20 Best Internships for College Students
Internships are a crucial stepping stone for college students seeking to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Whether it’s working with a top tech company, a policy think tank, or a nonprofit, internships give you the chance to work on impactful projects, receive mentorship, and develop workplace competencies that can’t be taught in a lecture hall.
In today’s competitive job market, a hands-on internship experience sets you apart. From software engineering roles to public policy and biomedical research, internship programs are becoming more selective, with acceptance rates as low as 1–2% for some top-tier options.
To help you navigate the vast array of opportunities, we have made a list of the 20 best internships for college students! This selection covers programs across disciplines, including both in-person and remote experiences, and includes prestigious names like NASA, Meta, and Goldman Sachs.
1. Google STEP (Student Training in Engineering Program) Internship
Location: Various Google offices (virtual options available)
Stipend: Paid
Dates: May–August or June–September (specific dates provided later)
Application Deadline: October
Eligibility: North American first-year students (must have completed at least one college CS course) and second-year students (at least two CS courses completed); programming experience in C, C++, Java, JavaScript, or Python required
The Google STEP Internship is designed for first—and second-year college students who want to explore careers in software engineering. You will work within a pod of two fellow interns and two host engineers, promoting collaborative problem-solving and hands-on technical work. The experience is enriched by a robust mentorship framework, which provides personal guidance from seasoned engineers throughout the program.
In addition to engineering tasks, you will benefit from professional development workshops, tech talks, and curated events that showcase Google’s culture and innovation. The STEP internship is particularly valuable for students from underrepresented backgrounds in tech, making it both a learning opportunity and a launchpad into the software industry.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,490 (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts; summer cohort begins June 2
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines depending on cohort
Eligibility: College students interested in tech, nonprofit, or related sectors
The Ladder University Internship Program connects students with startups and mission-driven organizations to work on real-world projects in tech, marketing, research, and social impact. Through this virtual internship, you will work directly with professionals, gain project-based experience, and build skills in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
What sets this program apart is its personalized mentorship model, in which you will be paired 1:1 with expert mentors who guide you through career planning and skills development. With a strong emphasis on education and real-world outcomes, the program has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and the Harvard Education Review. It’s ideal for students seeking flexibility, high-impact experience, and meaningful mentorship in a professional setting.
3. Meta University Internship Program
Location: Meta offices & Virtual
Stipend: Paid
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: Varies (early application encouraged)
Eligibility: First- or second-year students at a four-year college or university in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
The Meta University Internship Program is a ten-week summer opportunity designed for underclassmen interested in exploring careers in technology. You will work in Meta teams on real-world projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, product engineering, data analytics, and software development. The program not only builds technical acumen but also emphasizes cultural immersion within one of the world’s most innovative tech environments.
You will be paired with a dedicated mentor from Meta who will guide you through project execution, technical training, and professional development. Through this mentorship model, you will gain insights into Meta’s development practices while working in collaborative, high-impact teams. It's a standout opportunity for aspiring tech professionals seeking early exposure and long-term growth.
4. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program
Location: Goldman Sachs offices – New York City, various U.S. and global locations
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by division and location)
Dates: 9–10 weeks beginning in June
Application Deadline: Varies by region (early submission advised)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (typically in their 2nd or 3rd year); minimum 3.5 GPA preferred
The Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program offers a full-time summer experience where interns dive into the world of global finance. Interns collaborate with seasoned professionals in divisions like investment banking, asset management, and securities, contributing to live client projects, market research, and financial analysis. It’s a demanding but rewarding opportunity that develops your skills in Excel modeling, strategic thinking, and client communication.
Students accepted into the program are exposed to high-stakes environments, gaining knowledge of how markets operate on a global scale. Interns who excel may receive return offers for full-time roles after graduation, making this program a strong pipeline to a finance career. Ideal candidates are academically strong, analytically minded, and ready to thrive in fast-paced, data-driven settings.
Location: Apple campuses worldwide
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer and year-round options
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Full-time students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in technical or non-technical fields
The Apple Internship Program offers dynamic internship opportunities across various departments, including engineering, design, marketing, finance, and more. Internships are available during the summer or throughout the academic year, with both full-time and part-time formats, offering flexibility for students with ongoing studies. You will work at Apple on meaningful projects that directly impact the company’s innovative products and services.
From the moment you start, you’re treated like a full member of the team, contributing ideas, solving problems, and collaborating with leading professionals. Apple emphasizes real-world applications, giving you the chance to contribute to actual problems. This program not only develops technical and professional skills but also provides insight into Apple’s forward-thinking and design-driven culture.
Location: IBM offices worldwide (virtual options available)
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer and year-round options
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Full-time students pursuing degrees in computer science, engineering, data science, or related fields
The IBM Internship Program equips students with the chance to work on global initiatives that use emerging technologies to solve complex challenges. You will participate in impactful projects, such as IBM’s Call for Code initiative, collaborating with organizations like the United Nations to address global issues ranging from climate change to humanitarian crises.
You can expect to develop hands-on expertise in fields like AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing, all while engaging with cross-functional teams and mentors. IBM’s program is built around innovation and inclusion, fostering leadership, creative problem-solving, and collaboration. It’s a strong launchpad for students aiming to build a tech career.
7. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Investment Banking Internship
Location: Various U.S. locations
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by internship)
Dates: 10-12 weeks, starting in June
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their penultimate year (typically juniors), with a strong academic record (minimum 3.3 GPA) and a background in finance or economics
The J.P. Morgan Investment Banking Internship offers students an immersive 10-12 week experience in financial modeling, company valuations, and mergers & acquisitions. As an intern, you'll work closely with professionals on strategic planning and financial advisory projects, gaining deep insight into the investment banking world. The program helps you hone essential skills in accounting, valuation techniques, and financial analysis, key tools for a successful career in finance.
While demanding in terms of hours and expectations, this internship provides a comprehensive experience at one of the world’s leading financial institutions. It also offers a clear pathway to a full-time investment banking analyst role, making it a prime opportunity for ambitious students eager to launch their careers in finance.
8. Morgan Stanley Parametric Investment Operations Internship
Location: Various U.S. locations
Stipend: Approximately $30-$40/hour (varies by internship)
Dates: Varies by position
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their second or third year of study, with a solid foundation in finance principles
The Morgan Stanley Parametric Investment Operations Internship is a 12-week program offering experience in financial advisory, trading, and market analysis. You will work with capital market professionals on strategic financial initiatives and gain a comprehensive understanding of global financial markets.
The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills while offering exceptional exposure to the financial industry. This internship is designed for finance or business majors with advanced coursework in finance. Relocation may be required.
9. Citi Finance Internship Program
Location: Various U.S. and global locations
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10 weeks – 11 months
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors with a minimum GPA of 3.3, pursuing degrees in finance, business, or related fields
The Citi Finance Internship Program offers an immersive experience in financial analysis, market research, and data interpretation across various finance departments. Through team rotations, you’ll learn about global banking and markets while enhancing your analytical skills and understanding of financial operations. This rotational structure ensures a well-rounded finance foundation, equipping you for a wide range of career opportunities.
Proficiency in Excel and a basic understanding of accounting principles are essential for success in this demanding internship, particularly in financial modeling. The program provides valuable insights into global banking and offers various networking opportunities, making it a good stepping stone for students looking to enter the financial industry.
10. HSBC Global Banking and Markets Internship
Location: Various global locations, including the United States, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates
Stipend: Stipend varies by position and location.
Dates: 8 – 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Opens in mid-August, closing date varies by position
Eligibility: Juniors majoring in finance, economics, or related fields, with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above and a solid foundation in international finance
The HSBC Global Banking and Markets Internship is an 8-week, intensive program offering real-world experience in corporate finance, sales, trading, and market analysis. You will work with senior professionals on impactful financial projects while gaining exposure to global financial markets. The program focuses on international finance and capital markets, preparing you for a career in global finance.
Open to juniors in finance, economics, or related fields, this internship requires a strong understanding of international finance and capital markets. Given HSBC’s global reputation, the program is highly competitive, providing excellent networking opportunities and a clear pathway to full-time roles. It’s a premier summer internship for students seeking to gain hands-on experience in international financial operations and strategic market analysis.
11. Twitter #Terns Internship Program
Location: In-person at Twitter offices or virtual, depending on role and region.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Eligibility:
North & Latin America: Must be 18+, enrolled in a 2-4 year academic program, and eligible for a full-time role after your final year of school.
EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa): Must be 18+, enrolled in a 3-4 year academic program (undergrad, master’s, MBA, or PhD), and eligible for a full-time role after graduation or upon completing the internship.
JAPAC (Japan and Asia-Pacific): Must be 18+, enrolled in a 2-4 year academic program, and eligible for a full-time role after your final year of school.
The Twitter Internship Program offers a 12-week immersive experience for third-year undergraduates and graduate students seeking hands-on exposure to the inner workings of one of the world’s most influential social media platforms. Interns can work across a variety of fields, including engineering, marketing, finance, and more, while collaborating with experts on impactful projects that drive innovation and growth at Twitter.
Interns are fully integrated into their selected teams, gaining practical skills and building professional networks. The program, which is available both in-person and virtually, provides global exposure, with opportunities in North & Latin America, EMEA, and JAPAC. This program prepares students for future roles at Twitter, offering a strong foundation for full-time opportunities after graduation.
12. BlackRock Summer Internship Program
Location: Various U.S. locations
Stipend: $33-$56/hour
Dates: 9 weeks, from June to August
Application Deadline: Opens in March
Eligibility: Undergraduate or master’s students graduating between September and July, studying finance, business, or economics
The BlackRock Summer Analyst Program is a 9-week internship that provides students with real-world experience in portfolio management, client relations, and financial analysis within the asset management industry. You will contribute to investment strategies and financial technology projects, gaining insight into the financial markets and the decision-making processes of one of the world’s largest asset management firms.
This competitive internship is designed for undergraduate and master’s students majoring in finance, business, or economics. A basic understanding of portfolio management and investment principles is expected. Although the program involves a steep learning curve, it offers critical experience and may lead to full-time employment after graduation.
Location: Hybrid, various locations across the U.S.
Stipend: $45/hour and upwards
Dates: Summer and year-round options
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Graduate and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in computer engineering, data science, or related fields, with research experience or interest in machine learning, graphics, or human-computer interaction.
The Adobe Research Internship offers students the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research in computer science. Working closely with top researchers, you’ll explore innovative fields such as computer graphics, machine learning, and human-computer interaction. This hands-on experience allows you to contribute to the development of solutions that shape the future of digital creativity and technology.
The program blends theoretical knowledge with practical expertise, offering mentorship and specialized workshops to foster growth. You’ll be encouraged to think creatively and collaborate on projects that could impact Adobe’s next-generation products. This research experience will not only sharpen your technical skills but also deepen your understanding of emerging technologies.
14. UBS Financial Services Internship
Location: Various locations worldwide
Stipend: $52-$55/hour
Dates: Multiple dates; Summer program lasts 10 weeks (starting in June)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; apply early as positions fill quickly
Eligibility: Juniors majoring in finance or related fields with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; specific eligibility varies by role
The UBS Financial Services Internship is a 10-week summer program offering students hands-on experience in wealth management, financial advisory, and risk management. As an intern, you will collaborate with seasoned professionals on financial analysis, client advisory, and strategic planning, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry.
This internship emphasizes practical learning, helping you develop critical skills in data interpretation and strategic decision-making. It’s a great opportunity for students looking to build a career in financial services, providing valuable exposure to wealth management and financial advisory services.
15. NVIDIA Deep Learning Internship
Location: Various locations and virtual
Stipend: $18-$71/hour (tentative)
Dates: Summer and year-round options (12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Graduate and undergraduate students in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related fields with experience in deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)
The NVIDIA Deep Learning Internship offers students an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI and machine learning projects. This program provides hands-on experience in designing and implementing deep learning algorithms, utilizing NVIDIA’s powerful hardware and software solutions to advance AI technology.
You will work with leading deep learning experts and gain insights into the development of complex neural networks used across industries such as healthcare, automotive, and gaming. The program promotes innovative thinking, problem-solving, and technical growth, making it an excellent opportunity for students aiming to become AI specialists and contribute to the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
16. Intel High-Performance Computing (HPC) Internship
Location: Various locations and virtual
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer and year-round options
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields with a strong foundation in parallel computing and software optimization
The Intel High-Performance Computing (HPC) Internship allows students to dive deep into advanced computing technologies, focusing on parallel computing, optimization techniques, and high-performance software development. You will work with Intel’s latest hardware and software solutions, solving complex computational problems and enhancing your technical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
As an intern, you will collaborate with industry experts and engineers, contributing to groundbreaking projects that push the limits of high-performance computing. This experience can sharpen your technical proficiency and prepare you for impactful careers in fields like scientific research, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. The Intel HPC Internship is ideal for students passionate about large-scale computing and eager to contribute to technological advancements in the industry.
17. Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory (Business) Internship
Location: Multiple locations
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Typically 8–10 weeks during the Summer
Application Deadline: Varies by position and location; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors with a background in business, accounting, or finance
The Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory Internship provides students with hands-on experience in financial risk analysis, valuation, and transaction advisory services. You will work on real client projects, gaining valuable exposure to financial reporting, strategic planning, and consulting within complex business environments. You will develop key skills in financial decision-making, advisory services, and consulting while learning from seasoned professionals.
This highly competitive program is open to sophomores and juniors majoring in business, accounting, or finance. You should have a solid understanding of accounting principles and proficiency in Excel.
18. Bank of America Internship
Location: Various locations worldwide
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer program (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors majoring in finance or economics
The Bank of America Internship is a 10-week summer program that provides hands-on experience in financial planning, investment management, and client relations. Interns assist wealth managers in financial analysis and planning for high-net-worth individuals, gaining expertise in investment strategies and financial advisory. The program offers real-world exposure to wealth management, investment decision-making, and strategic financial planning.
This internship is designed for juniors and seniors majoring in finance or economics, with an understanding of financial planning and proficiency in Excel. Successful interns are often offered full-time positions with the wealth management team, making this an excellent opportunity for careers in investment management and financial advisory.
Location: Various locations and virtual
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer and year-round options
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in computer engineering, data science, business, or related fields
The LinkedIn Internship offers students tech and business roles, including software engineering, data science, product management, and more. You will work on projects that align with LinkedIn’s mission to connect professionals. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, applying both technical and strategic skills to address real-world challenges.
In addition to project-based work, the program provides opportunities for professional growth through technical workshops, leadership training, mentorship, and company-wide networking events. The internship offers an inside look at how innovation and community come together to shape professional networking.
20. Netflix Data Science and Engineering Internship
Location: Various locations and virtual
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer and year-round options
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Graduate and undergraduate students in data science, computer science, computer engineering, statistics, or related fields, with experience in machine learning and big data analytics
The Netflix Data Science and Engineering Internship provides students with opportunities to engage in large-scale data systems and predictive modeling. You will work on various projects involving personalized recommendations, content optimization, and audience engagement strategies. You'll apply your skills in machine learning, statistics, and big data technologies to solve complex business problems that directly shape user experience and strategic decisions.
This internship allows you to collaborate with leading experts in data science and engineering while immersing yourself in Netflix’s innovative and fast-paced culture. Beyond technical growth, the program includes mentorship, skill-building workshops, and access to company events, preparing you to thrive in high-level roles in tech and entertainment analytics.