reviews applications and conducts screening interviews to determine fit

3. Applicants’ CVs are shared with potential host companies based on aligned interests and skills

4. Companies invite candidates to conduct an interview, then extend offer

5. Students accept an offer, and then are committed to the program

6. MIT-Denmark works with students on logistics and arrangements (such as visa applications, flights, housing) and conducts pre-departure training

Host expectations

Companies and organizations interested in hosting a student are expected to provide a challenging project for the student, and to oversee their progress throughout the internship. Student interns require a workspace and a supervisor, and work full time (37 hours per week).

To aid with student recruitment, potential hosts are encouraged to share a project description or team overview.

Cost implications for hosts

The mission of MISTI is to provide all MIT students the opportunity to intern abroad. One key element of this is ensuring the program is cost-neutral for students, meaning they receive the funds to cover their basic travel and living expenses (flight, housing, local transport, food, etc.). It costs approximately 10.000 USD for an MIT student to do a summer internship in Denmark. Thanks to the generous support of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and other supporters, MIT-Denmark is able to cover the majority of these costs. Companies that are able are asked to provide co-financing at a level aligned with their size and capacity. For startups and small companies who cannot afford to contribute financially, in-kind support, such as offering work lunch or a bike loan instead are possible, and MIT-Denmark will work with you to find a support-level appropriate for your organization.

Other Ways to Engage

• MIT European Career Fair — hosted in February each year at MIT

• Host a company visit or information session at MIT

• Support collaborative research between MIT and Danish universities

• Conduct or sponsor a MIT workshop at your institution or organization

• Participate in other MIT programming such as executive education or venture mentor services

*General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) When applications are shared with potential hosts, containing students’ contact and other information, students have consented to share this as part of their application to the MIT-Denmark program. This sharing of data has been reviewed by the MIT legal team and is consistent with GDPR rules.

Want to get involved?

Read more