Gain Experience

There are two primary ways the GSD supports students early in their academic careers to gain meaningful experience.

January Externships

GSD students may participate in 1-3 week “mini-internships” during the January winter break. Opportunities in design, research, urban planning and real estate range in locations from Boston to New York to San Francisco. Here are a few comments from a student who participated in a recent externship program:

“The three best things about my externship were: I got to know how an individual/small architectural/non-profit studio works; I had the flexibility to create a project of my interest; and I was able to extern in a friendly work environment with accomplished and knowledgeable colleagues.”

Community Service Fellowship Program

Other Ways to Gain Experience

Paul M. Heffernan International Travel Award

There are two kinds of international travel awards for GSD students. Both are administered by Career Services. The Paul M. Heffernan International Travel Award is intended to fund GSD students to travel internationally to extend the academic experience.

Work-Study Options

Federal Work-Study (FWSP) is a great way for students to earn money and gain professional experience. Although FWSP is more commonly used for on-campus jobs, it can also be used for off-campus jobs during the school year as well as over the summer.

Depending on available funds, eligible students may utilize their FWSP funding with nonprofit or government employers. Organizations such as the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the Community Design Resource Center of Boston (CDRC), and the Cambridge Office of Community Development are just a few examples of eligible employers. Students may also use their FWSP at for-profit jobs, depending on the job.

For more information on how to utilize your work-study funding, please email a member of the GSD Financial Aid team or call (617) 495-5455.