Preparing for the Akamai internship

This page has information for applicants with formal project offers into the Akamai Program (have received an offer and have returned signed agreement and other acceptance documents).

The following tasks need to be completed soon after acceptance into the program:

• 1. Headshot photo: Please send a portrait of yourself to AKAMAI-admin@ucsc.edu. Please choose a picture that is professional and appropriate to be published on our website. 
  2. Bio: All interns must submit a brief, one-paragraph biography, along with a photo (to be posted on our website). Please write in the third person. Include information about your education and career interests and any general background you’re comfortable having posted on the web (e.g. where you grew up, hobbies, etc.). The biography will be used for the symposium booklets at the end of the program. See examples of bios from the 2024 Participant Booklet.
  3. Emergency contact form: Please complete this important form capturing your emergency contact information and other health or dietary details needed to provide you with a safe and comfortable experience. This information is also needed to book your travel to the program. Form link provided in the acceptance letter.

PROJECT AND INTERNSHIP SITE RELATED TASKS 

• • Meeting with your mentor: All interns are sent a welcome email introducing them to their mentor. In the weeks leading up to the start of your project, interns should initiate discussions with their mentor around the following topics: establish work schedule (hours/days), any site- specific forms to complete (background check?), attire, or other special requirements for your project

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE INTERNSHIP: Program overview of each component

UH HILO ASTR275 AKAMAI INTERNSHIP COURSE:

All interns must register for the UH Hilo course ASTR275 as a part of participating in the Akamai Summer Internship. 

• • Cost of course registration is covered by Akamai. Each intern will be reimbursed the course fee (additional amount added to the $4400 stipend).
  • Instructructions on how to register will be provided.

Akamai’s experienced staff team works closely with mentors and interns to ensure the best possible experience. Interns stay connected to Akamai program staff through weekly meetings with communication assignments, and receive coaching on communications skills. Half way through the summer, Akamai staff visit interns, and interns give a mid-point presentation to the staff team which serves as practice for the final symposium at the end of the summer. Akamai staff keep tabs on each intern-mentor pair, making sure that interns’ experience is high quality and that the mentor is satisfied with the project.

HOUSING & MEALS 

Akamai staff secure and cover the costs of furnished housing for interns that need it for the duration of the technical project. Checking-in after the PREP course, checking-out the day after the final Symposium.

• The housing is furnished with linens and kitchen supplies. Akamai will provide additional assistance in attaining reasonable living supplies as needed.
• Interns are responsible for preparing and paying for their own meals, using the kitchen in their provided housing. However, during the PREP course meals are provided through the UH Hilo dining hall, as noted below.

AIR & GROUND TRAVEL 

Flights from home island to PREP, and to the internship site, and then back to home island at the end of the internship program will be purchased by Akamai, using a UC Travel service. The interns will not need to purchase the flights themselves.

The Akamai Program will map out a daily commute plan. However it is the intern’s responsibility to independently coordinate their daily commutes and schedules to the internship site.

Travel Costs:

Interns do not need to purchase airfare. For other related travel costs covered by the program, interns will be reimbursed or the amount will be added to the third stipend check.Akamai will pay the cost of 2 checked bags, and select ground transportation. Akamai does not cover ground transportation between your home and airport at the beginning and end of the program (if you are flying).

Getting your air travel itinerary:

The Akamai program will collect the information needed to book your flights on your behalf. A spreadsheet of travel confirmations will be provided as we get closer to the travel dates.

PACKING LIST: Suggested packing list for PREP and summer internship

PREP COURSE

All interns are automatically scheduled to attend the PREP course at UH Hilo, which is part of the ASTR275 course, noted above. Once registered for ASTR275, there is no need to register for the PREP course.

Arrival in Hilo to begin the program: All interns must arrive at the PREP course at UH Hilo, and attend a brief orientation at 4PM on the day before the PREP course begins. Interns should plan to arrive at UH Hilo in the afternoon at a time that allows them to be at the orientation at 4PM. For interns flying into Hilo airport for the PREP course, transportation from the airport to UH Hilo will be arranged.

Accommodations and meals during the PREP Course: During the PREP course, all interns stay in Hale Alahonua on the UH Hilo campus, including interns that live locally in Hilo and surrounding areas. The PREP course is an important networking time for the summer cohort. Interns are provided with a private bedroom, within a 2-bedroom suite with a shared bathroom (sharing with another intern identifying as the same gender). Meals will be provided in the UH Hilo dining hall.