How It Works
The internship (graduate co-op) is the real-world component of the Biotechnology Professional Master of Science (PSM) Program. We are fortunate to have a rich practice environment in the immediate Boston area, and based upon our survey of local companies, we anticipate a variety of internship opportunities in all life science disciplines as well as non-science opportunities such as project management.
Students are responsible for obtaining their own internship. They will receive the support and guidance of the Biotechnology PSM Program Internship Coordinator throughout the search process and throughout the internship. Each student, including international students, will complete an internship that provides him/her with an invaluable opportunity to gain professional training and real-world experience in the commercial sector. In most instances, the internship will be paid, however, a paid internship is not guaranteed. Students who intend to pursue additional graduate study after obtaining the Biotechnology PSM degree may wish to consider an internship in a laboratory at Northeastern or at another educational institution in the area. In some instances, the internship will serve as a mutually beneficial preliminary period of employment leading to a permanent position.The internship will be three to six months in length, depending on the requirements of the employment site. The internship usually occurs in the summer semester, at the end of the program. All exceptions must be approved by the Internship Coordinator. Each student in the Biotechnology PSM Program will perform one internship. Students with permanent jobs will work with the Internship Coordinator, their work supervisor, and their academic track advisor to design a special project that meets the internship requirement. In the event that a student is not able to secure an internship, an experiential (unpaid) position in a Northeastern University laboratory will be available.
Students will be enrolled in an Internship Reflection Seminar at the same time they are performing their internship. The seminar is designed to complement learning during the internship. Students will participate in activities to integrate academic learning and experiential learning including written reflections and weekly reports which will not include company confidential information.