MIT’s innovative Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP) is a comprehensive, yearlong career-development initiative designed specifically for second-year students. This program aims to equip MIT sophomores with the essential skills they need for industry, research, and public service internships, as well as for long-term career success beyond their time at MIT. Launched in 2001 under the leadership of Thomas Magnanti, the former dean of the MIT School of Engineering, UPOP recognizes that, while MIT students excel academically, they often miss out on developing critical soft skills vital for professional environments.
“UPOP provides an excellent platform for MIT sophomores to acquire key competencies that enhance their classroom learning and enable them to communicate their value effectively in professional roles,” explains Kendel Jester, assistant director for early career engagement at MIT Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD). “Moreover, the curriculum offers students access to valuable resources, including a network of MIT alumni and staff, which supports their career and personal growth.”
Utilizing experiential learning techniques, UPOP enhances students’ professional capabilities while teaching vital skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in an engaging atmosphere. The program kicks off with foundational career skills—like resume writing, networking strategies, and interview techniques—before moving on to advanced career readiness topics including salary negotiation, professional communication, and creating an inclusive work environment.
“The greatest advantage I gained from UPOP was the self-assurance I developed as a professional,” reflects Jehan Ahmed, a rising senior who completed UPOP in 2023 and subsequently became a course assistant for the program. “UPOP not only prepared me for my initial industry internship but also taught me how to set expectations and goals with my manager effectively. This was incredibly beneficial as I navigated my first project, despite not being fully versed in the technical aspects of the field as a sophomore.”
The primary focus on sophomores is crucial, as they often lack the same level of targeted support and resources available to first-year students. Completing UPOP provides a competitive edge for these sophomores in securing summer opportunities, which traditionally favor juniors and seniors. With summer after sophomore year being pivotal for shaping career trajectories, UPOP empowers its participants to excel.
A significant advantage of UPOP is its vibrant community, which grants participants access to exclusive mentor and employer networks. This connectivity opens doors to opportunities that would typically remain inaccessible. UPOP mentors are often industry leaders, many of whom are MIT alumni, enhancing the value of the program. Furthermore, with over 100 employers in the UPOP network actively seeking to hire participants, students gain an edge as they are equipped with in-demand skills that stand out in the internship market. In addition to these networks, students benefit from personalized guidance with UPOP’s dedicated staff and unique collaborations with MIT campus partners.
As a three-credit course stretching over the academic year, UPOP offers a lighter workload compared to other classes at MIT, coupled with significant flexibility. The program includes three or four hour-long milestone workshops during both the fall and spring semesters, covering the essential career readiness curriculum.
Among the highlights of UPOP is the Team Training Workshop (TTW), a multi-day, immersive training experience where students form small teams led by UPOP mentors. These teams engage in activities designed to cultivate crucial skills for future professional endeavors, regardless of their specific MIT disciplines. TTW emphasizes collaborative learning experiences that focus on project management, negotiation practices, and professional presentations, all while ensuring a spirit of camaraderie and enjoyment.
UPOP continuously evolves to align with the career readiness needs of its students, prioritizing their success above all else. This year, the program launched activities earlier than ever, catering to students in fields where internship applications begin in the fall. A new First-Year Speed Networking event was introduced on April 23, allowing prospective UPOP applicants to practice their elevator pitches with peers and seasoned members of the MIT and UPOP communities, including program alumni and corporate partners.
The UPOP application is currently open and operates on a rolling admissions basis through the summer, concluding on September 13.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
