Which offers better access to internships: the University of Virginia or Boston University?

The biggest practical tradeoff is that Boston University places you in a major employment market where many internships can be reached during the academic year, while UVA offers a powerful alumni network and strong pathways to Washington, D.C., Richmond, and other cities but requires more planning around location. At BU, internships in fields such as finance, communications, technology, health care, nonprofits, arts, and startups can be accessible through Boston’s transit system. UVA’s Charlottesville setting is less convenient for a weekly city internship, though it has meaningful local opportunities and a particularly strong connection to D.C.-area employers.

BU’s Center for Career Development, school-specific career offices, Handshake postings, employer events, and alumni connections support internship searches. Its urban location can make it easier to build experience over multiple semesters, especially for students who want part-time roles during fall or spring rather than only summer internships. This is a real advantage for someone hoping to graduate with several internships already completed.

UVA also provides substantial career support through the UVA Career Center, Handshake, alumni networking, recruiting programs, and academic departments. It can be especially compelling for students interested in government, public policy, law, consulting, business, or research, since D.C. is a major destination for UVA students and alumni. Many UVA students pursue internships in the summer or use breaks, remote work, and D.C.-based programs to overcome the distance from Charlottesville.