Micro-Internship
Application Deadlines
Applications are now closed for the 2027 Catalyst Micro-Internship program.
The Catalyst Micro-Internship Program is a full-time, paid experience that connects companies with a pipeline of emerging tech talent from the University of Maryland. The UMD Computing Catalyst delivers micro-internships in the D.C. Metro area. This program focuses primarily on students with little to no previous internship experience.
During the program, undergraduate students work in cohorts to collaborate with technical advisors to tackle meaningful tech challenges. Participating companies host these students in on-site, hybrid or remote work environments, offering technical mentorship and exposure to company culture and mission.
This experience offers students valuable industry exposure and a resume-worthy credential that has been shown to open doors—both within the host organization’s talent pipeline and with other employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for the Micro-Internship program?
The Catalyst Micro-Internship Program is open to all University of Maryland students who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Priority for second- and third-year degree-seeking undergraduates at UMD in Fall 2026 or part of the Freshman Connection program (though all undergraduates are welcome to apply)
- At least 30 UMD credits are required to be eligible
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (for continuing students)
- Currently or previously enrolled in at least one (preferably two) computing course(s) (or have received equivalent AP or transfer credit): BMGT 302, CMSC 106, 122, 125, 131 or higher, INST 123, 126 or higher, IMDM 127 or higher, ENME 202 or higher, GEOG 276 or higher, or PHYS 265
- Eligible to work in the United States in January 2027, including at UMD
- Must reside in the United States in January 2027
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Able to work a standard 40-hour workweek for the duration of the Sprinternship™ (no other classes or employment)
- Preference given to students who have participated in TechStart and/or Career Launch
- Have not previously had a computing internship, Catalyst Micro-Internship or job
I’ve already had a tech-related internship—can I still participate in the Micro-Internship program?
No, the Catalyst Micro-Internship program is exclusively for undergraduate students who have not previously held a computing internship, Catalyst Micro-Internship or job.
Does it matter where I live during winter break?
You must reside in the U.S. during your micro-internship.
Will I need to commute to my micro-internship?
Very few virtual options are available; most micro-internships will require you to commute three to five days per week to a workplace in the Maryland/DC/Northern Virginia area. If selected for the program, you can indicate your preferred location, but it is not guaranteed.
Are housing and/or transportation provided?
Housing and transportation are not provided, though we can help with metro cards and public transportation assistance.
Can I do a Catalyst Micro-Internship while taking a winter session course?
You cannot take a class or have other work obligations during the micro-internship.
How does the Computing Catalyst work with micro-internship host companies?
The University of Maryland Computing Catalyst works alongside micro-internship host companies to build a pipeline of highly qualified undergraduate students while providing current host company employees the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and mentor the next generation of tech talent.
If you would like to learn more about how your organization can host their own cohort, please fill out this form.
