Florida State vs. Boston University: Which Is Better for Access to Urban Internships?

The main tradeoff is that Boston University places you inside a much larger, transit-connected internship market, while Florida State offers unusually direct access to Florida state government in Tallahassee. For internships across business, finance, health care, tech, media, nonprofits, and research during the academic year, BU’s Boston location makes commuting to employers far more practical. The city’s MBTA system also gives students access beyond the immediate campus area without needing a car.

Boston has dense employer and institutional networks, including major hospitals, startups, financial firms, cultural organizations, and universities. That density matters when internships require a few in-person hours each week: students can realistically fit a downtown or Cambridge placement around classes. BU also has career resources and school-specific connections that can help identify local roles, although students still need to apply competitively.

Florida State has a real location advantage of its own because Tallahassee is Florida’s capital. Students interested in public policy, law, political science, public affairs, advocacy, education policy, or state agencies can find opportunities that are difficult to replicate elsewhere in Florida. However, Tallahassee has a smaller and less varied urban employer base, and many placements may be more accessible with a car or careful transportation planning.

For the broadest access to city-based internships throughout the academic year, Boston University is the stronger choice. Florida State becomes especially compelling when your internship goals center on Florida government, legislative work, or public-sector policy.