Career Catalyst Program

About The Catalyst

The Catalyst is for Cognitive Science majors nearing the end of their college careers. The intent of the program is to help students launch their careers by supporting them through a summer work experience opportunity. If admitted into the program, students can expect to receive the following benefits: 

  • Networking and professional support. Students admitted into the cohort will have access to career development workshops and networking opportunities. 
  • Assistance with seeking a position. As part of the program, students will be alerted to summer position opportunities as they become available, expanding on positions posted in the Cognitive Science bimonthly newsletter.  
  • Summer internship financial support. For approved internships that do not pay a living wage, the program may provide a stipend to help offset the cost of an underpaid internship as funding permits. Awards will be first come, first served. Award amount will depend on various factors including and not limited to outside funding a student may receive (i.e., other forms of employment, familial financial support, etc.), costs, as well as reported income.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 

  • Must be a registered UC Berkeley undergraduate for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
  • Must be a declared Cognitive Science major at the time of application. 
  • Must find and complete an approved professional opportunity for the summer (internship, job, etc.). Internships should run for at least eight weeks between May 2024 and August 2024.
  • Internships must be with an established organization. (Internships are subject to approval by the university.) 
  • This program will give preference to applicants who are Juniors by class standing at time of application, but may make exceptions in some circumstances.

INTERNSHIP HELP RESOURCES:

The application for the Summer 24 cohort will run from September 8th, 2023 to October 13th, 2023 @ 11:59 PM PST. It requires one short essay question (350 word max), a one page resume, and a copy of your unofficial transcript(s).