15 Business Internships for Freshman in College
Business internships can be a valuable addition to your college experience, especially if you’re a freshman exploring careers in management, finance, consulting, operations, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Through a business internship, you can apply classroom concepts to professional settings while becoming familiar with how businesses operate on a day-to-day basis. Many internships also help you strengthen practical skills such as financial modeling, data analysis, Excel, PowerPoint, communication, project coordination, and strategic thinking.
For those looking for business-administration specific internships, look at our blog here, and for those interested in business-research internships, check out our blog here.
Why Should I Do a Business Internship in College?
A business internship during college can help you build professional experience before entering the job market full-time. Employers often look for candidates who can demonstrate familiarity with workplace environments, collaboration, and problem-solving, and internships provide an opportunity to develop those qualities while you are still completing your degree. Fields like consulting, investment banking, operations, strategy, marketing, and corporate finance each carry distinct expectations and workflows, and early exposure to one of them can clarify where your interests lie. To help you get started, we have narrowed down a list of 15 business internships for freshmen in college.
Key takeaways
This list rounds up 15 business internships for college freshmen spanning consulting, financial services, and major corporations, with standout hosts including Deloitte, McKinsey, JPMorgan Chase, and Disney.
Nearly all of these are paid, though exact hourly rates aren't always disclosed, while one nonprofit-focused leadership program specifically guarantees at least $17 an hour or local minimum wage.
A few of these are structured around a nonprofit or community placement rather than corporate work, giving freshmen interested in public service or social impact a way to build business skills in a different setting.
Most of these operate across multiple U.S. office locations, while Ladder remains the only fully virtual, location-independent option on the list.
A couple of the earliest deadlines fall in January and March for two of the major financial services internships, so it's worth checking each program's specific application window individually since timing varies quite a bit across this list.
1. Deloitte – Discovery Internship
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Diego
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20–40 interns
Dates: 8–10 weeks during the summer (typically early June through early August)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen and sophomores enrolled in a 4-year degree program; a 3.2+ GPA is preferred
The Deloitte Internship Program is a professional services internship designed for undergraduate students interested in consulting, finance, strategy, operations, technology, and client services. Through the Discovery Internship, you can explore different business functions while working on projects connected to real client and organizational challenges. You will be exposed to areas such as business analysis, project coordination, financial processes, operations, and consulting-oriented work, depending on the team you join. The program also includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development sessions intended to support both technical and workplace skill development. Deloitte emphasizes experiential learning, meaning interns contribute to ongoing projects rather than only observing workflows. You may also gain familiarity with tools and professional practices commonly used in business environments, including presentations, collaboration platforms, and analytical workflows.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is an 8-week virtual internship program that places college students with startups in industries such as business, finance, consulting, marketing, technology, and media. During the internship, you will work on projects that may involve market research, customer analysis, business strategy, operations, or growth planning, depending on the startup you are matched with. Startup founders and company mentors will guide you through meetings, feedback sessions, and project discussions throughout the program. Participating companies span sectors including AI, healthcare, sustainability, analytics, and consumer products. The program also includes final presentations where students share project outcomes with their host companies.
3. American Express Student Internships
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S.; hybrid working arrangements in Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Winter: January – April, Summer: May – August, Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Winter: September, Summer: January, Fall: May
Eligibility: Current undergraduate & college students with a demonstrated interest in marketing and/or general management
American Express offers internship opportunities for undergraduate students across business areas such as finance, operations, analytics, marketing, risk, and corporate strategy within the financial services industry. Depending on the team you join, you may contribute to projects involving business analysis, reporting, process improvement, presentations, customer strategy, or operational planning. You will work alongside full-time employees on active assignments, giving you exposure to how large financial organizations manage internal operations and business decision-making. The company also provides professional development programming that may include mentorship, networking events, speaker sessions, and training opportunities during the internship period. Some internship tracks, particularly finance-focused programs, also expose you to forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning workflows within corporate teams.
4. EY Internships
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S., including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies by internship
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students, including freshmen, MBA, or advanced-degree students
EY internships can give undergraduate students exposure to how large professional services firms work across consulting, tax, assurance, strategy, and business operations. Depending on the role, you may assist with research, presentations, data analysis, client deliverables, or project coordination, working alongside teams on active engagements. Many interns are placed in collaborative environments where they participate in meetings, contribute to ongoing assignments, and observe how firms manage client relationships and solve business problems. EY also incorporates mentorship, networking events, and structured learning sessions into its internship experience, allowing students to interact with professionals across different service areas. Through this work, you can become familiar with analytical workflows, communication practices, and organizational tools commonly used in consulting and corporate settings.
5. JP Morgan Emerging Talent Experience
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S including New York, Columbus, Tampa, Newark, Boston, Plano, and San Francisco
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Typically June
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students, including freshmen, and early graduates who graduated in 3 years
JPMorgan Chase’s Emerging Talent Experience (ET Experience) is a career exploration and professional development program that introduces students to roles across finance, operations, technology, and business functions within the company. You will be placed in team environments where you can contribute to projects, workplace assignments, and collaborative initiatives while learning how large financial institutions operate. Depending on the role placement, you may assist with business analysis, operational support, presentations, project coordination, or process-oriented work connected to real teams and clients. The program also includes orientation-style training, networking opportunities, guest speaker sessions, and mentorship designed to help students become familiar with professional workplace environments.
6. Citrin Cooperman Future Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S., including New York City, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles area), Chicago, Philadelphia, and various locations in Ohio and New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Typically in June (tentative)
Application Deadline: Typically in May (tentative)
Eligibility: Students in their freshman and sophomore years of college who are working towards obtaining an accounting degree or who are enrolled in a related business program
Citrin Cooperman’s Future Leaders Program is an early-career program designed for freshman and sophomore undergraduate students interested in accounting, advisory, tax, audit, and professional services careers. The program introduces you to the structure and day-to-day work of a public accounting and consulting firm through workshops, networking opportunities, and exposure to different service areas within the company. You can learn about topics such as client services, professional communication, accounting workflows, and career pathways in business and financial services environments. The program also includes opportunities to interact with firm professionals, recruiters, and mentors while exploring how teams collaborate across audit, tax, and advisory functions.
7. Disney College Program / Internship
Location: Walt Disney World® Resort, Orlando, FL
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific role
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: At least 18 years of age, currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. college, university, or higher education program; completed minimum one semester or graduated within 24 months of the application posting date; unrestricted U.S. work authorization
The Disney College Program places undergraduates and recent graduates in guest-facing operational roles across retail, hospitality, food service, transportation, and resort management environments. You may work in merchandise, resort concierge, front desk operations, recreation, or food and beverage service while supporting day-to-day business functions at Disney properties. The business internship for freshmen in college also includes professional development sessions and networking opportunities connected to hospitality, operations, and customer experience management. Many roles involve point-of-sale systems, inventory support, guest relations, cash handling, and large-scale service operations within high-traffic environments. The internship is especially relevant if you are interested in hospitality management, retail operations, the entertainment business, or customer experience strategy.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S, Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid $17/hour or local minimum wage, whichever is higher; expenses associated with the Student Leaders Summit covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Typically 6 weeks starting mid-June
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: At least 18 years of age and who have achieved their high school diploma or equivalent within the last 2 years (freshmen or sophomore students); earned at least 12 hours and no more than 18 credit hours of post-secondary credit; legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a summer internship and leadership program for students interested in business, finance, public policy, and nonprofit work. Through the program, you will be placed with a local nonprofit organization where you contribute to daily operations, outreach efforts, and community-based projects. Internship responsibilities vary by placement and may include administrative coordination, event support, research, or communication tasks connected to the organization’s work. Alongside the internship, you will also attend the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., which covers leadership, economic mobility, and community development. The program gives you exposure to how corporations and nonprofit organizations work together on social impact initiatives.
9. KPMG Embark Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S, Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid, exact amount varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Typically June
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: First-generation or Community College students pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in accounting (or other equivalent) or an IT-related degree from an accredited college/university; GPA 3.0 or above preferred
The KPMG Embark Scholars Program introduces early college students to multiple areas within KPMG’s audit, tax, and advisory practices through a paid internship experience. During the program, you can rotate across different business functions to learn how teams within a professional services firm manage client work, financial reporting, and consulting projects. You can participate in training sessions, networking events, and professional development activities alongside KPMG professionals and other students in the cohort. The experience also includes mentorship opportunities and collaborative assignments connected to communication, analysis, and workplace problem-solving. As part of the internship, you will work on a capstone project that brings together ideas from different service areas within the firm.
10. The Pathways Internship Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including the USDA Whitten Building, Washington, D.C., and NRCS field offices
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students
The USDA Pathways Internship Program is a federal internship program for undergraduate students interested in fields such as agribusiness, agricultural economics, finance, management, communications, and public policy. Through the program, you may work with USDA agencies on projects connected to food systems, rural development, trade, budgeting, or program administration. Internships can take place during the summer or academic year, depending on the position and agency. Many roles are paid and are available across different USDA departments and offices in the United States. The work involves research, administrative support, policy-related projects, or operational planning based on the agency and role. In addition to business and administrative work, you will also gain exposure to agricultural policy, sustainability initiatives, and government operations.
11. Crowe Student Internships
Location: Varies by position, available across multiple locations in the U.S., including Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and Hartford
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 8 - 10 weeks; exact dates vary depending on position
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; exact specifications vary by position
Crowe offers internship opportunities for college students pursuing accounting, consulting, tax, advisory, and technology services. As an intern, you will be placed within professional teams that support clients across industries such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and government. Your work will involve audit testing, tax preparation, compliance reviews, financial reporting, operational analysis, or consulting research, depending on the internship track. Alongside client assignments, you will also attend firmwide networking events, training sessions, and professional development activities. Additionally, Crowe incorporates mentorship and peer support through career coaches and team-based guidance during the internship experience. Some roles include rotational exposure across service lines, allowing you to observe different areas of the firm over the course of the internship.
12. FedEx - Business Intern
Location: Several locations nationwide, headquarters in Memphis, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend paid, amount not listed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August | exact dates vary depending on the specific internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students; exact requirements vary depending on position
FedEx College Connections Internship is a paid summer program where you will work within one of several business functions across the company's U.S. operations. Roles span HR, marketing, sales, operations, transportation, and communications, with each placement tied to a specific team and set of ongoing projects. You can work alongside a senior team member who will provide mentorship throughout the program. Depending on your placement, day-to-day work may involve analyzing business data, supporting customer-facing initiatives, or contributing to process improvement projects. Outside of your assigned role, the program includes an executive speaker series, networking events, and tours of major FedEx facilities. Community service projects are also part of the schedule.
13. Cummins Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., Columbus (headquarters), North Carolina, and New York
Cost/Stipend: Paid; amount varies by opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate students; exact requirements will vary depending on the specific internship
Cummins offers student internship programs that allow you to explore business, operations, and engineering-adjacent functions within a global power solutions company. As an intern, you will work on projects related to supply chain management, manufacturing operations, finance, data analysis, marketing, or product and program management, depending on the team you join. You will be placed within cross-functional teams that support Cummins’ global operations across industries such as automotive, energy, and industrial systems. The experience can involve analyzing business processes, supporting operational improvements, working with data systems, or contributing to project execution alongside full-time employees. You can also participate in learning sessions, mentorship interactions, and professional development activities throughout the program.
14. Dell Technologies Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Round Rock, TX (headquarters), Hopkinton, MA, Palo Alto/Santa Clara, CA, and Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Varies by opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies by opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate students; exact requirements will vary depending on the specific internship
Dell offers student internship programs for undergraduates to explore business, technical, and operations roles within a global technology company. As an intern, you may work on projects in areas such as supply chain, marketing, finance, sales operations, human resources, IT, or product strategy, depending on the team you are placed in. You will be part of cross-functional teams that contribute to initiatives such as process improvement, data analysis, reporting, and project execution. The internship experience varies by role but typically includes mentorship, training sessions, and collaboration with professionals across different business functions. You may also gain exposure to large-scale technology operations and enterprise systems used across global markets.
15. McKinsey Business Analyst Intern
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, and more
Cost/Stipend: Varies by opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 8-10 weeks; exact dates vary
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate students; exact requirements will vary depending on the specific internship
McKinsey Business Analyst Intern is a paid consulting internship where undergraduates can join a client service team and contribute to active workstreams over the course of the summer. The work involves a combination of research, data analysis, client interviews, and brainstorming to offer recommendations to organizations across industries, including financial services, retail, healthcare, consumer goods, and more. You will work directly alongside clients and full-time McKinsey colleagues, helping diagnose problems and develop actionable plans. You present deliverables typically using PowerPoint presentations, Excel models, or written documents.
Questions freshmen often ask about these internships
1. Do I need business coursework already to apply to these internships as a freshman?
No, most of these are designed to introduce business concepts and workplace skills from the ground up, so no prior coursework is expected. A strong academic record and genuine interest matter more than specialized knowledge at this stage.
2. A couple of these programs list themselves as open to "all undergraduate students." Are they actually accessible to freshmen specifically?
Mostly yes, but a couple of the more advanced consulting and analyst-style roles tend to favor older students in practice, even when the official eligibility doesn't say so explicitly. It's worth applying anyway and also looking at the programs that explicitly mention freshmen.
3. Some of these are corporate roles while others are community-focused. How should I choose between them?
Think about what you want to get out of the experience: corporate roles tend to offer more direct exposure to a specific industry, while community-focused programs build leadership and social impact experience alongside business skills. Both are valuable, so it comes down to which environment excites you more.