The University of Alabama at Birmingham Career Center and the Undergraduate Student Government Association’s Freshman Forum launched a pilot micro-internship initiative in spring 2026-aimed at giving first-year students access to on-campus work experience.

The program, consisting of freshmen participants, offered short-term, project-based internships designed to last about one month. The initiative targeted students who may not have previously secured on-campus employment, providing a structured opportunity to build professional skills in a condensed format.

Undergraduate student leaders played a central role in developing the program. Freshman Forum members coordinated outreach to campus departments, matched students with projects and organized onboarding efforts.

The interns completed all assigned projects, tracked their hours and by the end of the internship-they demonstrated professional competencies such as communication, problem-solving and leadership. Each intern received a $200 scholarship, funded through departmental contributions and administered by the UAB Career Center.

Organizers described the program as both a learning experience and a foundation for future career readiness, noting that it helps students begin building resumes and professional networks early in their college careers.

100% of the participating interns reported that they can communicated very effectively through professional emails and written materials. 89% reported high confidence in their preparation to work in professional settings. 78% of interns reported feeling prepared to work in a professional/office environment.

A closing ceremony was held on April 24 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hill Student Center, where participants reflected on their work experiences. The Career Center and student organizers hope to continue the initiative next year, using feedback from this first cohort to refine and grow the program.