15 Internships for College Students in Pennsylvania
Internships are a critical step in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional work. As a college student, you gain practical exposure to your chosen field, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. This experience not only strengthens your resume but also helps you build relevant skills that employers actively look for. Internships can also expand your professional network, giving you access to mentors and industry connections that may support your future career.
If you’re open to considering remote internships, check out our blog here!
Why should I do an internship in college?
Pursuing an internship during college significantly improves your employability by giving you hands-on experience that complements your academic background. You develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, all of which are essential in professional environments. Internships also help you understand workplace expectations and industry dynamics, making your transition into full-time roles smoother. In addition, internships allow you to test potential career paths before committing to them long-term. You gain clarity on what kind of work environment and role suits you best, which can inform your academic choices and future applications.
Below are 15 internships for college students in Pennsylvania that you can explore to gain meaningful experience and strengthen your professional profile.
1. Engineering Intern – PennDOT District 6
Location: Montgomery County, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($21.23–$22.13/hour depending on credits)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May – August (Summer)
Application deadline: June 26
Eligibility: College students enrolled in engineering or related disciplines; GPA ≥ 2.0; must be 18+
This paid internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers you hands-on exposure to civil and infrastructure engineering projects. You will work on areas such as roadway and bridge design, drainage systems, and pavement engineering, while also gaining experience in construction and materials testing. The program emphasizes practical application, allowing you to translate classroom knowledge into real-world scenarios. You will collaborate with experienced engineers and contribute to ongoing public infrastructure projects.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (varies by role; some tracks may offer stipends)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students; 10–20 hours/week commitment for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a competitive, fully remote opportunity where you work directly with startups and nonprofits across a range of industries. During the program, you will contribute to a real-world project that addresses an actual need within the organization, giving you meaningful, hands-on experience. You will collaborate closely with a manager or mentor, gaining insight into professional workflows and industry expectations. The program culminates in a final presentation, where you showcase your contributions and outcomes.
3. Right of Way and Real Estate Acquisition Intern – PennDOT
Location: Dauphin County, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($17.38/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May – August (Summer)
Application deadline: June 26
Eligibility: College students (various majors, including real estate, business, planning, engineering); GPA ≥ 2.0; must be 18+
This internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation focuses on the legal and administrative side of infrastructure development. You will support projects to secure land rights and manage real estate acquisitions necessary for public transportation initiatives. Your responsibilities may include assisting with claims settlements and contributing to documentation and field-related tasks. The role provides exposure to interdisciplinary work spanning real estate, public administration, and engineering. You will gain insight into how large-scale infrastructure projects are planned and executed from a regulatory and property perspective.
4. Real Estate Marketing and Leasing Intern – Harrison Richards, Inc.
Location: Ardmore, PA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Application deadline: April 26
Eligibility: College students with experience or interest in marketing, PR, or real estate
This on-site internship at a boutique real estate firm offers a blend of marketing and client-facing experience. You will assist with property tours, guiding prospective residents through the leasing process, and supporting tenant communication and retention efforts. On the marketing side, you will create and manage content for social media and company websites, gaining hands-on experience with tools like WordPress and Yardi. You will work closely with a marketing associate, receiving direct mentorship and practical training. The role also involves property improvement projects, giving you exposure to real estate operations. Please check the job board for the latest details.
5. Student Internship Program – Blumberg Institute
Location: Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, PA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application deadline: February 7 (applications open mid-December)
Eligibility: College students with an interest in biomedical or life sciences research
The Blumberg Institute’s Student Internship Program is a 10-week immersive research experience where you work alongside scientists in a professional laboratory setting. You will be involved in the full research process, from developing hypotheses to conducting experiments and analyzing results. The program offers exposure to specialized fields such as molecular biology, virology, medicinal chemistry, and biomarker discovery. You will gain hands-on experience using advanced laboratory techniques within a biotech-focused research environment. This internship is particularly valuable if you are considering a career in biomedical research or graduate studies.
6. Summer Undergraduate Internship – Pennsylvania Sea Grant
Location: Pennsylvania (varies; includes travel for meetings)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (~$17/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: ~9–10 weeks (beginning on or after June 1)
Application deadline: Rolling (review begins January 21)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a U.S. institution; must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The Pennsylvania Sea Grant internship offers you a multidisciplinary experience across research, communication, education, and outreach related to aquatic and environmental systems. You will work on projects focused on oceans, watersheds, and Great Lakes science, gaining exposure to both scientific research and public-facing initiatives. The program emphasizes professional development, helping you build skills relevant to policy, environmental management, and science communication. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with mentors while working independently on assigned tasks.
7. Internships and Co-op Programs – PPL Corporation
Location: Pennsylvania (various locations across service territories)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (competitive; housing support may be available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (May – August)
Application deadline: Typically September – October (for summer roles)
Eligibility: College students enrolled full-time; GPA ≥ 3.0 (2.5 for some roles); must be 18+
PPL Corporation offers a range of internships and co-op opportunities across fields such as engineering, IT, finance, business, and human resources. You will gain hands-on experience tackling real challenges in energy systems and the modern power grid. The program includes mentorship, networking events, and professional development activities designed to support your growth. You may work on projects involving cybersecurity, infrastructure, operations, or financial analysis, depending on your role. The structured onboarding and training ensure you understand both technical and organizational workflows
8. Intern to Hire Program – Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Office
Location: Pennsylvania (hybrid or remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round (minimum 3-month internship)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: College students (60+ credits) or recent associate degree graduates in fields like accounting, business, data analytics, IT, finance, or related areas; GPA ≥ 2.5
The Intern to Hire (I2H) Program at the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Office offers you a structured pathway from internship to full-time employment. You will gain hands-on experience in auditing and financial analysis while contributing to projects that support public accountability and government transparency. The internship allows you to apply academic concepts in real-world contexts, particularly in areas such as data analysis, finance, and public-sector operations. You will work in a flexible environment with options for remote or hybrid schedules. A key advantage is the potential for full-time employment upon successful completion of the internship.
9. Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) – University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($5,500 stipend + housing, meals, travel support)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 1 – August 7 (tentative)
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (U.S. citizens/permanent residents); must be enrolled in a 4-year college
The University of Pennsylvania’s SUIP is a prestigious 10-week biomedical research program designed for students interested in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD pathway. You will work closely with a Principal Investigator, gaining hands-on laboratory research experience while developing analytical and technical skills. The program includes seminars, workshops, and graduate school preparation sessions to strengthen your academic trajectory. You will also present your research at the final symposium, building your scientific communication skills. With strong mentorship and structured training, this program provides a rigorous introduction to advanced research.
10. Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP) – UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($15/hour + housing available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified (selective)
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (GPA ≥ 3.5; science background preferred)
The Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP) at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is an intensive biomedical research experience focused on pediatric health. You will work under expert researchers across diverse specialties, including oncology, cardiology, genetics, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. The program emphasizes understanding research design, methodology, and data analysis while contributing to ongoing clinical and laboratory studies. You will also develop scientific communication skills by presenting your work during a final Poster Day. With access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship, you gain exposure to real-world medical research challenges.
11. Internships – Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Location: Pennsylvania (multiple locations statewide)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (varies by role)
Application deadline: Varies by posting
Eligibility: College students enrolled full-time; must have completed freshman year; relevant STEM or related majors
The Pennsylvania DEP offers internships focused on environmental protection, providing you with hands-on experience in scientific, engineering, and technical fields. You may work on projects related to air and water quality, wildlife monitoring, environmental safety, and resource management. Past interns have contributed to initiatives involving acid mine drainage, oil and gas regulation, and disease control programs. You will work under professional supervision while gaining exposure to real-world environmental challenges and policy implementation. The program also includes limited roles in government services such as communications and public relations.
12. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) – The Wistar Institute
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($650/week + $85/week meal allowance + housing and travel support)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks (including 2-week lab orientation + 8-week research)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with coursework in biology and chemistry (minimum B grade); priority for students with limited prior research access
The Wistar Institute’s REU Program is an intensive biomedical research internship focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer. You will begin with a structured lab orientation, followed by placement in a research lab aligned with your interests, where you will work under the guidance of a mentor. Research topics include genome instability, immunology, stem cell biology, and cellular stress responses. Alongside lab work, you will participate in workshops on scientific communication, ethics, and graduate school preparation. The program emphasizes both technical skill development and long-term career planning. It concludes with a symposium where you present your research, making it an excellent choice if you are aiming for advanced study or a career in biomedical sciences.
13. Internship Program – Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified (competitive)
Dates: Late May – mid-July (~10 weeks)
Application deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, or PhD students enrolled full-time
Interning at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia gives you direct exposure to public service and the financial system. You will work on real-world projects across areas such as economic research, banking supervision, community development, or technology. Throughout the internship, you will receive mentorship from a supervisor, along with continuous feedback to support your professional growth. The program also includes a final reflection where you present your contributions and learning outcomes. You will develop analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills in a highly professional environment.
14. Summer Internship Program – Penn Museum
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($17/hour; ~$5,100 total)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified (competitive)
Dates: June 1 – July 30
Application deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates
The Penn Museum Summer Internship Program is a structured, 9-week experience that introduces you to careers in museums, research, and cultural institutions. You will work within a specific department while also participating in lectures, field trips, and professional development sessions. The program emphasizes mentorship and interdisciplinary learning, helping you understand both academic and operational aspects of museum work. You will gain hands-on experience in areas such as collections, research, education, or public engagement. The internship also encourages students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to apply
15. Internship Program – Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited (highly selective; varies by unit)
Dates: Varies (summer, fall, and spring opportunities)
Application deadline: Varies by unit (e.g., March 15 for summer toxicology)
Eligibility: Specific requirements vary by unit and academic level
The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office offers specialized internships across units, including pathology, toxicology, public health, and bereavement services. Depending on your academic background, you may work in laboratory settings analyzing toxicology samples or contribute to public health initiatives through the Fatality Review Program. These internships provide exposure to forensic science, medical investigations, and public health systems. You will develop technical and analytical skills while working alongside professionals in highly regulated environments. Some roles require prior coursework in chemistry or enrollment in advanced programs such as medical or social work degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am not majoring in a STEM field. Are there options on this list for me?
Yes, several. The Real Estate Marketing and Leasing Intern role at Harrison Richards is suited to students interested in marketing, PR, or real estate. The Pennsylvania Auditor General's Intern to Hire Program is geared toward accounting, business, data analytics, and finance majors. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and PennDOT's Right of Way and Real Estate Acquisition role also welcome students from business, planning, and public administration backgrounds rather than requiring a science or engineering major. Ladder Internships is the most field-agnostic option on this list, matching students with startups and nonprofits across a wide range of industries based on interest.
2. Which of these internships offer the strongest financial support, including housing?
The most comprehensive packages are at the University of Pennsylvania's SUIP ($5,500 stipend plus housing, meals, and travel support) and the Wistar Institute's REU Program ($650 per week, an $85 weekly meal allowance, plus housing and travel support). PPL Corporation also notes that housing support may be available depending on the role. Most other paid internships on this list, including the PennDOT roles, Pennsylvania Sea Grant, and UPMC SRIP, pay an hourly wage but do not mention covering housing, so students should budget accordingly if relocating for the summer.
3. How selective are these programs compared to one another?
Selectivity varies considerably. The University of Pennsylvania's SUIP and the Wistar Institute's REU are both explicitly highly selective or selective biomedical research programs aimed at students considering a PhD or MD-PhD path. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office internships are also highly selective and vary by unit, with some requiring specific coursework in chemistry or enrollment in advanced degree programs. State government roles like the PennDOT internships and the Pennsylvania DEP internships have clearer, more accessible eligibility criteria, such as a minimum GPA of 2.0 to 2.5, making them comparatively more attainable for a broader range of students. Ladder Internships is described as selective but does not publish a specific acceptance rate.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 14 internships for college students in Pennsylvania, spanning civil engineering, real estate, biomedical research, environmental science, public finance, and forensic science, with placements at state agencies, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office. The strongest financial packages are at UPenn's SUIP and the Wistar Institute's REU, both of which combine an hourly or weekly stipend with housing, meal, and travel support, making them particularly attractive for students traveling from outside the immediate Philadelphia or Pittsburgh area. For students who want flexibility without relocating within Pennsylvania, Ladder Internships is the only fully remote option on this list, allowing students to work with startups and nonprofits across a broad range of industries on their own schedule.