Becoming invaluable contributors to the Center’s operation and success, interns conduct collaborative and independent research under the guidance of Berkman staff, fellows, and faculty. Specific roles, tasks, and experiences vary depending on Center needs and interns' skills; a list of expected opportunities for Summer 2016 is on the Berkman summer internship page. Typically, the workload of each intern is primarily based under one project or suite of projects, with encouragement and flexibility to get involved in additional projects across the Center.
In addition to joining research teams, summer interns participate in special lectures with Berkman Center faculty and fellows, engage each other through community experiences like weekly interns discussion hours, and attend Center-wide events and gatherings with members of the wider Berkman community. As well, each year interns establish new channels for fun and learning, such as organizing debates and pub quizzes; establishing reading groups and book clubs; producing podcasts and videos; and hosting potlucks, cook-offs, and BBQs (fortunately for us, people share).
The word "awesome" has been thrown around to describe our
internships, but don't take our word for it. Interns Royze
Adolfo and Hilda Barasa documented the summer 2012 internship
experience here.
Former intern Zachary McCune had this to say:
"it has been an enchanting summer working at the berkman center
for internet & society. everyday, i get to hang out with
some of the most brilliant people on the planet. we talk, we
write (emails), we blog, we laugh, we play rock band. and when
things need to get done, we stay late hyped on free coffee and
leftover food. it is a distinct honor to be considered a peer
among such excellent people. and i am not just talking about the
fellows, staff, and faculty, though they are all outstanding.
no, i mean my peers as in my fellow interns, who are almost
definitely the ripening next generation of changemakers."
Time Commitment
Summer internships are full time positions (35 hours/week) for
10 weeks.
The Summer 2016 program will run from Monday, June 6 through
Friday, August 12.
Payment
Interns are paid $11.50 an hour, with the exception of certain
opportunities for law students who receive summer public interest
funds (more about these specific cases at the link for law
students below).
No other benefits are provided, and interns must make their
own housing, insurance, and transportation arrangements.
Commitment to Diversity
The work and well-being of the Berkman Center for Internet &
Society at Harvard University are strengthened profoundly by the
diversity of our network and our differences in background,
culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, and much more. We actively seek and welcome
applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQIA community,
and persons with disabilities, as well as applications from
researchers and practitioners from across the spectrum of
disciplines and methods.
Eligibility