capstone project for internship

Apr 16, 2024

Everything About Capstone Projects: An In-Depth Guide

Think of your academic journey as a thrilling mountain climb. The capstone project marks the exhilarating, and sometimes daunting, summit. This culminating assignment is a staple in many degree programs, providing students with a unique opportunity to synthesize their learning, apply their skills to real-world challenges, and showcase their readiness for the professional world.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll get into the ins and outs of capstone projects, exploring their purpose, various forms, and the steps involved in bringing yours to successful completion.

The Purpose and Value of Capstone Projects

Capstone projects are much more than a final assignment. In a way, they bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. At their core, capstone projects are designed to:

Synthesize Learning: They force students to draw upon and integrate the wide range of knowledge and skills accumulated throughout their entire academic program. This requires a level of reflection and critical analysis that promotes deeper understanding.

Apply Knowledge: Capstones are where theory becomes practice. Students take concepts learned in the classroom and grapple with how to implement them, address unexpected challenges, and refine their solutions in actual, or realistically simulated, situations.

Develop Essential Skills: Capstone projects foster a wide array of transferable skills that translate directly to success in all professions. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, research, project management, and effective communication.

Prepare for the Future: Whether a student is aiming for the workforce or further education, a capstone project gives them tangible experience to showcase to potential employers or admissions committees. It serves as evidence of their readiness to step into more complex and demanding roles.

Types of Capstone Projects

Capstone projects come in various forms, offering students the ability to choose an approach that best suits their interests and career aspirations. Here's a look at some common types:

Research Papers: Demonstrate deep understanding through focused investigation of a specific topic. Students research, analyze data, and draw defensible conclusions.

Case Studies: Involve applying theoretical knowledge to analyze actual real-world scenarios, dissecting decisions made, their outcomes, and lessons applicable to other situations.

Creative Works: Offer a space for expressing innovation, talent, and technical skills Unique to fields like art, design, music, or writing, they might result in a portfolio, performance, or original piece.

Internships: Provide hands-on experience in a professional setting, directly applying coursework to real challenges. This gives students an inside look into their potential career field.

Field Placement Projects: Involve working with industry or community partners, contributing to projects with real-life impact, and often focusing on problem-solving within a specific organization.

Research Papers

Research papers as a capstone project offer a classic way of demonstrating mastery of a field of study. They allow students to:

Choose a Focused Topic: Students hone in on a specific question or problem within their field, demonstrating their ability to identify and explore an area of interest.

Conduct Thorough Research: Students must navigate academic resources, including peer-reviewed articles, primary sources, and data sets. This shows their ability to find and evaluate reliable information.

Synthesize & Analyze: Capstone-level research isn't just about summarizing what others have said. Students need to analyze findings critically, draw their own conclusions, and present a defensible argument.

Master Formal Writing: Research papers require adherence to academic writing standards, including proper citation and strong thesis development.

Case Studies

Case studies empower students to connect classroom theories to real situations that professionals would face. They provide opportunities to:

Apply Theoretical Frameworks: Students use models and concepts learned in their coursework to analyze a specific case, demonstrating their understanding of how those theories work in practice.

Dissect Decision-Making: By dissecting the choices made within a case study, students learn to weigh the pros and cons of different approaches and critically assess the outcomes that those decisions generate.

Form Actionable Insights: The true value of a case study lies in identifying what lessons can be applied more broadly. Students learn to recognize patterns, potential pitfalls, and strategies that can be used in other situations.

Creative Works

When capstones take a creative form, students tap into their originality and technical skills. These projects often involve:

Conceptualization: Developing a unique idea, artistic vision, or original piece requires a student to think beyond what's been done previously, pushing them to innovate.

Technical Execution: The project must still demonstrate mastery of the chosen medium – whether that's painting, composition, filmmaking, or something else entirely.

Reflective Presentation: Often, creative works are accompanied by a written component or presentation where the student articulates their process, influences, and the conceptual significance of their creation.

Internships

Internships immerse students in the world of work directly related to their studies. They offer the chance to:

Gain Professional Experience: Students work on real-world projects, contributing to ongoing initiatives within established organizations.

Put Theory into Practice: Interns grapple with applying the concepts they've learned to the tasks and challenges faced by a specific company or organization.

Build a Network: Interactions with colleagues and mentors within their field can open doors to future job opportunities.

Develop Workplace Skills: Interns practice time-management, communication in a professional context, and collaborating with a team, which are essential for success in most careers.

Field Placement Projects

Field placements connect students with community partners, bringing a real-world immediacy to their capstone experience. These projects might involve:

Collaboration: Students work directly with a company, non-profit, or government agency, gaining insights into its goals, needs, and constraints.

Problem-Solving: Field projects often focus on addressing a specific challenge or contributing to the betterment of the partner organization.

Impact: Students can see a tangible result of their work, making the experience feel more meaningful than a theoretical assignment.

Adaptability: Working within an existing organization requires students to adapt to its structure and culture, honing their flexibility and communication skills.

Does completing a capstone project significantly enhance job market readiness?

Yes. Capstone projects bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with in-demand skills that employers value highly. The experience of tackling a substantial project demonstrates initiative, problem-solving abilities, time management, and clear communication – all of which translate to success in the workplace.

Selecting a Capstone Project Topic

Choosing a capstone project topic is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your academic experience. It's a chance to align your effort with both your passions and long-term goals. Here's how to find the perfect fit:

Start with "What is a capstone project?" Understanding the broader meaning and purpose of this experience helps narrow your scope. A capstone project should push you to synthesize knowledge and skills from your education and apply those in a meaningful way toward professional growth.

Self-Reflection: What are your genuine interests within your field? What problems or issues do you find most intriguing? Don't be afraid to explore beyond your most recent coursework – sometimes the best ideas stem from earlier sparks of curiosity.

Career Aspirations: Where do you envision yourself after graduation? What kinds of problems would you like to solve in your chosen profession? Choosing a topic relevant to that vision gives you hands-on experience that will be invaluable.

Topic Relevance to Career Goals

While not always mandatory, it's beneficial to select a capstone project topic that speaks to your career goals. Here's why:

Building a Relevant Portfolio: Your capstone project becomes a major work sample when applying for jobs or further education. It demonstrates your competency and active interest in specific areas of your field.

Direct Experience: Working on a project tied to your career goals gives you a taste of the kinds of challenges and tasks you might encounter later. This is much more impactful than simply reading about such problems in textbooks.

Networking Opportunities: Depending on your project type, you might interact with professionals or organizations directly in your desired field. This helps build connections and could even lead to job leads.

Research and Preparation

Once you have a general focus, it's time to refine your topic:

Preliminary Research: Read up on your chosen area to see what kinds of questions are currently being explored. Identify what intrigues you the most, and what gaps in the research you might be able to address.

Gather Resources: Talk to professors or mentors in your field. They can offer guidance on finding valuable texts, articles, and data sets relevant to your topic.

Narrow Focus: A successful capstone topic is focused enough to be tackled in depth within the given timeframe. Resist trying to address everything about a broad subject.

Is it critical to choose a capstone project topic related to one's career goals?

Though not strictly required, it's highly advantageous to choose a career-focused capstone project. The experience gained becomes relevant, immediately applicable to your professional development, and helps you stand out to future employers or graduate school admissions panels.

Integrating Capstone Projects with Other Academic Work

Capstone projects aren't isolated endeavors. They serve as a culmination of your academic journey , drawing upon and enriching your understanding of the knowledge gained through previous coursework. Let's explore these connections:

From Research Papers to Capstone Projects

Research papers and capstone projects both heavily rely on your research and analysis skills. However, they differ in their ultimate goals:

Research Papers: These hone your ability to research a specific topic, analyze existing literature, and present a well-supported argument. The focus is on understanding and critically evaluating established knowledge.

Capstone Projects: While research remains imperative, capstone projects move beyond pure analysis. Here, you apply the theoretical frameworks learned in research papers to tackle a real-world problem or create something innovative.

Linking Dissertations and Capstone Projects

Capstone projects share a deeper connection with dissertations , although the scale and scope are different:

Dissertations: These in-depth, original research projects are the cornerstone of doctoral programs. They involve extensive research, data collection, and analysis, culminating in a significant contribution to existing knowledge.

Capstone Projects: While not expected to redefine a field, capstone projects showcase your ability to conduct thorough research and apply it to address specific problems or opportunities within your chosen discipline. They provide a taste of the research rigor expected in graduate studies.

Capstone Projects vs. Term Papers

Term papers serve as building blocks for your capstone project, but they differ in scope and depth:

Term Papers: These typically focus on a specific aspect of a broader field, allowing you to explore a chosen topic and develop your research and writing skills. The research conducted for a term paper can form the foundation for a more comprehensive capstone project.

Capstone Projects: More comprehensive and demanding, capstone projects require a deeper dive into a topic. They involve applying knowledge from multiple courses, conducting original research if applicable, and potentially creating a tangible outcome.

Can Capstone Projects Incorporate Elements from Previous Academic Papers Effectively?

Absolutely! In fact, integrating elements from previous academic work significantly enriches your capstone project:

Provides Depth and Continuity: Prior research becomes the foundation for your capstone project, demonstrating the evolution of your understanding. This continuity strengthens your overall argument.

Highlights Skill Development: By showcasing how you've built upon prior research methods and analysis, you demonstrate a progression in your research and critical thinking skills.

Offers a Stronger Foundation: Previous papers can serve as springboards for more focused research questions within your capstone project.

By weaving together the knowledge gained throughout your academic journey, a capstone project becomes a powerful testament to your intellectual growth and your ability to apply knowledge meaningfully.

Writing and Presentation Techniques

The way you communicate your capstone project can be as important as the project itself. Here's how to nail both the write-up and the presentation:

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

Your introduction sets the tone for the entire project. Aim to capture your audience's attention and clearly convey the significance of your work right from the start. Here are a few techniques:

The Hook: Begin with a compelling fact, a provocative question, a relevant anecdote, or a quote that directly relates to your topic.

Problem Statement: Clearly articulate the specific issue, challenge, or opportunity your capstone project addresses.

Significance: Succinctly explain why this project matters. Highlight the potential impact of your research, the innovative nature of your creative work, or the tangible benefits of your practical experience.

Thesis Statement: If applicable, offer a concise and clear statement that summarizes your main argument or the central outcome of your project.

Developing a Coherent Structure

Whether presenting your work in writing or orally, a logical structure ensures your audience can easily follow your thought process and findings:

Written Reports: Follow standard academic formatting guidelines (if applicable). Use clear headings and subheadings to organize your ideas into logical sections. Consider a typical structure like:

Introduction

Literature Review (if applicable)

Methodology

Results/Findings

Analysis/Discussion

Presentations:

Create a slide deck with clear visuals and concise talking points.

Practice your presentation to ensure a smooth, logical flow of ideas.

Maintain a clear distinction between the background information, your unique contribution, and the implications of your findings.

Additional Tips for Writing and Presentations

Know Your Audience: Are you presenting to professors within your field, potential employers, or a general audience? Tailor your language and presentation style accordingly.

Visual Aids: Pictures, graphs, charts, or other visual elements can enhance understanding and make your work more engaging.

Proofread Meticulously: Spelling and grammar errors reflect poorly on your attention to detail. Have someone else proofread your final draft before submission.

Practice and Prepare: For presentations, practice thoroughly, ensuring your timing is on point and you're comfortable answering potential questions.

Conclusion and Reflection

Your capstone project conclusion isn't just about restating what you already said. It's your chance to synthesize your journey and leave a lasting impression. Consider these elements:

Reiterate Key Findings: Concisely re-emphasize the most significant outcomes, discoveries, or insights gained from your capstone project. Be sure to connect them back to your original research questions or your project's main purpose.

Reflect on Growth: What did you learn about yourself as a learner and thinker through this process? What skills did you develop or strengthen? This personal reflection gives your conclusion depth.

Discuss Limitations Even the best projects have areas where constraints or unforeseen issues arose. Briefly acknowledging these shows your self-awareness and provides context for your findings.

Future Directions: If applicable, suggest possible avenues for further research inspired by your work. Or, discuss potential applications of your findings in a broader context.

Engaging with Your Audience

To make your capstone project truly memorable, go beyond just presenting information and focus on connecting with your audience:

Relevance: Explicitly explain why your project should matter to the people reading or viewing your work. What real-world problems does your research address? How does your creative work expand perspectives? What actionable skills did you gain from a practical capstone experience?

Storytelling: When appropriate, weave in anecdotes or examples that illustrate your process, the challenges you overcame, or how your findings illuminate a human element. Storytelling helps audiences connect with your project on an emotional level.

Call to Action: If relevant, don't be afraid to ask something of your audience. This could be a call for further investigation, a change in perspective, or action to be taken towards a problem your project explored.

Q&A: Leave ample time for questions and discussion, both in written and presentation formats. This demonstrates your willingness to engage further and shows that you consider your project an ongoing intellectual dialogue.

Revising and Finalizing Your Project

The revision stage is where your capstone project truly takes its final form. It's tempting to rush through this part, but putting in the time to carefully revise and polish will elevate your work significantly.

Give it Some Space: Step away from your project for a few days if time allows. Returning to it with fresh eyes will help you spot errors and areas in need of improvement.

Revisit Project Objectives: Go back to the original goals and requirements. Does your current draft fully address them? Are there any aspects that could be further developed?

Check for Cohesiveness: Ensure the flow of your work is logical, with clear transitions between sections. Pay attention to both the overall project structure and how smaller sections or paragraphs link together.

Scrutinize Details: Meticulously proofread for typos, grammatical errors, and proper formatting. Make sure citations are complete and accurate.

Addressing Feedback

Seeking feedback is crucial for ensuring your work meets expectations and makes a strong impact. Here's how to approach it:

Trusted Sources: Get feedback from professors, mentors, peers with strong academic skills, or even professionals in your field, if applicable. Diverse perspectives are invaluable.

Open-Mindedness: Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve. Don't get defensive – feedback is there to help you grow, not to attack your work.

Careful Integration: Not all feedback needs to be incorporated blindly. Consider each suggestion carefully and decide if and how it will truly strengthen your project.

Is peer review an essential step in the revision process of capstone projects?

Yes! Peer review offers several distinct advantages:

Fresh Perspective: Peers can often spot inconsistencies or issues that you might be too close to the work to see.

Identifying Confusion: Areas that may be clear to you could be confusing to a reader encountering your topic for the first time. Peers can point out where more explanation or clarity is needed.

Exposure to Different Styles: Seeing how your peers organize their projects and communicate their findings can offer fresh ideas for improving your own presentation.

Practicing Constructive Feedback: Learning to both give and receive constructive feedback is a key skill in most professional settings. Peer review offers a safe space to hone this skill.

Navigating the Capstone Project Journey

The capstone project is a transformative experience that bridges the gap between classroom learning and the exciting challenges you'll face as a professional in your chosen field. From selecting a topic that aligns with your passions and goals to carefully integrating the diverse skills you've cultivated throughout your education, this project empowers you to make a meaningful contribution.

While the capstone journey may require significant effort and dedication, the rewards are undeniable. Not only will you gain valuable experience and produce a work sample that showcases your potential, but you'll also emerge from this experience with the enhanced confidence to tackle the complex problems that await you in your future career.

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Internships & Capstone Projects

Undergraduates at SUNY Potsdam are encouraged to obtain extra  career related  experience in their chosen field by doing off-campus internships. Contact the Experiential Education Office at  (315) 267-2507  or visit their website to learn more. Examples of previous internships in which Computer Science students have participated include:

• Black River Systems Company, Utica, NY
• Lockheed Martin, Stratford, CT
• WayNorth, LLC, Watertown, NY
• Griffiss Institute, Rome, NY
• Juiced Technologies, Ronkonkoma, NY
• Alice, New York, NNEK, Fayetteville,
• NCGe Global Research, Niskayuna, NY
• Subcontracting Concepts Inc, Queensbury, NY
• IBM, Poughkeepsie, NY
• AXA Equitable Life Insurance, Syracuse, NY
• CheckWise Payroll, Albany, NY

Capstone Projects

You must complete a "capstone experience" as part of your degree requirements, a unique feature of the CS program at SUNY Potsdam. Capstone experiences give you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired in the classroom and lab, typically to the solution of a real-world problem. You will ordinarily complete a capstone experience in an internship (under the direction of an external sponsor from industry) or through a senior project (under the direction of CS faculty).

At the conclusion of your capstone experience, you present both oral and written reports about your project. Your oral report is typically delivered at a meeting of the Board of Advisors.

The applied nature of a capstone experience gives you a competitive edge in seeking employment following graduation. This is especially true if you complete your capstone experiences through an internship: interns are frequently offered full-time positions at their internship companies after graduation.

View Capstone Requirements (PDF)

New Mexico State University

Honors capstone internship program.

Instructor: Dr. Anne Hubbell

Email for more information: [email protected]

Students in the Internship Capstone course will need to have an internship in place before they sign up for or take the Capstone Internship course. They are encouraged to work with faculty in their Major or Minor to help them find internships in their discipline. Students should plan on working at their internship for 10 hours a week in the regular academic year or 20 hours a week during the summer. As this is a Capstone class, students will complete a Capstone Project which will be approved by the Internship Site Mentor and the Honors College.

CAPSTONE Internship Project Format/Sections:

Cover page with:

• Student Name

Project Summary

A brief summary of the overall goal of the project and the final outcomes to be developed from the work. Answer the question, “What is the planned deliverable as part of the project?”

Background on Project Area

This should include a review of the background situation and/or problem you are solving. Answer the question, “Why does this matter, what does it contribute to the organization?” Also, include relevant background information. For example, background information could include:

• A traditional literature review with peer reviewed scholarship
• Internet research (for example if you are researching different art exhibits to improve one you are working on)
• Research on social media or websites (for example, if you are working to improve a website for an organization)
• The background for your project area should demonstrate that you have learned about the relevant issues you are working with or on and your mentor in the organization and at NMSU for your internship should help guide you on what is appropriate to include in this area

Target Audience

Students should consider the individuals in the organization who will use the project they will create. This is not an extensive section but gives the student an opportunity to think about how they will write up the final project so that it is accessible to everyone in their target audience. Please also consider the students, faculty, and staff in Honors who you may present your project to upon completion. For this section, then, students should think about the demographics and education levels of the people in the organization where they work as well as the students, staff, and faculty in Honors they may present to. This should only be about a page to two pages long and not go into excessive detail. Also, if demographic data are not available, focus on what you do know about the individuals with regard to education and do not make any assumptions about the audience.

Project Implementation/Methods

Although the nature of the work will vary widely depending on the project to be completed, students must first provide a detailed description of the steps to be taken to complete the project. This is an opportunity for the student and advisor to ensure that the steps in the process from inception to completion are clearly identified in advance. For research projects, this will be the procedures and nature of the analysis. For an original creative activity, this might be the steps in the creative process to develop the final product.

After completion of the Project the student will need to write up their findings and how what they found impacted or will impact the organization with whom they are working and how it impacts them in their future education and/or careers.

Final Product

Regardless of the format of the work, all students are expected to submit a final written report as part of their end product. The written report might be a major final paper itself but for other students, (e.g., creative work) the report might be more like an artist statement or reflection on

the work completed. Although there is not formal page limit, almost all capstone papers will be 10+ pages in length but this is dependent on the discipline and the proposal (e.g., mathematical proof, brief research report with poster presentation for conference, 100 pages of a novel).

Dissemination

All capstone work should be developed with a plan for dissemination - proposals should specify where this work can be shared. Students can share on campus at URCAS, RCW, or structured exhibitions, but everyone is encouraged to design their work to share off campus in professional settings, at research conferences, or other public exhibitions.

A reference list of work cited in the proposal must be included in whatever format is appropriate to the discipline.

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The Difference Between an Internship and a Capstone Project

Internship: a workplace-based learning experience.

An internship is a supervised work-based learning experience that allows students to apply the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom to a real-world setting. Internships are often unpaid work experience placements and are usually taken up by students in the later stages of their degree program. They often carry academic credit.

Internship placements are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a specific industry or field of study. They can be a great way for students to gain valuable work experience and make connections in their chosen field.

Capstone project: A culminating problem-solving experience

On the other hand, a capstone project is a culminating experience that is typically completed by students in their final year of study. Capstone projects are usually research-based and require students to show the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their degree program.

Capstone projects are often completed under the supervision of a faculty member and may be completed individually or in a group. They offer a great way to test and develop students’ problem-solving skills. The projects are designed to challenge students to think critically and apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, and they are often used as a means of assessing student learning outcomes.

Valuable work-integrated learning experiences

In summary, internships and capstone projects are different in their structure and timing. Internships provide students with hands-on experience in a specific field or industry, while capstone projects are a culminating experience that allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their degree program.

Both experiences are valuable in their own right, and students should consider taking advantage of both opportunities if they are available to them. However, some institutions may require only one of these or may have different names for them. It is best to consult with your institution or program advisor for more information.

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Healthcare Services and Sciences

Required capstone experience.

To graduate, students must complete a capstone experience (or transfer in an equivalent) - either an internship, capstone project or research project. A capstone experience is one that integrates HSS major studies, and extends, critiques and applies knowledge gained throughout the program. Students typically complete the capstone experience in the final semester before graduation. Please watch this 5-minute video about the capstone experience options.

• Most students complete an internship as their required capstone experience. Please watch this video about how to prepare for and apply to the REQUIRED capstone experience .
• Students who have at least one year of paid experience in healthcare or in a health-related organization may opt to complete a capstone project at their place of work instead of an internship. The required course for a capstone project is HSV 4895.  The required application process is the same for any type of capstone experience.
• Occasionally a student with extensive healthcare experience may decide that their future goals are best supported by completing a research project.  The required application process is the same for any type of capstone experience.
• For students who qualify for the Clinical Practice in Health (CPH) concentration, they may be able to transfer clinical placement experience for their capstone experience.

Internship in healthcare services (HSV 4900)

Students completing an HSS internship integrate and apply their knowledge and abilities, as well as hone skills in preparation for employment or graduate study in a healthcare or health-related organization. Please watch  this video about how to prepare for and apply to the required capstone experience .

In the semester prior to the internship, students meet with the internship coordinator to establish an appropriate, supervised placement that will further their education and professional objectives. A minimum of 200 clock hours is required for internships (some internships require more). A classroom seminar accompanies the internship placement (HSV 4900). Before completing the internship application, please read the HHS Internship Placement Process.   Additionally, all hosting agencies must have an affiliation agreement in place with WMU in order for a student to complete his/her internship there. Please read the Student Internship Agency Affiliation Agreement Requirements.

Background check information

Some sites require pre-internship testing. Students may be responsible for paying for these tests. To process your self-initiated background check, review the background check information and instructions.

Internship requirements 

• Students must complete all prerequisites before enrolling in any of the capstone courses.
• Apply to the internship program via the  Intern Placement Tracking (IPT)  system. Students must complete the application form and upload their resume and unofficial transcripts. See Application for Internship and Capstone Project  below. 
• Review the listing of internship site categories and list any placements they are interested in on their application.

After the application is received, the student will meet with the internship coordinator to establish an appropriate, supervised placement that will further their education and professional objectives.

Students must enroll in HSV 4900 (4 credits) and attend the internship seminar.

Students engaged in an internship must give evidence of having health insurance at the time of course enrollment.

WMU provides liability insurance coverage through a fee assessed at the time of enrollment in HSV 4900.

Students must have the minimum of a 2.5 GPA to enroll in HSV 4900 and to complete an internship. If a student misses the minimum GPA, the student will be given one semester to achieve the 2.5 before taking the course. If a student is unable to achieve the 2.5 GPA in one semester, the student will be dismissed from the program barring hardship circumstances. If there are hardship circumstances, the internship coordinator, the program coordinator and the director of the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs will review the case.

Students who are registered, certified or licensed healthcare professional, may pursue a clinical experience IF it exposes the student to the development of new skills, or is in a situation outside their usual employment.

 CAPSTONE PROJECT (HSV 4895)

The capstone project provides students an opportunity to design and complete a project in health services. Only students who have completed at least one year of employment at a healthcare or health-related organization and have successfully applied for this option may select it. Students must complete a capstone experience application following the date guidelines for all capstone experiences. Students complete the project over one semester, usually at their current place of health care employment. This is typically the student's final semester of his/her undergraduate career. Student apply to the Capstone Project with the same Capstone Experience Application used for internships.

• The capstone project requires the student to conceive, plan and implement a special project in an area within the scope of healthcare services and sciences. Students usually work on this project at their place of employment, but not always.
• Capstone projects may take many different forms. Some examples are: patient satisfaction surveys in an applied setting, a written health literacy project, analysis of a health informatics system, clinical review of a therapeutic intervention, implementation of a quality improvement project, development of a patient manual or an educational program.
• Students will work under the supervision of an HSS onsite capstone project instructor.
• Students must enroll in HSV 4895 (3 credits).
• Enrollment in the capstone project course requires departmental approval from the HSS internship coordinator.
• If you have at least one year of healthcare experience and desire to take the capstone project course, you must complete the same capstone experience application as described about. The internship coordinator or graduate assistant will then discuss options with you after your application is complete.
• Students must have the minimum of a 2.5 GPA to enroll in HSV 4895 to complete a capstone project. If a student misses the minimum GPA, the student will be given one semester to achieve the 2.5 GPA before taking the course. If the student is unable to achieve the 2.5 GPA in one semester, the student will be dismissed from the program barring hardship circumstances. If there are hardship circumstances, the internship coordinator, the program coordinator and the director of the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs will review the case.

 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (HSV 4890)

Restricted to certified, licensed or registered health providers, this course requires the completion of a student created research project related to a current issue in health and human services. The student must complete a capstone experience application following the date guidelines for all capstone experiences. 

The project must conform to the following standards:

Independent research standards:

• The student must select a research committee consisting of 1) a faculty mentor knowledgeable in the field of inquiry, and 2) a reader who will also act as a resource person (the resource person may work outside of the University).
• The program coordinator must approve the research project before the student can commit to this capstone option.
• Students must document their research project in a paper written in the professional or academic style appropriate to the discipline and presented in a public forum approved by the program coordinator .

Students must have the minimum of a 2.5 GPA to enroll in HSV 4890 and conduct independent research. If a student misses the minimum GPA, the student will be given one semester to achieve the 2.5 GPA before taking the course. If the student is unable to achieve the 2.5 GPA in one semester, the student will be dismissed from the program barring hardship circumstances. If there are hardship circumstances, the internship coordinator, the program coordinator and the director of the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs will review the case.

 APPLICATION FOR INTERNSHIP, CAPSTONE PROJECT and research project

Western Michigan University's Healthcare Services and Sciences (HSS) program uses a web-based data management system called Intern Placement Tracking (IPT)  to track all students in field placements. This includes internships, capstone projects and research projects.

IPT allows the internship coordinator, graduate assistant and internship organizations to communicate with each other and with student interns. Students must complete and submit the online application for the HSS Internship (HSV 4900), Capstone Project (HSV 4895) or Independent Research (HSV 4890).  Information about the application process, how to set up an account and how to use the system can be found here:  REQUIRED HSS Internship and Capstone Project Application Link and Instructions

Application Deadlines

Applications are generally due one academic school year ahead of the semester in which the student wants to complete the internship, capstone project or independent research. Late applications are considered on a case by case basis.

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Sample Capstone Internship Experiences

Below are examples of current and recent internships of NRES non-thesis M.S. students:

• Jeffrey Turner (2019), Intern with Guilford Soil and Water Conservation District:  An Analysis of Soil Conservation Plans: An Internship with the Guilford Soil and Water Conservation District in North Carolina
• Blake Colclasure (2015), Environmental Affairs Intern for Knight Hawk Coal, LLC:  Land Reclamation and Environmental Compliance of Surface Coal Mines - Internship with Knight Hawk Coal, LLC
• Jonathan Meisenbach (2015), Content Research and Writing Assistant for Bluestem Communications:  Addressing Risk in a Travel Guidebook
• Melissa Woerner (2015), Senior Biologist Education, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife:  An Analysis of Hunter Participation Trends and Potential Factors Influencing Hunter License Purchase Behavior in New Jersey - An Internship with New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
• Melissa Brice (2014), Scientist at Kraft Foods Group, Inc.:  Proposed Alternative Outlet to Landfill for One Waste Stream at a Manufacturing Facility
• Todd Armbruster (2013), Forestry Technician for the U.S. Forest Service:  Forest Restoration and Management Internship with the United States Forest Service, Superior National Forest
• Amy Cameron (2013), Technician for Butler Soil and Water Conservation:  Nutrient Analysis of a Constructed Water Quality Basin
• Lydia Scott (2013), Community Trees Program Manager for The Morton Arboretum:  Development of an Urban Forestry Outreach Strategy for the Chicago Regional Forest by the Community Trees Program
• Jessica Pierson (2012), Naturalist for the Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District:  Illinois Public Museums Capital Grant Submission Project

View an interactive map of internships .

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• Application Development
• Application Development Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) Degree

Internships and Capstone

The AD B.A.S. degree requires the completion of either a mentor-based internship or a self- or group-driven capstone project.

The internship coordinator will work with you to prepare for the job search, which includes creating and updating a technical resume, managing online profiles, conducting interview practice sessions, searching for positions, completing applications, and guiding follow-ups with employers.

Benefits of the internship include:

• Work Experience: helping to build out a resume with demonstrable work at recognized companies and organizations.
• Applied Skills: allowing you to apply the skills you've learned in your coursework in real-world industry scenarios.
• Payment: many – but not all – technical internships are paid positions.
• Networking and References: build industry contacts and references for future employment.

Please note that, although the program staff works to set up students for success through training and connections with industry professionals, you are ultimately responsible for securing your internship.

Capstone Project

Not all students choose to participate in an internship. In this case, the alternative is a capstone project, where the student or a group of students drives the project focus.

Benefits of a capstone project include:

• Relevant Experience: relevant project experience helps to build out a resume with demonstrable work.
• Applied Skills: allowing you to apply the skills you've learned in your coursework in projects that are (or closely resemble) real-world scenarios.
• Flexible Schedule: capstone projects give the most flexibility in schedule.

Examples of past capstone projects include:

• A meal planning app that lets users create and edit recipes and add them to a meal plan calendar
• A mobile app and website for finding your way around the North Seattle College campus

Guide to The Master’s in Communication Capstone Project

Types of Capstone Projects

Independent capstone projects, capstone course, group capstone projects, portfolio and reflection projects, internship capstone.

Many master’s in communication programs that focus on building students’ practical skills and leadership capabilities within communication sectors such as public relations, advertising and marketing, corporate and organizational communication, and even political communication and campaigning require a capstone project as students’ culminating experience. Unlike traditional theses, which are common for academic and research-oriented master’s in communication programs and have a formal, multi-chapter structure, capstone projects vary widely across programs and often afford students a great deal of flexibility to be creative in their research and final deliverable.

There is substantial variance between how master’s in communication programs design their applied capstone project option. For some programs, the capstone is an independent research-based or industry-centric endeavor that students complete individually while under the guidance of a committee (similar to how students complete a traditional thesis). Other programs, in contrast, may have a dedicated capstone project course wherein students meet project benchmarks that they discuss in class, and also benefit from their instructor’s guidance and peer feedback. Additionally, there are group project capstone experiences where students are divided into teams and tackle one or a variety of projects that aim to integrate all the concepts and skills that they have learned during their enrollment in the program.

Added to this diversity amongst program capstone experiences is the diversity of students’ interests, their professional and academic backgrounds, and whether they are working full-time or part-time while pursuing their graduate degree. Students who are working and want to integrate what they have learned in their program directly into their workplace might complete their capstone project with their current employer. On the other hand, students who have minimal professional experience or who wish to change industries might find an organization or complete a project based off of their own interests, with the intention of featuring their capstone project as a centerpiece of their portfolio when applying for jobs.

This Guide to the Capstone Project is designed to help current and prospective students of master’s in communication programs understand the depth and breadth of possibilities for their capstone project. It features detailed descriptions of common types of capstone project options, as well as insights from faculty members and directors of master’s in communication programs nationwide who were interviewed as part of our Faculty Interview Series .

Despite the variance in capstone project options described above, there are several major categories in terms of general types of projects that students can undertake. From independent projects to professional portfolios and client-centric group projects, there are choices that suit every student’s interests and goals.

The independent project, one of the most common capstone experience options, grants students significant autonomy in crafting their final deliverable. The student works with his or her advisor and committee to determine a project topic that is tailored to the student’s academic interests and career goals. These independent projects can be created specifically for a real industry client, or can be designed around a hypothetical client in some cases. Examples of independent projects include an advertising campaign for an agency, an organizational communication plan for a corporation, or a comprehensive fundraising awareness strategy for a non-profit organization. Students may also have the option to complete an artistic or creative final project, such as writing a play, filming a documentary, or choreographing a dance.

The process to successfully completing the independent capstone project is quite similar to that of the traditional thesis , in that students select a committee of faculty whose research expertise aligns with the topic of their project. Students then conduct their research and complete their final deliverable with close guidance and feedback from their faculty advisor and committee.

Hye-ryeon Lee, Ph.D. the Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Communicology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, explained her program’s applied capstone project experience in an interview. “The applied project is very flexible in terms of what [students] can do. […] For example, a student is currently in the process of writing a book as her applied project. Another student developed a volunteer training program for the Make a Wish Foundation. This student talked to the administrators, staff and volunteers of the Foundation to develop a thorough understanding about their operation. She then designed and delivered a training program for new volunteers for the Foundation.”

While independent projects are more flexible in terms of their structure and topic, relative to the master’s thesis, they still require a substantial amount of research and are just as rigorous as theses. Students completing a capstone project use the same research methodologies as those who complete a thesis, but instead of applying their findings to conclusions that contribute to the scholarly literature, they use their insights to directly impact an organization or to design a final product that that is more applied or creative in nature.

Michael B. Goodman, Ph.D., Director the Master of Arts in Corporate Communication at The City University of New York’s Baruch College, explained how this program’s applied project uses academically rigorous communication theories and research methodologies. “Similar to the thesis, students are expected to employ and integrate the theories, communication management practices, and methods that they learn in the program to their research and final product. Students who choose this option are also required to present their results at a professional colloquium,” he noted.

The flexibility of the capstone project allows students to bring in topics from their professional or personal lives. Porter Shreve, Director of Administration for the University of San Francisco’s Master of Arts in Professional Communication, explained how many students in the program use the capstone as a way to examine and address sociocultural issues. “Since we are located in San Francisco near the heart of Silicon Valley, tech development and its reshaping of human communication are very much on our students’ minds,” he said, “I had one student who completed a video-based capstone about women muralists in San Francisco’s Mission District and their struggles with gender discrimination. […] We had [another] student who worked at a successful artificial intelligence startup, and he decided to tie his capstone to projects he had undertaken in the AI field.”

Porter Shreve also emphasized the important role that communication theory and research methodologies play in the capstone project, regardless of selected topic or deliverable. “While students can bring the applied into their capstone projects, their work typically utilizes academic research methodologies such as quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis,” he said.

Oftentimes, students use the independent project as an opportunity to create a product that will feature prominently in their portfolio once they graduate. Coy Callison, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University (TTU), explained how one of the students of TTU’s Master of Arts in Mass Communication created a project that directly contributed to her securing a public relations management position. “[Our student] developed a crisis communication campaign for one of the local hospitals here in Lubbock, and she dealt directly with how well people at the hospital understood emergency planning,” he recalled, “[S]he put together an extensive campaign that involved all of the constituents from the staff to the nurses, doctors, and vendors. She surveyed all of these teams to learn how they would prefer to receive this information […and] subsequently put together a comprehensive plan that catered to each team, and the hospital was very happy with it.”

After graduating, this student approached a major hospital in Honolulu with her crisis communication plan, which impressed them so much that they created a position for her, and she became the Crisis Preparedness Director. As this example illustrates, the independent project can be a very helpful stepping stone into a new career or promotion at one’s current job.

While some programs have a capstone project option that involves students working largely independently under the guidance of one or more faculty advisors, other programs have students complete their capstone project while enrolled in a capstone course that provides structure, guidance, and feedback. This is relatively common among online master’s in communication programs, and can be particularly advantageous for students who benefit from weekly meetings that hold them accountable for meeting incremental project deadlines. Capstone courses also provide the benefit of peer discussions and feedback in a forum-like setting. Unlike the independent capstone project, which is highly individualized and can be creative or artistic, projects that are completed as part of a capstone course are often more practical and client-focused in nature.

Richard Holberg, Adjunct Instructor and Team Lead for Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Master of Arts in Communication Program, explained how the capstone course that is part of this program provides students with helpful structure and deadlines. “The first week of the course is when students identify what they want that client and campaign to be. As facilitator of the course, it is my job to make sure that their campaign meets the parameters for the program and has a scope that is manageable within the span of the capstone course,” he said, “We also structure in three milestones that students must meet during their time in the course. First students must identify the client and the type of campaign they want to do, and I review all of their proposals. The second milestone requires them to identify what the focus of their campaign is. What’s the communication need or problem that they are trying to solve?”

Capstone courses vary in how they manage the client-student relationship. Some programs require all the students in a capstone course to work on a single project for one client that agrees to partner with the program. Other programs connect students with multiple clients for individualized or small group capstone projects. Still other programs ask students to find their own client but provide guidance and support during the client search process during class sessions and individual mentoring.

Dionne C. Clemons, Ph.D., former Director of the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Trinity Washington University, explained how the capstone course for this program connects students with a wealth of regional clients and partners. “We develop relationships with clients and assign students a client that has strategic communication/PR needs that match what we expect students to demonstrate in their final project,” she explained. Dr. Clemons also noted that one of the advantages of Trinity University’s capstone course is that students connect with a wide variety of clients who can serve as useful professional contacts for students. “Most clients that we align with are partners with Trinity, and they often represent the economy here in DC, meaning that they are management consulting, nonprofit, or government entities,” she added.

Group projects have the advantage of enabling students to take on a project of larger scope than would be possible if they were working individually. Whether completed under the guidance of a faculty advisor or as part of a larger capstone course, group projects also give students the opportunity to demonstrate and hone their teamwork skills while working on an intensive project that mimics the work they will complete in their future jobs. Unlike individual capstone projects which can be industry-focused or creative, and may or may not be client-centric, group capstone projects tend to revolve around an existing client need, such as a marketing campaign for an apparel company, an advocacy initiative for a non-profit organization, or an organizational communication revamp for a corporation.

Janet Steele, Ph.D., who is the Director of George Washington University’s Master of Arts in Global Communication program, explained how this program’s capstone experience is designed to be a team effort. “The capstone is a four-credit group project that students complete over the course of a year. The capstone is handled through the Elliott School of International Affairs,” she said, “At the end of their first year, students meet with a capstone advisor, and decide on their work group. The groups usually consist of three to four students, and together they work with real-world clients on an agreed-upon project. At the end of the program, the group is required to present their project to faculty, and to show us the work they did for their client.”

For some programs, the capstone group project is an opportunity for students to flex their leadership and project management abilities. Arabella Pollack, MBA, who is the Deputy Academic Director of the Master’s in Strategic Communication Programs at Columbia University, explained how Columbia University’s program emphasizes team projects from the beginning in order to prepare students for collaborative work on their capstone.

“Throughout all our other courses there is a lot of project work, lots of teamwork focusing on real-life scenarios, whether it is case studies or hypothetical situations from their current place of employment or other organizations. Students are constantly thinking about how they put the concepts they learn into practice,” she said, “When it comes to the Capstone we take it to another level. We work with real organizations that have a communication challenge they’re tackling. And students work in small teams to address this problem through guided independent study over the course of a semester. This includes conducting their own primary and secondary research. They conduct focus groups, quantitative and fully representative surveys, and other assessments and deep dives into data. They’re constantly working with the sponsor in an almost consulting relationship (though sponsors do not pay for students’ work). At the end of the semester, students present their findings and recommendations to the sponsor.”

Just as some master’s in communication programs require students to take a capstone course for their individual capstone project, some programs that have a group capstone project requirement also incorporate the capstone as part of a larger guided capstone course. As noted above, this is quite common for online master’s in communication programs.

Michael Weigold, Ph.D., who is the Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, explained how the University’s Online Master of Arts in Mass Communication culminates in a capstone class where students are assigned groups and tackle a team project in largely the same way they would do so in an industry setting. “All of the Capstone projects are completed through group work, and this is by design, because all the members of our advisory council have reiterated the importance of people who know how to work optimally in teams,” he said, “During their work on their project, students have the mentorship of the Capstone course instructor.”

Some industry-focused master’s in communication programs require students to complete a portfolio that represents the depth and breadth of their professional skills, experience, and interests. This capstone requirement typically involves students reviewing their work over the course of their enrollment in the program, and selecting assignments from past classes that are representative of the strengths they would like to showcase to potential employers. As a highly industry-focused and functional capstone project, portfolios are typically required to be in online or e-portfolio form (such as a website) for maximum visibility. In addition, most programs with a portfolio capstone also require students to write a reflective essay that synthesizes the concepts, skills, and issues explored during their classes.

Programs tend to vary in terms of their precise parameters for the portfolio. While some programs may be flexible as to what students decide to include, others may have more established requirements to ensure adequate diversity within each student’s portfolio. Sunny Stalter-Pace, Ph.D., the Director of Graduate Studies for Auburn University’s English Department, explained the capstone portfolio requirement for Auburn University’s Master of Technical and Professional Communication. “The portfolio requirements are as follows: a portfolio website of the student’s own design, and which follows best practices for coding, writing, editing, and professional communication ethics; a 2000-word memo that elaborates on the major technical and professional communication issues that the student has discerned based off of his or her coursework, and which makes suggestions as to how to address these issues; five exemplary pieces of print or online content that the student has completed during his or her tenure in the program, accompanied by a 500-word analysis for each of these pieces of content; and an edited resume or curriculum vitae,” she said.

Texas Tech University’s Master of Arts in Technical Communication, on the other hand, has slightly different portfolio requirements. Craig Baehr, Ph.D., Director of this graduate program, outlined the portfolio’s parameters. “The Master of Arts in Technical Communication portfolio is comprised of two key components: learning artifacts and a reflective essay,” he explained, “Students must include three to six artifacts in their portfolio, one of which must be an academic or research paper, while another must be a practical project in technical communication. […] Examples of artifacts students might include in their portfolio include an analytical report or a feasibility study they wrote for a technical reports class, a web-based training module that they developed for the instructional design course, or a visual infographic they developed for the document design or information visualization course.”

The portfolio is an opportunity for students to not only showcase their skills, but to also benefit from mentorship and feedback from their instructors. Frederica Fornaciari, Ph.D., who is the Academic Program Director for the Master of Arts in Strategic Communications at National University, explained how this program’s capstone option is, in many ways, a career workshop course. “During the Capstone Project students reflect upon their chosen career path, analyze the market in their field of choice, and draw the connections between their own learning experience at National University and the skills necessary to successfully enter their career of choice,” she said, “[Students] develop a market analysis for their field of choice, looking at possible job openings, exploring job descriptions, and collecting valuable information about their desired job’s outlook from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Then, students complete a reflective journal to reflect upon their learning experience at National University, and start drawing connections between their acquired toolkits and current market needs.”

Internship capstone options are somewhat less common than other types of capstone experiences, due to the fact that many industry-oriented master’s in communication programs have students who are already working either full-time or part-time while completing their degree. However, for students who have the weekly availability to complete an internship, this capstone experience option can be very helpful by immersing students in the work settings that interest them and connecting them with potential employers well before they graduate. Examples of graduate internships in communication include working for a local newspaper outlet, interning in the public relations department of a corporation, or working at a marketing agency.

Nadia Kaneva, Ph.D., who is the Director of the Master of Arts in Media and Public Communication Program at the University of Denver, described this program’s internship option as particularly advantageous for students interested in entering industry. “We believe that research and practice must go hand in hand as they work to address real-world problems,” she said, “[Based] on their own goals and interests, students can choose between completing a professional internship, a master’s thesis, or a substantial research paper as a capstone experience. […] Typically, students who wish to pursue a professional career opt for an internship. Our internship program is highly regarded by employers and we have seen many cases where an internship turns into a job offer upon graduation.”

Master’s in communication programs that offer an internship option for the culminating experience may connect students with potential internship sites and supervisors, or require students to identify an internship site on their own. The internship capstone option is often accompanied by an additional requirement that prompts students to reflect on the relevance of their internship work to their master’s program and future career. “At the end of their internships, students submit a paper or a professional portfolio, and complete an exit interview with the department’s Internship Director,” noted Dr. Kaneva.

Due to the intensive work it requires and its inherent depth and breadth, the master’s in communication capstone project may seem intimidating to many students. However, it is in fact a unique opportunity for students to build a robust bridge between where they are and where they want to be professionally, all within a safe and mentorship-centric environment. The capstone project is designed to give students the resources to build a professional-quality product that is tailored to their interests and goals.

For advice on successfully completing the capstone project, please refer to our Advice for Completing a Master’s in Communication Applied Capstone Project , which features key insights from alumni of master’s in communication programs.

Disciplined collaboration.

Capstone is a results-driven, collaborative culture focused on excellence that is delivered through the collective efforts of everyone on our team. that’s why we challenge and support each other to grow; to grow our skills, broaden our knowledge, expand our horizons, and think differently. our team is our most important asset and investment., what drives us., to anticipate and harness the complexities of global derivatives markets to create opportunities for our clients, team and industry., to provoke the evolution of asset management through open and continuous collaboration., we see the world differently®, our values..

Transcendent Thinking

Where others fear instability, we find opportunity..

“Our clients are not only looking for returns, they are looking for information in and around volatility strategy across asset classes.”

Tenacious Innovation

Anticipate change and adapt proactively to maintain a sustainable advantage..

“You can’t be innovative if you don’t fail. We encourage people to own their failures so that we can learn from them, and collectively recover from them.”

Deliberately Particular

Promote a results-driven work ethic that seeks out and nurtures the exceptional..

“Everybody here has seen a crash or two or three. We’ve been through it. There's a lot of experience here.”

Progressive Transparency

Lead through open and continuous collaboration with our team, clients and industry..

“We're open because that's how much we believe in volatility; we want to help develop the industry. We're very transparent and believe in the product, not just our approach.”

Rigorous Discipline

Maintain exceptional standards and support one another to achieve them..

“We encourage people to own their mistakes. Many people associate mistakes with weakness, but I believe that owning and understanding them takes the stress out of your position and is very liberating.”

Pure Integrity

Build trust by delivering results with objectivity and humility..

“We acknowledge that we are going to make mistakes, but we have the humility to take pause, deeply analyze and learn from those mistakes, and that is a key driver to our success.”

“There's a lot of information sharing here. There is deep expertise across the firm, and people are constantly talking to each other. They are open to collaboration on ideas and information.”

Education and opportunity..

We look for employees who have the skills and capabilities to be successful in their role and expand their impact throughout the organization. As new employees onboard, they are guided through their acclimation to ensure an understanding of their role and career trajectory and to set them on a path for success. Our employee training and development opportunities seek to challenge employees to grow their skills, think differently, broaden their knowledge and expand their horizons. We support a learning journey by bringing in a variety of speakers, providing access to experienced industry professionals, sourcing differentiated development programs and offering training platforms to pursue individual interests. We invest in managers to equip them with the tools to support employees as they navigate through their jobs, teams and careers at Capstone, and ensure their experiences are mutually fulfilling.

“I want everyone at Capstone to understand that they have a large organization filled with exceptional people who are here to support them.”

At capstone, exploring risk and its associated benefits is a part of our dna. our captivate series of lectures and discussions aims to bring in leaders from diverse walks of life—who also view the world differently—in order to help us understand their unique approach and learn from their experiences..

Tactical negotiation in volatile situations

Understanding the tactics of NYPD hostage negotiation and how to diffuse volatile situations.

Disciplined strategic excellence in application

The application of a focused and strategic approach to calmly overcome the odds.

“We are a results-driven environment, and we are a results-driven business. That requires a level of excellence to be able to create those results.”

Investment Team Opportunities.

We are always looking for new investment talent. if you are looking to take the next step in your career, and are interested in connecting with capstone's business development team, please apply here. across capstone's two separate but complementary investment platforms - cgm and capstone solutions - we have deep experience with many types of investment strategies and a primary focus in derivatives, volatility and relative value-based strategies. collaborative by design, capstone's investment platform encourages process, research and idea sharing., common qualities in portfolio manager candidates include: • quality non-correlated track record • process oriented • data driven • self-starter • technically oriented • intense innovator • relentless work ethic • unbiased • consistent, careers at capstone., want to see the world differently intellectual curiosity, the openness to share ideas, humility, the highest ethical standards and a desire to excel are a few of the traits that it takes to thrive and be your best self at capstone..

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2024 – Junior Quantitative Developer – LDN

QUANTITATIVE DEVELOPER

As a Quantitative Developer you will support Capstone’s discretionary and quantitative trading platforms with challenging, innovative problem solving across a breadth of asset classes and geographies. With a unique focus on options and exotics, you will have the opportunity to be instrumental in the development of a world leading derivatives hedge fund.

Your tasks will include implementing new trading infrastructures, building new quant libraries, and developing derivative based techniques and risk analysis tools. The scale and complexity of challenges we solve are always evolving. We welcome individuals looking for an exciting new challenge harnessing cutting edge technology to build solutions that drive our business. 

WHO WE ARE:

Founded in 2004 Capstone is a global, alternative investment management firm operating across a broad range of derivatives-based strategies with a deep understanding of volatility. We have approximately $11 billion of AUM and 300 employees globally, offering a collaborative work environment that encourages new ideas and an attitude of continuous improvement. Through strategic insight, market-leading expertise, and advanced technology, we seek to anticipate and harness the complexities of world markets, creating unique opportunities for our clients, team, and industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support both quantitative and discretionary trading platforms in building critical tools for signal blending, simulation, portfolio construction, the research framework, and dashboards
• Refining and increasing automation and robustness of the research infrastructure including alpha estimation, risk modelling, and back testing components
• Maintaining and updating the platform, ensuring its stability, robustness, and security
• Troubleshooting and resolving any systems related issues and handle the release of code fixes and enhancements
• Collaborate with PMs and investment professionals in a transparent environment, engaging with the whole investment process

REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong academic record and a degree with high mathematical and computing content e.g. Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Physics from a leading university
• At least 2 years of experience in a financial institution
• Highly proficient in Python (other programming competencies are a plus)
• Some familiarity with Derivatives pricing (preferred)
• Ability to confidently communicate with a keen analytical approach to problem solving

Capstone is committed to creating an inclusive environment where we welcome people of different backgrounds. Capstone considers applications for employment without regard to all applicable protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, parental status, veteran status, or disability status.

Application Support Analyst

Cyber security program manager.

We are looking for a motivated and bright Cyber Security Analyst to assist the team with 24/7 monitoring and incident response for the organization. Given the growth around the firm, there is plenty of opportunity to make an impact. We are looking for someone who has depth of technical skills, great communication skills, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

• Manage threat detection platforms that monitor for and report on risks within the environment
• Collaborate with managed services team to ensure continuous monitoring of on-premises infrastructure and cloud workloads (Azure, AWS and Microsoft 365)
• Lead incident response efforts following standards for detection, investigation, remediation and recovery
• Manage system inventory and agent deployments for all endpoints. 
• Conduct regular internal and external vulnerability scans. Work with the Engineering and Support teams to ensure remediation
• Review and update security policies and guidelines regularly to ensure they remain compliant with regulations and best practices.
• Collaborate with the Engineering team to regularly review and update security configurations. Ensure systems remain compliant through continuous monitoring and evaluation
• Assist with testing exercises, including penetration tests and phishing simulations.
• Help foster a strong culture of security awareness through information security training and tabletop exercises.

DESIRABLE CANDIDATES:

• At least 5 years of experience as a security analyst
• Experience working with SOCaaS providers and managed IR teams
• Strong knowledge of networking and firewalls
• Experience securing and monitoring cloud services (M365, Azure, and AWS)
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Strong communicator and collaborator

BASE SALARY RANGE

$120,000 – $190,000 USD (depending on years of experience)

Data Engineer

Head of quantitative research & development – central quant group.

Head of Quantitative Research & Development – Central Quant Group

Help Desk Associate

We are looking for someone to join our infrastructure team as a Help Desk Associate. This individual will be involved in all aspects of client support, hardware/software maintenance, troubleshooting and upgrades and will have an excellent attitude to customer service. 

• Provide level 1 and 2 support to the firm’s employees across multiple locations
• Perform basic administrative tasks including creating and managing accounts within a Microsoft Active Directory environment
• Assist investment team members with related trading applications
• Manage Help Desk tickets in a timely manner
• Respond to employee issues via email, Teams, in person or direct call
• Provide highest levels of customer service
• Document issues in our ServiceNow ticketing system
• Escalate issues as appropriate in a timely manner
• Install, make changes and repair computer hardware and software
• Follow-up with employees to ensure issues are resolved
• Around 5 years’ experience working for an investment company
• Experience working with and supporting a trading environment
• Experience supporting users in other parts of the world
• Full knowledge of Microsoft 365 platform including Teams and SharePoint
• Experience with video conferencing technology
• Handle onboarding and offboarding responsibilities in coordination with HR
• Assist users with remote access setup and troubleshooting using Citrix and Remote Desktop/VPN technology
• Management of mobile device software for iOS and Android using Microsoft Intune
• Willingness to learn and work within a team dynamic
• Passionate about providing exemplary customer service
• Experience providing white glove support for senior management

Help Desk Team Lead

We are looking for someone to join our infrastructure team as a Help Desk Team Lead. This individual will be involved in all management aspects of client support, hardware/software maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades and ticket management and will have an excellent attitude to customer service. 

• Manage and mentor a team of Technical Support Professionals 
• Improve customer service quality and efficiency results by studying, evaluating, and re-designing processes; establishing and communicating service metrics; monitoring and analyzing results; and implementing changes in collaboration with other managers 
• Manage escalated tickets and mediate client relations by collaborating with internal teams  
• Analyze and present future technology trends that may benefit the department and the company’s growth 
• Provide weekly reports, dashboards and trends to senior leadership  
• Work in team environments that span functional and geographic boundaries  
• Perform basic administrative tasks including creating and managing accounts within a Microsoft Active Directory environment 
• Manage the investment team stack including market data and trading applications 
• Respond to employee issues via email, Teams, in person or direct call 
• Document/Manage issues in our ServiceNow ticketing system 
• Escalate issues as appropriate in a timely manner to engineering  
• At least 5 years’ experience working for an investment company 
• Proven experience as an IT Help Desk Supervisor or in a similar leadership role 
• Experience working with and supporting a trading environment 
• Experience supporting users globally  
• Full knowledge of Microsoft 365 platform including Teams and SharePoint 
• Experience with video conferencing technology 
• Handle onboarding and offboarding responsibilities in coordination with HR 
• Assist users with remote access setup and troubleshooting using Citrix and Remote Desktop/VPN technology 
• Management of mobile device software for iOS and Android using Microsoft Intune 
• Experience providing white glove support for senior management 
• Strong expertise in IT Service Management principles and practices, with a focus on incident and asset management 
• Hands-on experience with ServiceNow, including customization 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments 
• Solid understanding of ITIL framework and its application in a support environment 

$120,000 – $165,000 USD (depending on years of experience)

Risk Developer

We are looking for a Java specialist to work alongside the Risk team in delivering world-class solutions for analytics, scenarios, reporting, and calculations within Risk at Capstone.   The role will require you to build out services and analytics related to the calculation of risk, and the simulation of performance under various market conditions. It will also require you to work alongside key business users to deliver bespoke functionality relating to specific asset classes.  

The following technologies are an absolute must for the role: 

• At least 5 – 7 years of professional experience in Banking, other Hedge Funds, Insurers or Alt Finance
• Experience with Java, minimum version 8. Experience with later versions like 17 is fine.
• Experience with relational or non-relational data source (e.g. SQL Server, Mongo, RedShift)
• Good understanding of JVM fundamentals, including memory management, multi-threading/concurrency
• Delivery of at least 3 systems across the chosen industry, from inception to post release support, to understand the complete lifecycle of a project.

The following technologies are an advantage:  

• Knowledge of at least one asset class or business area (e.g. Fixed Income products or worked in a Treasury function) would be desirable. 
• Worked with and handled large datasets, including various strategies for interacting with and breaking down large sets of data. 
• Knowledge of python, having implemented an API for services to be used by a number of business users for access to data and calculations. 

$130,000 – $180,000 USD (depending on years of experience)

Senior Risk Manager

Capstone are looking to appoint a Senior Risk Manager to play a critical role in our mission to build a world-class risk platform to drive understanding and empower decisions on Risk, Performance, Margin and Capital Allocation.  You will provide key analysis and analytics to the Risk Team, Investment Committees, and the Trading Desks.  The ideal candidate would have exceptional product and risk knowledge covering Pricing, Greeks, Scenarios and VAR. To be effective in this role you will be required to interact closely with the trading desks and the various business functions: Technology, Treasury, and Investor Relations.   The role offers great exposure to the many and varied aspects of a hedge fund, and you will be expected to be a great communicator, a strong team player, an open-minded collaborator and able to bring your own and others innovative ideas to life.  This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual with a passion for risk management and technology to join a leading hedge fund and work with a team of experienced professionals in a dynamic environment.

• Identify, evaluate, and manage the risks across multiple trading desks and asset classes  
• Help develop the risk modelling, pricing, and analytics suite to enable effective decision making by Risk, Portfolio Managers, and the Investment Committee  
• Design risk analytics and scenarios to provide insight and aggregation of exposures across desks and funds.   
• Develop innovative performance analytics to enable effective tracking of performance, alpha and benchmarks   
• Closely follow global markets & macro events and communicate associations to PNL & performance  
• Develop and monitor the Risk Limit framework & Reporting for each trading desk  
• Proactively explore and develop new tools & approaches to understanding the risk exposures across books and asset classes  
• Work closely with the Risk Technology team to ensure systems are automated, efficient, and accurate  
• 7 – 15 years of relevant applied experience across asset classes covering linear and derivative products to be able to add tangible value in expanding our current approaches 
• Strong understanding of Option Pricing, Greeks, VAR and Scenario Analysis 
• Understanding of PNL drivers of trading books and an ability to communicate and explain the performance 
• Good listening skills and an ability to flex style to communicate articulately, concisely and with conviction to a wide range of stakeholders 
• High levels of motivation and continually seeking to improve the performance of self and supportive of others to perform 
• A collaborative team player, systematic, rigorous with an exceptionally high attention to detail  
• Analytical, innovative, and curious about with and extrapolating meaning from data 
• Good Python (or similar) and SQL programming skills desirable

Software Engineer

Solutions strategist.

Capstone is committed to creating an inclusive environment where we welcome people of different backgrounds. Capstone considers applications for employment without regard to all applicable protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation. Gender identity or expression, age, parental status, veteran status or disability status.

UI Engineer – Risk Technology

Capstone is looking for a GUI specialist for our Risk Development Team. They will be focused on helping us deliver innovative and world leading visualizations for a wide variety of analytics and use their expertise to help us build a world-leading Risk function. We’re looking for a natural self-starter, with a desire to learn more about finance and who will want to ask questions and find out how things work. They will want to help their team visualize data and help to build user interfaces that will enhance their day-to-day work, as well as innovate in the domain of Buy Side finance.

Responsibilities :  

• Build out screens for displaying risk data in tabular and graphical formats
• Visualize time series data
• Work closely with teams on best methods for presentation of analytics

Required experience:

• Professional experience with Angular and JavaScript,
• Professional experience in Data Visualization, and UI Design
• Understanding of unit testing and integration testing
• Have delivered 2 or more client led UI projects for business customers
• 3-5 Years of professional experience 

Advantageous experience:

• 3-5 years’ experience in hedge funds or financial services
• Knowledge of Python or Java
• Have worked with data from a database or server
• Experience with MVC or a similar framework
• Professional experience in at least one asset class or business area (e.g. Fixed Income products, or worked in a Treasury function)
• Experience with visualization libraries like Plotly or XCharts,
• Experience with a task management system like JIRA
• Experience with AG Grid or similar 

BASE SALARY RANGE:

$120,000 – $160,000 (depending on years of experience) USD

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Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering

Info-i 491 capstone project internship (3-6 cr.).

Students put their informatics education to practice through the development of a substantial project while working in a professional information technology environment.

2 classes found

Spring 2024

Regular Academic Session / Internship/Practica

ITN 3446: Total Seats: 30 / Available: 27 / Waitlisted: 0

Internship (ITN)

• I 491: P - INFO-I 211 and I 308
• Please see this link: https://go.iu.edu/info-i491
• Above class requires permission of Department
• Above class graded on deferred R grade basis

ITN 4156: Total Seats: 30 / Available: 29 / Waitlisted: 0

• Above class for students not in residence on the Bloomington Campus

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Summer Internship Program

We believe that summer internship programs are 'practical avenues of knowledge and learning'. A SIP holds enormous worth in the employment market. When pursuing for job placements after completing PGDM, the interview questions are predominantly on the internship report drafted by the student. Our summer internship opportunities focus hands-on learning with top notch organizations. Students get a glimpse into the corporate world, moreover, moving on from front-row seat or fence sitter to shaping a prospective career alternative.

Capstone Project

AIDTM designs capstone projects that encourage students to think critically and solve challenging problems. These projects are interdisciplinary, in the sense that it is essential for students to apply skills or investigate proceedings across diverse subjects’ regions or domains of knowledge. Capstone Project revolves around a particular framework:

Determining a topic

• 1. Do a literature/documentation review.
• 2. Formulating your thesis.
• 3. Presenting your research.

Capstone projects are a significant way of exhibiting the proficiency of learning. This type/class of work can assist our students to regulate their competence and inclination to illustrate what they have learned throughout the trajectory of their project.

Industry Visits

Industrial visits are essential as to provide students with an apprehension regarding internal operations of companies. With an aim to go beyond academics, industrial visits impart students a practical perspective on the world concreted on corporate structure. It provides students with an opportunity to learn practically through interaction, working methods and employment practices. It gives them exposure to current work applications with a relevance to course they have opted in AIDTM. Industrial visits furnish an excellent opportunity to interact with high profile professionals and learn business networking too.

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College of Engineering

LSU Mechanical Engineering Seniors Design Unique Structure for LSU School of Theatre

BATON ROUGE, LA – As part of their capstone project, six LSU Mechanical Engineering seniors designed a truncated icosahedron—a sphere-like structure—for LSU’s School of Theatre that will be used by students when they perform in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.

LSU School of Theatre Associate Professor of Movement Nick Erickson said that he was trying to decide how to get the icosahedron designed, so he approached LSU’s College of Engineering. Once the six ME students chose to work on his idea for their capstone project, Erickson began fundraising and the students began design.

LSU ME seniors Emily Baudier and Julia Ducote of Slidell, La.; Scott Hew and Dylan Dupre of New Orleans; Lydia Carriere of Austin, Texas; and Blake Hidalgo of Morgan City, La.; began working on the project in October and spent nine weeks this spring actually building the icosahedron. They finished this month in time for the theatre students to begin rehearsing with it in June.

“This project is to inspire and empower our students to create and present their work on a global scale at the largest arts festival in the world in Edinburgh, Scotland,” Erickson said. “Through this experience, the theater students are exposed to world-class performance in all genres and types from over 80 different countries, encouraging and inspiring them to become global citizen artists whose voice has impact.”

The first icosahedron was built by an LSU Civil Engineering student in 2014 and had a limited capacity of three people. Part of the new design was to make the icosahedron more durable so that it could hold up to six people, and its pieces could easily fit into luggage for travel.

The students call the icosahedron “buckyball” since it is the exact shape of the Carbon 60 molecule known as Buckminsterfullerene, which has a cage-like, fused-ring structure made of 20 hexagons, 12 pentagons, and resembles a soccer ball. The “buckyball” is 6.5 feet in diameter, weighs 108 lbs., and is comprised of 90 links, 60 joints, and 180 fastener sets. The joints were mass produced using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and CAD models, while the links were individually and manually machined through a multi-step process using a bandsaw, lathe, mill, and belt sander.

“A lot of the other [capstone] projects were able to outsource or just buy equipment, but we had to handmake everything except for bolts and screws,” Hew said.

The total budget for the project was set at $7,500, which Erickson secured through the Provost’s Fund for Arts & Humanities. The students were able to complete the project using only $5,837, which meant the rest of the money could be used to send the theater students to Scotland this summer.

“We had a pretty tight budget with the pieces that we had to manufacture, but when we did our manufacturing at LSU, we shaved off $1,000 and also got a lot of hands-on manufacturing experience,” Baudier said.

Though the capstone team found the project challenging at times, it is pleased with the results and enjoyed collaborating with the theater department.

“We had a lot of fun,” Baudier said. “The piece is beautiful. It’s artwork. When you see it in person, it’s very shiny, and we’re proud of what we put together and happy that the theater is satisfied.”

Erickson is thankful for the engineering students’ hard work, which allows his theater students to flourish in their field as well.

“The personal and professional growth from my students’ experience at the festival has a lasting and positive impact on them for years and decades to come in future leadership, artistic, academic, and corporate positions,” he said. “I have been contacted by alumni of past trips expressing their gratitude for how the festival shaped their future.”

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Contact: Libby Haydel Communications Manager 225-578-4840 [email protected]