SwatWorks: Funded Micro-Internships

SwatWorks projects are Career Services funded short-term, professional assignments that are similar to entry level assignments. These remote projects enable Swarthmore students to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks, as they are mentored by Swarthmore alumni and parents. Unlike traditional internships, micro-internships will be funded through micro-grants offered by Career Services at $500 for a 40 hour project, $250 for a 20 hour project and $125 for a 10 hour project.

Be thoughtful of your time commitment to make sure you can finish the project in the allotted time. Eligible class years are 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.

For International Students

Projects completed through Parker Dewey are only available to U.S. citizens or international students with approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or other work authorization, and when classes are not in session.

If you are a current F-1/J1 international student at Swarthmore College you will need to confirm your eligibility to work before you are able to apply to projects. It is strongly advised to contact the International Student Center (ISC) regarding information on eligibility for work authorization to ensure compliance with internship requirements and USCIS regulations.

For DACAmented / Undocumented Students

Current students and alumni do not need to have DACA or TPS to apply to Micro-internships. All Micro-internships are structured as independent contract work, which means successful applicants would be hired by Parker Dewey as independent contractors.

Other Considerations:

You may use your work authorization or a valid ITIN to be paid as an independent contractor.

You may already have an ITIN if your parents ever filed income taxes and claimed you as a dependent. You can find out if you have an ITIN in your parents’ tax forms.

If you have an ITIN, make sure to find out if it has expired. If it has, you will need to renew it. Find information on ITIN expiration and renewal here: IRS.

If you do not have an ITIN, you can learn how to obtain one here: ITIN Guide or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvSUgsrc17U&ab_channel=ImmigrantsRising from Immigrants Rising.

If you are an international student (F1 or J1) considering this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Marks-Gold or visit the International Students website.

Students, please understand that we can fund ONE GRANT PER STUDENT. This helps us to spread the program widely among more Swarthmore students.

Alums, please understand that we can fund ONE PROJECT PER ALUM. This helps us to spread the program widely among more Swarthmore alumni. If your project will continue, your organization may work with Parker Dewey to fund the opportunity.

Important Dates

Projects can begin at any time and are constantly being added to Parker Dewey. Please refer to the posting for dates.

Alumni: Register your SwatWorks project with Parker Dewey!

Think outside the box - REMOTE diverse projects could be:

A book/article/newsletter you’re writing that you need edited.
Research that can be completed remotely.
Support in advertising, market research, graphic design, social media presence.
Data that needs to be analyzed.
A more sophisticated web page.
Coding or programming support.
Painting, designing, crafting, building, 3D printing, writing, etc.

Swarthmore students have an amazing array of skills and talents and are eager to gain experience. Please consider any short-term REMOTE projects needed by any organization with which you’re affiliated.

How does it work?
Career Services is offering a $500 micro-grant to each student who completes a 40-hour remote project, $250 for a 20-hour project, and $125 for a 10-hour project. Be mindful that projects within the scope of SwatWorks are funded by a limited College grant.

Career Services has a new and easy posting site powered by Parker Dewey.
Register your SwatWorks project, using this brief form.

If you’re able to provide a project beyond the scope of the SwatWorks grant, please visit our Employer page.

Please email us at careerservices@swarthmore.edu with any questions.

Students: Apply for micro-internships through Parker-Dewey

What: SwatWorks REMOTE micro-internships: short-term, professional assignments funded by Career Services
Why: Gain experience - writing, research, tech, design, data analysis, creating...
Who: Work for alumni mentors - develop skills, build networks, gain career knowledge.
When: Projects can begin anytime.
How Much: Earn $500 for a 40 hour project, $250 for a 20 hour project and $125 for a 10 hour project.
How Long: Project posting and hiring are on a rolling basis; mentors select students.
Where: Apply on our new posting site powered by Parker-Dewey

Please keep in mind:

Your applications will be reviewed by mentors as they are submitted; you will be selected by the mentor for their project on a rolling basis and will be offered the project once selected.
Please reply promptly to the mentor once selected to accept or decline the project. You may of course ask the mentor any clarifying questions you have about the project prior to your decision.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a competitive process. Mentors will choose students for their projects based upon the student's application so be thoughtful as you submit your materials.
ONLY APPLY to projects for which you have time to devote. Consider all your time commitments.
REMEMBER: Many students in our community would like to work and gain experience, so apply only to projects of sincere interest.

Mentor/Student Expectations

Because of the many demands on both the mentors and the students, this is designed to be a short-term, yet meaningful exchange.

Communication: Mentors and students should initiate contact after the mentor chooses the student for their project. They should confirm that their ongoing communication will be via email, phone, Zoom/Skype etc. A plan for communication about the project will be agreed upon by both.
Define Project and Expectations: The mentor will define the project, specifying that this is a 10, 20, or 40 hour project. The student will confirm they understand the necessary tasks and action steps.
Check-In: The mentor and student will communicate to discuss questions or challenges of the project. Mentor and student will mutually agree upon frequency/schedule of check-ins.
Review: The mentor will review the project upon completion and offer feedback to the student.

Tips for Mentors

Be clear about your expectations. It can be difficult for workers to understand what you want them to accomplish in short-term/remote work projects. Offer examples, input and guidance so work can be completed in the way you are expecting.
Be realistic about the number of hours required to complete your project. Check in often to see if your student has questions or is experiencing challenges.
Give feedback so students know they are on the right track, prior to conclusion of the 10, 20, or 40 hour project period.

Tips for Students

Ask for specific input and advice and be receptive to input. Consider the perspective others offer you, even if it is not what you want to hear.
Be considerate. Be prompt to meetings. If you need to reschedule, give your mentor at least 24 hours’ notice. Recognize that your mentor is busy, and respect his/her time.
Be prepared. Respect your mentor’s limited time and come to meetings prepared and organized. Write down your list of questions.
Do your best work! Ask for clarification if needed. This may be a small project, but your performance will develop more skills and opportunities.
If you determine the project cannot be fully completed within the 10, 20, or 40 hours, communicate this to the mentor as soon as possible and help them understand exactly what you’ll be able to complete within your allotted time frame.
If you are an international student (F1 or J1) considering this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Marks-Gold or visit the International Students website.