See yourself in WNY this summer. If you’re a local college sophomore, UB can match you with one of Western New York’s top companies for an externship the summer after your sophomore year, even if you’re not a UB student. You’ll earn $4,000 (and course credit) as you gain experience and explore career paths, with opportunities throughout WNY.
This program is open to students from all majors with sophomore standing, including:
Students who are curious, creative, and want to gain new skills are strongly encouraged to apply.
As an extern, you get paid $4,000 to gain experience, build your network, develop your leadership skills, and see how you can make a difference in our community. You also earn one course credit through UB (pass/fail), as well as a micro-credential you can put on LinkedIn and your resume.
Students receive the equivalent of $4,000, paid as a scholarship for completing 200 hours of externship and professional development activities. Payments are made in three disbursements, scheduled between the program start and end of July (in accordance with add/drop dates and tuition/billing cycle).
Students must also pay tuition for one credit hour.
100% of students who participated in the first year of the program felt more prepared for future professional experiences.
These organizations hosted externs in 2024.
Application for Summer 2025 are now closed. Please check back in December for information on Summer 2026.
Startup and Innovation Collaboratory
Student Life
University at Buffalo
340 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-8111
Your externship takes place over nine weeks from June 2–July 31 for approximately 25 hours a week. You can plan to spend:
There will also be an orientation experience in early June, where you can meet fellow student externs, build your professional skills, and learn more about what to expect during your externship.
An externship can make students more competitive for future internships, fellowships, jobs and other opportunities. Externships typically happen earlier in a student’s college career and during a shorter period than an internship. Externs may work on a specific project rather than have longer-term responsibilities.
The WNY Sophomore Externship Experience @ UB is supported through an annual gift from the Prentice Family Foundation. It is operated by the Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad with support from numerous campus partners.