Spring semester moves fast—and many of the most valuable opportunities for engineering students have deadlines early in the term. From internships and research programs to career fairs, funding, and hackathons, knowing key dates ahead of time can make all the difference.
Seeing everything in one place can help you plan ahead and decide where to focus your time. Be sure to check each program’s website directly for the most up-to-date information, as dates may change and more details may come through the semester.
Programs to Put on Your Radar
- Applications now open – Entrepreneurship at Cornell Internship Program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May (no hard deadline).
- January 15 – Deadline extended for some Cornell Global Internship applications
- January 27 – Deadline for Cornell Atkinson Summer Internship applications
- January 29 – Deadline for Engineering Project Team applications
- February 15 – Deadline for the Cornell Bowers Undergraduate Research Experience (BURE) application
Spring Career Fairs
Career fairs are a great way to explore internships, jobs, and organizations aligned with your interests—especially if you’re still figuring out your path.
- February 24 – 2026 Ivy+ Environment & Sustainability Virtual Job & Internship Fair
- March 9–10 – Spring Cornell Career Fair Days
Visit Cornell Handshake for additional career fairs, employer info sessions, workshops, and spring events.
Funding for Summer Experiences
If you secure an unpaid or minimally paid summer internship or research experience, funding may be available to help support you.
- February 1 – Summer Experience Grant application opens
- March 1 – Deadline for Cornell Engineering Undergraduate International Summer Research Grant
- Early March – Engineering Student Grant Program application opens
(Refer to the website for the most up-to-date information.)
Explore additional funding options at experience.cornell.edu.
Build Skills at Spring Hackathons
Hackathons at Cornell bring together students from all majors to collaborate, innovate, and build creative solutions—all in one weekend. No matter your experience level, hackathons are a great way to gain hands-on experience, meet new people, and try something new.
Upcoming Hackathon Weekends:
- February 20 – Animal Health Hackathon
- February 27 – Digital Agriculture Hackathon
- March 6 – Health Hackathon
- March 13 – Artificial Intelligence Hackathon
Visit the Cornell Hackathons for registration details and deadlines.
Final Tip: Plan Early, Spring Ahead
Spring opportunities come quickly, and some close before the semester feels fully underway. Taking a few minutes now to map out key dates can help you balance coursework while still making time for experiences that build your skills, network, and confidence as an engineer.
