Advancing Representation in Research Administration Internship Program
The Advancing Representation in Research Administration (ARRA) Program introduces undergraduate students and recent graduates from a wide range of academic majors to exciting and rewarding careers in research administration. The program provides practical training within various areas of research administration at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
“This internship made me realize that I don't have to stick to finding a career based on my major. I just have to know how to use the skills that I learned and apply them towards different jobs.” - ARRA Participant
Program Overview
ARRA is a full-time, summer-long immersive work experience. The program runs from Wednesday, May 27 to August 5, 2026. Interns will receive a $5,000 stipend for their participation in the program.
Administrative Experience
- Train full-time under the direct supervision of a mentor responsible for a specific area of research administration within CHOP's Research Institute
- Complete an independent project in one of several available areas of research administration
- Practice communicating your experience and present to administrators and other interns
- Shadow leaders in various divisions of research administration
Professional Development
- Attend workshops with all ARRA interns and participating administrators
- Complete an Individual Development Plan to maximize program experience
- Conduct three or more informational interviews for educational and career advice
- Take part in social and educational programming with fellow students and researchers throughout CHOP
- Attend leadership meetings
Formal Training
- Mentoring in research administration
- Participate in skill-building workshops related to topics such as project management, strategic planning, and more
Eligibility
Application to the Advancing Representation in Research Administration Program is open to all who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Full-time sophomore, junior, or senior graduating in the Spring (Please Note: Freshman / first year students are not eligible to apply)
- Currently enrolled full-time in a 2- or 4-year accredited college or university at the time of application
- Participating in a relevant area of undergraduate study (such as science, technology, engineering, math, business, finance, health administration, marketing, etc.). Undeclared majors are also welcomed to apply.
- Have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA
- Interested in learning about and/or pursuing an administrative career
- Eligible to work in the United States
If accepted to the program, participants must be able to be present on campus in Philadelphia, PA for an in-person orientation and weekly workshops.
All interviewing and selection decisions are based on candidate qualifications. CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means.
Areas of Focus
Research Administration provides operational, financial, training, technical, and compliance support and guidance to researchers at the CHOP Research Institute. These centralized and committed administrative resources help study teams to successfully navigate the research policy landscape and manage their projects’ life cycles with transparency and governance. To learn more about the various divisions within the Research Institute, visit the CHOP Research Institute Research Administration website.
Participating Divisions for Summer 2026:
Research Project Management Office
“This internship has broadened my career outlook by showing me the wide range of ways public health, research, and communications intersect in a real-world healthcare setting...” - ARRA Participant
Apply
The application deadline is January 25. Select candidates will be invited to an interview with program administrators and internship mentors. Final decisions will be announced no later than February 28.
Required application materials include:
- Completed application form
- A letter of recommendation (candidates may submit a second letter of recommendation if they would like)
Important: On the application form, you will be prompted to enter the name and contact information of a reference who can speak to your strengths. Prior to beginning your application, you should alert your recommender(s) that they will receive an email request to submit their letter of recommendation. The deadline for recommendations is the same as the application deadline.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you have questions, please contact atop@chop.edu.