THE HISTORY OF F/ASIP

This past summer marked the third year for The Freshmen/Alumni Summer Internship Program. F/ASIP started in the summer of 1997, and has doubled in size within the last three years. The program stemmed from the creative insight of Joel Moses, past Provost of MIT; he felt that a summer internship experience would be beneficial for students following their first difficult year at MIT. He believed that the program would help students understand the value of their MIT education in the "real world."

F/ASIP is designed to give freshmen a taste of the real world at an early start, as well as a strong foundation for future jobs. Alumni share with students a learn-by-doing philosophy, a propensity for hard work, and methods for tackling difficult problems. They also help educate students on what it takes to survive and thrive in the workplace.

In addition to the real world experiences that are gained from this program, the founders aimed to increase many other skills. Through a series of workshops and training, it was foreseen that necessary skills, such as teamwork and communication, could be fostered and maintained. Students are also required to complete a journal, write a paper, and give an oral presentation. The communication component is designed to enhance not only writing skills, but also speaking and thinking skills. Arthur Steinberg, Faculty Advisor, feels that strong communication and thinking skills are key to preparing MIT students for the job or for graduate experience. These skills, alongside the student's professional training, will broaden the pool of their future employment opportunities.

We hope to continue the success of the program for the benefit of future students. If you are an employer or student interested in the program, please contact us at fasip@mit.edu.

F/ASIP FOUNDERS

  • Arthur Steinberg, Director of F/ASIP - Arthur Steinberg is a professor of Anthropology at MIT, as well as the director of the Integrated Studies Program since 1988. He has also been named a MacVicar Teaching Fellow. Arthur received his Bachelor of Arts in 1958 from Harvard University and earned his Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1966. Since 1964, Arthur has taught various archaeology, history, and religion classes at MIT. He has conducted extensive research on ancient technology and its role in different cultural contexts. He has also researched the political and social history of Venice during the 12th to 17th centuries. Recently, he has focused on the foundations of oil paintings in Renaissance Italy and the change in painting style and technique in 16th century Venice. In addition to F/ASIP, he is presently writing a novel, The Contarini Journal, with a former student.
  • Marshall Hughes: Marshall, while at MIT was the one of the primary staff members of the F/ASIP program. He spent the past two years in the program coordinator position. Recently, he left the MIT community in order to pursue his passion of music.
  • Sarah Wu, Assistant Director - Sarah is a junior at MIT majoring in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering as a premed. In addition to helping F/ASIP, Sarah is also a Student Ambassador to the MIT Alumni Association and a Co-Director of the 1999 MIT Fall Career Fair.

NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR - NEWS ARTICLES: