Physics Opportunities

• Physics Research Faculty
• Engineering Faculty
• EUREKA Project Search - a searchable database of research project opportunities at UT (Note: Many CNS faculty do NOT update Eureka)
• Applied Research Laboratories
• Physics Directed Reading Program

These programs often take place over 8-10 weeks in the summer and many times include a stipend and housing/travel support. They are competitive and require an application. Application deadlines and requirements vary, but are usually due in January or February and require at least one recommendation.

Physics-Related Research Programs

• Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
• Department of Energy Scholars Program
• RISE Research Internships in Science and Engineering
• Home to Texas Research Internship - scholarship-funded summer program that connects first-year students with internship and research opportunities in their hometown communities.
• Moncrief Summer Research Internship – UT research experience focused on modeling problems in energy, environment, advanced materials, biomedical research, nanomanufacturing, autonomous systems and other areas

Research Program Databases

• American Physical Society list of Internships and Fellowships
• Society of Physics Students list of Summer Research and Internships
• Journal of Young Investigators list of Summer Programs in Physics
• National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Physics
• Pathways to Sciences list of summer programs in Physics
• ORISE Research Internships & Fellowships Database

• CNS Strategies for Getting Involved in Undergraduate Research
• CNS Funding for Undergraduate Research
• UT Undergraduate Research Fellowship
• McNair Scholars Program - seeks to increase the number of undergraduate students earning doctoral degrees who are low-income and first-generation. Scholars receive support from staff advisors as well as free GRE prep, travel awards, and participation scholarships.

• UT Technology & Science Undergraduate Research Forum (URF) 
• UT Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium (FURS)
• UT Research Week 
• Texas Undergraduate Research Journal
• UT Research Travel Awards
• Visualizing Science Competition
• Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium - Rice University invites undergrads from around the world conducting research in engineering and natural science fields to attend and present their research 

Physics-Related Internship Programs

• SPS Internship Program
• AT&T Student Opportunities
• NASA Internships and Fellowships
• Southwest Research Institute Internships
• Fermilab Summer Internships
• Los Alamos National Laboratory Internships
• HACU National Internship Program – federal agency internship program open to all undergrad students

UT Austin Internship Opportunities

• UT System Internship - paid 10-week program that dovetails project-based work experience with robust professional development, mentoring and opportunities for self-reflection in many different career paths
• UT Zero Waste Program Internships - Interns develop leadership, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills in the process of providing valuable insight to zero waste initiatives, assisting in project development and implementation, and serving as an incubator and testing organization for new ideas
• Office of the Dean of Students Summer Internship Program - provides undergraduate students at UT the chance to get real-world professional experience in many different career paths while being supported by competitive compensation and housing assistance
• Home to Texas Internship - scholarship-funded summer program that connects first-year students with internship and research opportunities in their hometown communities.
• UT Internship Fund – find opportunities for funding for unpaid or underpaid experiences

Internship Databases

• International Internship Programs – UT Guide to international internship programs
• HireUTexas Internship Postings - UT’s Handshake postings for internships and jobs
• Built in ATX Job Forum - tech-related internships in Austin, TX
• USAJOBS - Federal internship and job postings
• Zintellect - provides listings of internships, experiential learning opportunities, academic fellowships and scholarships funded by government and private sector organizations and administers by ORISE

Bridging Disciplines Program

The Bridging Disciplines Certificate Program offers sixteen different interdisciplinary certificates. All BDP certificates include unique internship or research experiences (Connecting Experiences) where you can apply the knowledge you’ve learned in your certificate courses. 

• CNS Abroad Guide – CNS Guide about how to study abroad
• Texas Global CNS Guide – UT Guide to study abroad options for CNS majors
• MyCreditAbroad Database – searchable database of previously approved [major] coursework from study abroad programs
• Short-term Programs – UT Guide to short-term international programs
• Semester-long Programs – UT Guide to semester-long international programs

• International Internship Programs – UT Guide to international internship programs
• Research Abroad Guide – UT Guide to international research experiences

• Archer Fellowship Program – UT Study & Intern Away Program in Washington D.C. 
• UTNY – UT Study & Intern Away Program in NYC

UT Austin offers many programs designed to foster entrepreneurship and support students with unique ideas. These resources provide the tools and mentorship needed to transform innovative concepts into successful ventures, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills to lead and excel in the business world.

• CNS Inventors Program - Interested in Entrepreneurship? The CNS Inventors Program empowers you and a team of fellow STEM undergraduates to turn scientific discovery into societal impact.  
• UT Startup Ecosystem Guide - UT Guide to all entrepreneurial resources at UT
• The LaunchPad - UT Entrepreneurship hub that empowers students from all majors to explore and navigate their entrepreneurial journey
• Herb Kelleher Center – Entrepreneurship Center in McCombs open to all UT students
• Kendra Scott Institute – supports and develops entrepreneurial leadership in all UT students
• Longhorn Startup – CNS courses that supports startups in computer science, engineering, and business students in partnership with Capital Factory
• Innovation Center – startup resources for the UT community
• Harkey Institute – UT undergraduate programs in entrepreneurship including the entrepreneurship minor
• Discovery to Impact - Are you a UT researcher, staff member, or student with an idea or technology you think has potential? You’ve come to the right place. Discovery to Impact can help.

Leadership is a vital skill that empowers individuals to inspire, influence, and guide others toward achieving common goals. Engaging in leadership opportunities not only hones these abilities but also positions students for successful careers by enhancing their problem-solving, team-building, and decision-making capabilities. 

• Texas LEAD – Leadership Programs from the Office of the Dean of Students
  • CoachUT - opportunity to receive free, executive-quality leadership coaching
  • Project Advance - yearlong project management program partnering with local nonprofits
• Longhorn Impact Fellowship (LIFT)  - pairs student consultants with sustainable corporations, social enterprises, and non-profits to solve sustainability and impact-focused problems.

Government opportunities provide students with a unique lens into the workings of policy and administration, offering hands-on experiences that are invaluable for understanding public sector challenges and solutions. These experiences are crucial for those looking to shape policy, engage with community issues, and lead with a civic-minded focus in their careers. 

• Archer Fellowship Program - UT fellowship program where students intern and take a full course load of in-residence courses in Washington, D.C. for a semester 
• Texas Intelligence Academy - TIA is a competitive, all-expenses-paid, intensive academic program focused on intelligence and national security. 
• Clements Center for National Security UT  - resources and programs focused on national security
• Strauss Center for International Security and Law - resources and programs focused on international work  
• HACU National Internship Program – federal agency internship program open to all undergrad students
• USAID Pathways Internship Program - USAID offers paid internships to undergrads in Washington, D.C. supporting program work in economic growth, agriculture, education, health, environment, democracy and governance, conflict prevention, and humanitarian assistance.
• Mickey Leland Environmental Internship - prepares undergraduate students their career journey through a paid, full-time summer internship, either at TCEQ, state agencies, or private sector

UT Austin has many programs to help you develop your teaching, mentoring, facilitation, and leadership skills. These opportunities enable students to refine their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, foster supportive learning environments, and guide others in both academic and professional settings, preparing them for influential roles in education and beyond.

• Many departments hire Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UGLAs) so keep an eye out for opportunities in the Physics department. 
• Sanger Learning Center - Tutors, Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader, Peer Academic Coaches, Public Speaking Peers, and more!
• UTeach Outreach - one of the largest outreach initiatives and strives to broaden participation by inspiring students to take an active interest in STEM.
• CNS Career Services Peer Career Coaches (spring application) 
• Pre-Health Professions Peer Coaches (spring application) 
• FIG Mentor (fall application) 
• Orientation Advisor Recruitment (fall application)
• FRI Peer Mentor (semesterly application, restricted to current FRI students) 
• Longhorn SHARE Project  - SHARE Support Peer Specialists
• CNS TIP Peer Mentors (TIP students only)  
• Title IX Peer-to-Peer Facilitators (fall application)
• Longhorn Wellness Peer Educators
• Student Conduct Board & Restorative Practice Student Facilitators
• UT Zero Waste Program

Volunteering and community engagement are excellent ways for students to give back and learn new things. These activities enhance personal development by fostering empathy and leadership, while also offering practical experiences that deepen understanding of social issues and community dynamics. Check out UT Austin's GivePulse to find opportunities and sign up for the newsletter.

• Hospice Austin Volunteering
• St. David’s Hospital Volunteering
• Volunteer for the Environment ATX
• Austin Science Fair Volunteering
• NAMI Volunteering
• Casa of Travis County 
• Volunteer Crisis Counselor

Americorps Programs

AmeriCorps members serve directly with nonprofit organizations to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges including poverty, health, climate change, disaster response, and beyond.

• Americorps VISTA - address community challenges where the need is greatest. Usually health-related or health-adjacent. 
• Americorp NCCC - gain experience while supporting climate change mitigation, building affordable housing, disaster response, and more. You will travel the country, all expenses paid, and earn money for college while serving on a team full-time. 

Joining student organizations is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and collaborate with peers from diverse disciplines. Serving as part of the leadership team of any student organization is a valuable experience and a great way to build your resume. Some UT student organizations also offer experiential learning and career development.

• Texas Convergent - student-run organization that bridges the gap between science and technology by working on innovative, cross-disciplinary projects
• Freetail Hackers - UT’s largest student-led hackathon group, providing coding, design, and innovation experiences
• Fika ATX - organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through networking and collaboration opportunities.

Micro-experiences and micro-internships are short-term, (often) paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects enable you to demonstrate skills, explore career paths and build your network as you seek the right full-time role. 

• Parker Dewey Micro-internships - short-term, paid, professional projects open to all college students and recent graduates of U.S.-based institutions
• MindSumo - employers can crowdsource breakthrough ideas quickly and affordably with help from creative problem solvers. Sign up as a “problem solver” and get paid to build skills
• The Forage - Provides bite-sized 5-6 hour virtual work experience programs that give students a genuine career advantage with Fortune 500 companies. 

Hackathons

Sprint-like design events in which computer programmers and others involved in software development, including graphic designers, interface designers, product managers, project managers, domain experts and others collaborate intensively on software projects. 

• HackTX - UT Hackathon run by students for students 
• Major League Hacking - Official Student Hackathon League 
• Hackathon.com - Database of online and local hackathons 
• Itch.io - Platform that hosts Game Jams 

Case Competitions 

Case competitions can play a role in highlighting the many skills involved in case writing, teaching and learning. They can benefit faculty, researchers and students and offer the opportunity to showcase expertise at business schools and universities. 

• UT Actuarial Case Competition - Find upcoming competitions for Actuarial Science Majors. 
• The Case Centre - Database of case competitions for a variety of fields. 

You can use a variety of free tools and certifications to help you learn both soft and hard skills that employers want. Make sure to read job descriptions for positions you are interested in for the future to see which skills you need to develop now.  

• LinkedIn Learning - online educational platform with more than 5,000 courses that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related and creative skills through expert-led course videos. This service is free for all current UT students, staff, and faculty.
• Coursera’s Career Academy - through the Career Academy, the UT community has the opportunity to explore over 30 career areas in Software Engineering & IT, Business, Sales & Marketing, and Data Science & Analytics