IDEA Design Research Internship
An enriching experience for the young innovators and creators.
Innovation, Strategic Thinking, and Career Pathways
The Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy establishes ethical, human-centered problem-solving as central to career readiness. We utilize the practice of design research as the foundation for this experience, cultivating a core appreciation for complex data, facilitating strategic thinking across disciplines, and driving innovation by integrating academic rigor with professional practice. This focused 10-week summer program pairs students with partners across government, industry, non-profit, and small business/start-up sectors, ensuring interns develop a multidisciplinary toolkit essential for career paths in research, analytics, consulting, data analysis, and project management.
Student Value
IDEA-DR is a focused 10-week summer internship. You will be trained in design research while partnering with government, industry, non-profit, or small business/start-up organizations. This training translates directly to critical skills in data synthesis, complex problem-solving, strategic analysis, and ethical decision-making, preparing you for high-impact careers in research, consulting, analysis, and policy.
of interns report high confidence in critical thinking and problem solving skills upon completion
Key sectors for cross-industry exposure
Stipend + On-Campus Housing
Accordion Content
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Keep an eye out on Handshake for the applications at the start of the spring semester. Tune into our email newsletters on GetInvolved.
Sponsor a Project
IDEA-DR is seeking visionary organizations to join us in creating transformative experiences for students and communities in the US and UK. Through IDEA-DR, students gain professional skills, intercultural competence, and a deep understanding of social responsibility, while partners benefit from fresh perspectives, project support, and visibility as leaders in global engagement.
Community Partner Spotlight
University Correctional Health Care
University Correctional Health Care is an organization under Rutgers University dedicated to delivering effective and accessible medical, mental health, and sex offender-specific treatment services to incarcerated and paroled individuals.
Dr. Arthur Brewer is the statewide medical director at Rutgers University Correctional Health Care. He is involved in administration work, overseeing the operations of the NJ correctional system. Since the creation of this Justice Health program, he has worked with Mansi Shah to partner students with different healthcare professional mentors and offer shadowing opportunities that can culminate into an accessible project.
Unity Square Community Center
The Unity Square Community Center is operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. It is located at the intersection of Remsen Avenue and Suydam Street, two major roadways within the city of New Brunswick, covering a 36-block neighborhood. Unity Square offers a diverse array of programs and services to address local issues, including but not limited to economic development, crime and legal work, and community engagement. The center also offers food distribution, temporary housing services, educational programs, and involvement events to strengthen and support the surrounding community.
Lazos America Unida
Founded in 2001, Lazos' mission is to uplift the Hispanic community by providing essential resources and information to those who typically lack access. Lazos creates a safe space where people can participate and work together to find solutions to common problems. Their current focus is on creating a website to offer resources on housing, voting, and youth empowerment for the Hispanic community.
By working with other organizations and institutions, Lazos aims to improve community health outreach.
