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How can I get an internship as a college student? What is it like spending the summer as a Geographic Information System (GIS) intern for FIFA World Cup in Boston?

Learn more about how Alison Sullivan '26, a geography major with minors in community planning and anthropology, landed the internship she never imagined she could and what she learned through the opportunity. 

Where did you intern and what was your title?

I interned for FIFA World Cup 26 Boston. I was a Geographic Information System (GIS) intern.

How did you get your internship?

I applied on Handshake (UNH student job and internship platform). To be honest, I wasn't sure I would get the internship since it was such a rare opportunity, but Handshake made it easy to apply. After submitting my resume and application, I went through two rounds of interviews to see if my experience and interests coincided with their goals and it was a match!

"I wasn't sure I would get the internship since it was such a rare opportunity, but Handshake (UNH student job and internship platform) made it easy to apply."

What did the day-to-day at your internship look like?

The main office for Boston 26 is located in Gillette Stadium and driving from the North Shore of Massachusetts to the stadium can be difficult. I aimed to be there at least once every two weeks and sometimes multiple times a week, depending on what was needed. For the most part, my work could be done remotely. When I worked remotely, I developed maps for the World Cup, including transit routes, accommodations, checkpoints, and any other pieces of vital information pertaining to planning a global event. When I was at Gillette Stadium, I collaborated with other branches of the Boston 26 team to ensure we were all on the same page.

What were your favorite parts of your internship?

My favorite part was going into Gillette Stadium and making connections with people and organizations that work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I was able to listen to conversations and experience processes that come with planning large events and show my maps to many people. When walking into Gillette Stadium, I also passed a couple of Patriots players in practice uniforms! I definitely had to play it cool then.

"What I've learned most at my internship is the fact that I have the capability to do big things."

Reflecting on your internship, what have been your biggest learnings or areas of growth?

What I've learned most at my internship is the fact that I have the capability to do big things. I think it is very common for people around my age to have feelings of inadequacy, especially coming into the workforce where everything looks so competitive. Boston 26 has given me confidence in my abilities, as well as a space to try new things within a supportive environment. I was also able to remind myself that as an intern, I was not meant to be perfect and do everything right the first time, which relieved a lot of my own high expectations of myself.

What are your future goals and do you think this internship brought you closer to them?

My goals aren't perfectly constructed yet, but I know I want to travel the world and introduce GIS to communities and industries that have yet to see the importance of it. GIS has just begun to play a role in the global events world, and it would be exciting to continue in this field at its beginning.

"You don't have to be the smartest, go to the most prestigious school, or have the connections to get the internship you want."

What advice would you give to other students looking for an internship?

You don't have to be the smartest, go to the most prestigious school, or have the connections to get the internship you want. I for one don't carry any of those attributes, yet it was my passion for planning and GIS that gave me my opportunity. There is never any harm in just submitting an application. The worst that can happen is they say no and you proceed with life. Even if you don't believe you will get the position (just like I did), apply!