15 Internships for College Students in South Dakota
If you’re interested in building your resume while you’re still in college, an internship can help you do that. They give you real-world experience, help you figure out what kind of work you actually enjoy, and make it easier to stand out when you start applying for jobs. South Dakota gives you ample opportunities in fields like business, government, healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and more. There are roles with local businesses, state agencies, nonprofits, and research organizations, so you can try out different career paths depending on your major. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start, so we’ve narrowed things down for you. This list focuses on internships that offer solid learning experiences, useful skills, and are accessible to undergraduate students.
If you’re open to considering remote/online internships, then you can check out paid programs here! And if you’re worried about having less experience, check out our blog here!
Why should I do an internship in college?
Doing an internship in college helps you apply what you learn in class to real situations. You get to work with real data, tools, and teams, which makes you more job-ready. Internships can help you figure out what you enjoy and what may not be the right fit, so that you save time and effort later. It also improves your chances of getting hired later, since employers look for candidates with practical experience. On top of that, internships help you explore different career options, build connections, and sometimes even lead to full-time job offers after graduation.
We’ve curated below a list of 15 Internships for College students in South Dakota based on cost, stipend & overall program quality and learning outcomes.
1. South Dakota Discovery Center STEM Educator Summer Internship
Location: South Dakota Discovery Center, Pierre, SD
Stipend: $15 to $17 per hour, depending on education and experience
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Flexible; a 12-week commitment from May 20 to August 9 is preferred
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: College students with strong communication skills and an interest in working with children; students pursuing careers in formal or informal education, and those with CPR or First Aid training are preferred
The South Dakota Discovery Center offers youth programs that introduce students to science topics and focus on technology, environmental awareness, and what it means to be a citizen scientist. As a STEM Educator Summer Intern, you’ll help plan and lead hands-on programs for preschool through middle school students at the center and other locations across the state. You’ll assist with projects, events, program promotion, materials preparation, and travel, setup, and teardown, including lifting up to 40 lbs. You’ll build skills in STEM teaching, teamwork, and program planning, and learn different curricula and resources. You’ll also support the Living Lab and garden areas.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts run throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder University Internship Program gives you the opportunity to work with startups and nonprofits across different industries around the world. You’ll collaborate with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach to build a personal project connected to the organization’s goals, complete smaller assignments, and present your final work to the board. You can choose fields such as software engineering, finance, media and journalism, tech, consulting, mental health, nonprofit work, and environmental science. You end the program with a presentation that demonstrates your work to the company. Apply now!
3. The State of South Dakota Intern Program
Location: Various government organizations across South Dakota
Stipend: Paid (amount varies depending on the position)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: January – May (Spring) | May – August (Summer) | September – December (Fall)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session and opportunity
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited U.S. college, university, or vocational-technical program who are current part-time or full-time students with at least 6 credit hours in the upcoming or previous semester, and who have completed at least 1 year of their program by the start of the internship. South Dakota residents and students attending South Dakota institutions are preferred
The State of South Dakota Intern Program offers hands-on, pre-professional experience within state government agencies across a wide range of fields. You can find internships in areas like accounting, engineering, education, corrections, fisheries and wildlife, nursing, pharmacy, law, marketing, public relations, and technology. Interns are placed in real government departments, gaining direct exposure to public-sector operations and workflows. The program runs across three sessions annually (Spring, Summer, and Fall), with positions posted separately for each cycle, so available roles may vary from session to session.
4. South Dakota Farmers Union Summer Internship
Location: Various locations across South Dakota
Stipend: Not specified; reimbursement available for travel expenses and housing in Huron is provided by Farmers Union if needed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 2000
Dates: Mid-May and late August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are at least 19, have a valid driver’s license, and have a safe driving record can apply
The South Dakota Farmers Union hires students each year as summer interns to assist with youth camps for ages 6 to 18. You’ll help plan and run county, district, and state camps, including promotion, marketing, and follow-up. You will lead games, activities, crafts, and sometimes music or plays, and teach lessons on agriculture, citizenship, stewardship, and cooperative values. You’ll be supervised by an Education Specialist and handle office tasks such as computer work, mailings, and phone calls to support the program. A background in agriculture or Farmers Union is helpful but not required. The internship is a great opportunity for students interested in agriculture, education, or child development, and may be eligible for college credit.
5. LBNF/DUNE Internship, South Dakota
Location: Sanford Lab, Lead, SD
Stipend: Interns earn $20 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: May 18 – August 7
Application Deadline: December 5 – February 17
Eligibility: Undergraduate engineering sophomores or juniors majoring in mining or related fields, enrolled in a four-year U.S. college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The LBNF DUNE Internship gives you a chance to work on a large underground construction project focused on mining and related engineering fields. You’ll gain experience in underground excavation, construction, and project management, and assist the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility Far Site Conventional Facilities project. You take part in fieldwork, like drill-and-blast excavation, shotcrete and concrete construction, ground support installation, and ventilation design. You’ll also help track construction progress, record daily work, and assist with procurement and management tasks under a mentor's guidance. The internship helps you build practical experience in large-scale underground engineering projects.
6. South Dakota Legislature Internship Program
Location: Legislative Research Council, Pierre, SD
Stipend: Interns earn $7,215 total, calculated at $185 per day during the legislative session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 22 students
Dates: January 13 – March 12 (legislative session); orientation takes place on January 12, and Veto Day is on March 30
Application Deadline: October 17
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university
The South Dakota Legislature offers internships for college students during the legislative session. You’ll be assigned to a legislator, group, or committee based on your interests and party preference. You may work with leaders like the Speaker of the House or committee chairs. Your work may involve research, scheduling, writing articles, tracking legislation, responding to constituent emails, and helping during committee hearings. You’ll attend committee meetings, caucuses, and daily Senate and House sessions, and be expected to be available on legislative days except Veto Day.
7. Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership Human Resources and Marketing Internship
Location: Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership office in Madison, SD, or Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: Interns earn $17 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until the position is filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate students or recent graduates in HR, Marketing, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or related fields; students skilled in video editing and presentation are preferred
The Inter Lakes Community Action Partnership Human Resources and Marketing Internship gives you hands-on experience while working in the Madison and Sioux Falls communities. You’ll work with a team and take part in projects that will help you build skills in marketing and HR, and gain professional experience. You’ll help schedule and lead meetings with program managers and leaders, make short videos to highlight programs and their community impact, and create a 12-15-minute orientation video introducing the organization. You’ll also design onboarding toolkits to help staff and maintain consistent processes. Through this work, you’ll build connections, gain practical experience, and see how your efforts support community programs.
8. Children’s Home Society of South Dakota Summer Internship
Location: Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: Interns earn $20–$22 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer shifts run Monday to Friday
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a post-secondary program that requires internship hours in a related field
Children’s Home Society of South Dakota offers summer roles for associate’s- and bachelor’s-level students to provide care for children in a residential program. Working as part of a team, you'll gain hands-on experience and mentorship from professionals, with exposure to different departments and support for academic growth. Day-to-day responsibilities include supervising children, leading activities such as games and outdoor recreation, and helping with daily routines like meals, hygiene, and school preparation. Emotional support is a core part of the role, where trauma-informed approaches are used to respond to children's needs, and interns remain actively involved in the treatment team. The position also involves recording updates, completing reports, following safety policies, and tracking visits, as well as participating in training, meetings, and quality improvement work.
9. Sanford Arts Internship
Location: Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: A stipend may be offered, based on discussion during the interview and acceptance process
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible schedule; 200 hours per semester, about 15 hours weekly in Spring/Fall and 20 hours weekly in Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students in their junior or senior year enrolled in visual arts, music, theater, art education, dance, counseling, psychology, or sociology programs
The Sanford Arts Internship gives you the chance to work within a hospital environment, where you'll help Sanford Arts promote wellness through creative, arts-based activities that encourage positive experiences and relationships. You'll collaborate with other artists, work directly with participants, and take on independent projects, all in a setting that calls for flexibility, compassion, and an outgoing attitude. The internship spans a full semester and offers broad exposure across different areas of arts programming in healthcare.
10. Sales Management Trainee Internship at Enterprise Management
Location: Enterprise Mobility, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: Interns earn $16 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: May 19; students can also start on January 6
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until the position is filled
Eligibility: Current students working toward a bachelor’s degree with a graduation date in August, December, or May. Must have a valid driver’s license and authorized to work in the United States
The Sales Management Trainee Internship at Enterprise Management is a 12-week program where you’ll build business and leadership skills and learn how a company operates. You’ll take on tasks similar to those of early career professionals and work in a team environment with other interns. You’ll spend about 40 hours each week developing skills in managing a vehicle fleet, working with customers, creating marketing strategies, and building professional relationships. You’ll learn to apply what you learn to complete intern projects and compete with your peers in team competitions. You may qualify for performance incentives and employee referral rewards during the internship.
11. City of Sioux Falls’ Ascend Internship Program
Location: City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: Paid; intern wages start at $18.48 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically 10 weeks between May and August, with flexible start and end dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 18 or older in good academic standing can apply, including those enrolled full-time in a four-year university, technical college, or pursuing a master’s degree
Ascend is the City of Sioux Falls’ paid 10-week summer internship program where you’ll explore public service careers such as public safety, city planning, parks and recreation, technology, and internal operations. You’ll work about 40 hours a week with city employees on projects that support community development, infrastructure, and local services. The program provides professional development opportunities to help you build skills and prepare for future careers, as well as guidance from a dedicated mentor. You’ll also join weekly cohort activities like networking events, lunches, and social gatherings, which will give you a chance to meet other interns. You'll gain experience and give back to the community through hands-on projects and teamwork.
12. First Bank & Trust Internship Program
Location: First Bank & Trust, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots are available
Dates: 12 weeks; part-time
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until the position is filled
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in higher education at a university or technical school
First Bank and Trust offers 12-week internship opportunities that allow you to meet leaders and customers and learn about careers in banking. Internships are available across the organization in banking, technology, data engagement, human resources, and marketing. You might work with internal teams to improve technology systems, assist users, help create more efficient operations, and maintain data accuracy. You might also research solutions, update procedures, help with service desk needs, manage priorities, and choose effective ways to complete tasks. You’ll gain a stronger understanding of your chosen career field, build confidence in your skills, and make connections that can help you long term. You can view open positions here.
13. Make-A-Wish America General Internship
Location: Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Minimum 10 hours a week; days and hours are flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: College students or recent graduates
Make-A-Wish America creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, and its South Dakota and Montana chapter in Sioux Falls offers internships for motivated students. You’ll gain experience across different areas of a small nonprofit. You’ll work with staff on tasks like communications, wish-granting, development, volunteer management, operations, and general office support. You’ll also complete the required training and get regular feedback from staff. This will help you build skills and contribute to the organization’s work. You’ll work at least 10 hours per week during regular business hours. The schedule is flexible and may include some off-site or evening work, depending on the projects.
14. Sanford Health Medical Laboratory Science Sioux Falls Program
Location: Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The classroom has a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio, and in the lab, students usually train one-on-one with clinical staff
Dates: July – May; 45 weeks
Application Deadline: August 1 – October 1
Eligibility: College seniors affiliated with their institutions to complete a medical laboratory science bachelor’s degree, or students who already hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must have completed the required pre-clinical courses and credits before the program starts
Sanford Health’s Medical Laboratory Science Program offers college seniors the opportunity to participate in clinical lab training in modern medical labs over 45 weeks. You’ll attend lectures, participate in student lab sessions, and get bench instruction across departments like Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Blood Bank, along with enrichment rotations. You’ll work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to noon on Friday. You’ll perform phlebotomy, run analytical tests, maintain lab instruments, troubleshoot issues, review results, and follow quality guidelines. The program will also teach you basic management skills. Graduates of the program receive a certificate and can take the ASCP Board of Certification exam.
15. BX Civil & Construction — Construction Internship
Location: BX Civil & Construction, Dell Rapids, SD
Stipend: Interns earn $14.75–$19.75 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May to August
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until the position is filled
Eligibility: Students enrolled in civil engineering, construction management, or related programs at a college or technical institute can apply, as well as individuals with an interest in the construction industry
BXCC’s Construction Internship is for students early or mid-way through college in construction management, civil engineering, or related fields, as well as anyone interested in construction and willing to work hard. You’ll work on-site as part of a crew, learn field operations and trade skills, and be guided by crew leads and supervisors. You also help supervisors and project managers with tasks based on your experience, performance, and communication skills. You might need to travel during the workweek, depending on the job site. Overtime is common and paid at standard rates, and you’ll follow the schedule of the crew or manager you are assisting. You usually work Monday to Friday, and some Saturdays if needed, based on project timelines or weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. The South Dakota Legislature Internship Program lists pay as a total of $7,215 calculated at $185 per day. How does that compare to the hourly roles on this list, and is the schedule manageable alongside coursework?
Calculated across the roughly two-month legislative session, $185 per day works out to a strong total, especially compared to standard hourly internships on this list like Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership ($17 per hour) or Enterprise Mobility ($16 per hour). That said, this internship runs during the spring semester (January through March) rather than the summer, so it requires being available on legislative days throughout that period, which is a different time commitment than a typical summer internship and works best for students who can structure their spring semester course load around it or who are taking the semester off campus.
2. The LBNF/DUNE Internship at Sanford Lab pays $20 per hour for underground engineering work. What makes this opportunity particularly distinctive compared to other engineering internships?
This internship gives you access to one of the most unique engineering projects in the country, the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility, a major underground physics research site, and the hands-on exposure to large-scale underground excavation, drill-and-blast construction, and ground support installation is genuinely rare at the undergraduate level. Most civil and construction internships, including BX Civil & Construction on this list, involve surface-level construction work, whereas LBNF/DUNE gives you direct experience with deep underground mining and construction techniques tied to a globally significant scientific facility, making it a standout credential if you're pursuing mining, geological, or civil engineering specifically.
3. Several of these internships (Children's Home Society, Sanford Arts) involve emotionally demanding, care-focused work. How should I think about whether this type of internship is the right fit for me?
These roles are excellent options if you're considering a career in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related helping profession, since they give you direct, supervised experience with trauma-informed care and therapeutic engagement that's difficult to access otherwise as an undergraduate. Children's Home Society pays particularly well for this kind of work ($20 to $22 per hour) and pairs you with a treatment team and professional mentorship throughout, while the Sanford Arts Internship offers a gentler, creativity-focused entry point into healthcare settings if direct caregiving feels like too large a step initially. If you're unsure whether this type of work suits you, it's worth discussing the day-to-day expectations directly with the program coordinator before committing, since both roles require genuine emotional resilience and a compassionate, steady presence.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 15 internships for college students in South Dakota, spanning a uniquely strong cluster of civic and government roles, including the State of South Dakota Intern Program and the South Dakota Legislature Internship, alongside specialized opportunities like the LBNF/DUNE underground engineering internship at Sanford Lab and care-focused placements at Children's Home Society and Sanford Arts. Pay varies widely by sector, with the Legislature Internship's session-long $7,215 total and Children's Home Society's $20 to $22 per hour standing out among the highest disclosed rates, while government and nonprofit-adjacent roles like Make-A-Wish and the Farmers Union internship offer more modest or unspecified compensation balanced by strong mentorship and community impact. For students who want a fully remote alternative to South Dakota's heavily in-person and field-based internship landscape, Ladder Internships remains the only virtual option on this list, connecting students with startups and nonprofits across software engineering, finance, and environmental science.