Internship Programme

Have an idea? Make it matter.

In 2026, Playground launched its first Entrepreneurial Internship Programme. This unique 5-month internship is designed for UU master students who want to turn their own ideas into real value for others. Unlike a traditional internship, where tasks focus on contributing to an existing organisation, this programme is centered around YOUR project or initiative.

Students work 24–32 hours per week on their idea, and, upon approval of their academic supervisor and relevance to their study programme, earn up to 30 ECTs for this hands-on experience.

Who Is This For?

This programme is for students who:

• Are currently enrolled in a Master’s programme
• Have an idea* they are passionate about and want to develop
• Want to learn how to transform their idea into something impactful
• Are eager to gain entrepreneurial skills that are valuable across any career path

*Your idea could take many forms: a social initiative, policy plan, product or service, or a startup. The key is creating value for others, whether financial, social, or cultural.

What You Will Do

The internship is built around two complementary pillars: Product- and professional development. It uses guiding frameworks, such as Effectuation Theory, Design Thinking, Lean Start-Up Methodology, and the EntreComp Framework, helping you structure your idea and measure its impact.

1. Product Development

Follow the 9-step in Playground’s Entrepreneurial Roadmap, developed by the Centre for Entrepreneurship, to bring your idea to life. Note that “Product” can be any outcome that creates value, like a policy proposal, social initiative, cultural project, app, service, or physical goods. You’ll work across the following three phases:
 

2. Professional Development

Gain insight into your strengths, growth areas, and the context in which you thrive. Through structured check-ins and reflections, you’ll discover your entrepreneurial self by exploring:

• Mindset: How you approach challenges and opportunities
• Skills: Your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth
• Experience: Learning from successes and setbacks
• Networks: Building connections to support your journey

Set personal goals, track progress, and understand what it takes to make your idea matter — beyond just the project.

Why Are We Doing This?

Utrecht University aims to create value for society while supporting students' learning journeys. With this internship, students can:

• Turn classroom ideas into real impact, stimulating innovation and societal value
• Develop skills, mindset, and confidence
• Work on passion projects connected to their discipline with space, time, support, and study credits to make them happen

How to Get Involved?

FAQs:

Questions?