15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Montana
For students interested in pursuing careers in business, whether in finance, marketing, management, or entrepreneurship, internships are often the first step toward building a professional network and gaining hands-on experience. These opportunities enable you to work alongside professionals while developing practical skills, including market research, financial analysis, operations planning, and customer engagement. The internships featured in this list are selected because they offer hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to real business environments. From startups to financial institutions and manufacturing firms, these programs represent accessible and practical business internships for undergraduates in Montana.
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 can significantly improve your readiness for the job market. Instead of relying only on theoretical learning, you gain insight into how organizations make decisions, manage finances, execute marketing strategies, and interact with customers. Employers often view internship experience as evidence of your ability to work in professional settings, collaborate with teams, and solve real business problems. If you are studying business in college, exploring business internships for undergraduates in Montana can help you connect with companies, startups, nonprofits, and government organizations across the state.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 business internships for undergraduates in Montana.
1. MSU Jabs College Business Internship for Credit
Location: Bozeman, MT (various host sites statewide via Bracken Center)
Cost/Stipend: No cost | paid by host employer (varies) | academic credit available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified | about 100+ students annually participate
Dates: Flexible, year-round | summer common (May - August)
Application Deadline: Rolling | register by 10th class day
Eligibility: MSU business undergrads with prerequisites | sophomore+ standing
The MSU Jabs College Business Internship for Credit allows undergraduate business students at Montana State University to gain practical work experience across organizations in Montana. Interns work in areas such as finance, marketing, and management while applying the classroom concepts to real-world workplace tasks. Students are matched with employers through the Bracken Center and earn academic credit while gaining professional experience. Participants also submit weekly reports and receive evaluations from site supervisors, which helps them reflect on their learning. Many internships involve working on projects such as market analysis, operational improvements, and marketing campaigns.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students
The Ladder Internship Program matches students with high-growth startups working in areas such as consulting, marketing, and technology. Participants collaborate directly with company managers while receiving structured guidance from program coaches. Students work on real startup projects and present their results at the end of the internship. The remote format allows students to participate from anywhere while still gaining exposure to startup operations. Many projects involve research, marketing strategy, and business development tasks. Remote opportunities like these can complement other business internships for undergraduates in Montana when in-person placements are limited.
3. University of Montana LaunchPad Project Support Internship
Location: Missoula, Montana
Cost/Stipend: Paid (funded through program support)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts matched to local startups
Dates: Summer or semester-long placements
Application Deadline: Typically April for summer
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from the University of Montana with an interest in entrepreneurship or business
The LaunchPad Project Support Internship connects undergraduate students with startups and small businesses in Missoula. Interns support founders with tasks such as market research, digital marketing campaigns, financial tracking, and customer discovery. This program places you directly inside early-stage companies where you can observe how startups develop products and scale their businesses. Interns collaborate with entrepreneurs and contribute to projects that support business growth. The program also includes mentorship and networking opportunities with members of Montana’s startup ecosystem.
4. Montana Pollution Prevention Program (MTP2) Student Internship
Location: Training at Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana | internship placements at food and beverage manufacturing businesses across Montana
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (stipend varies by project)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small, selective cohort each year
Dates: June 1 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Junior, senior, or graduate-level students from any accredited university with strong communication, problem-solving, and independent work skills | technical or sustainability-related backgrounds often preferred
The Montana Pollution Prevention Program internship places students in food and beverage manufacturing companies where they analyze operational processes and identify efficiency improvements. Participants first attend training at Montana State University focused on lean manufacturing, pollution prevention, and operational analysis. Interns then spend eight weeks working with host companies to assess energy use, water consumption, and waste management practices. Students collect operational data, evaluate processes, and propose improvements that reduce costs and environmental impact. The program concludes with a formal presentation and detailed case study summarizing the intern’s findings.
5. State of Montana Business & Finance Internship
Location: Helena and other state agency offices in Montana
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by agency each year
Dates: Summer or semester internships
Application Deadline: Rolling | many summer roles close March - April
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in business, finance, accounting, or public administration
The State of Montana offers internship opportunities across multiple government agencies, focusing on finance and administrative operations. Interns assist departments with tasks such as budgeting support, financial reporting, procurement processes, and program management. You gain insight into how government agencies manage public finances and implement policies across departments. The program also includes mentorship from professionals working in public-sector management. Students learn about organizational structure, reporting systems, and financial oversight within government institutions. These internships are relevant if you are exploring careers in public administration or policy-focused business internships.
6. University of Montana College of Business Internship Program
Location: Missoula and other Montana cities
Cost/Stipend: Usually paid | some offer academic credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by employer
Dates: Fall, spring, or summer
Application Deadline: Varies by employer
Eligibility: Undergraduate business students
The University of Montana College of Business Internship Program connects students with employers across the state through structured placements. Participants complete a minimum of 150 hours of professional work experience aligned with their academic major. Students work in roles such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations while receiving mentorship from supervisors and career advisors. The program encourages students to apply classroom knowledge to real business challenges and organizational projects. Interns also build professional networks that can support future job searches. It makes it easier for students to access business internships for undergraduates in Montana while earning academic credit.
7. Parker Dewey Micro-Internships
Location: Companies across Montana (short-term in-person projects available)
Cost/Stipend: Paid project-based compensation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open platform | project-based placements
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from Montana universities
The Parker Dewey Micro-Internship program connects students with short-term business projects offered by companies and startups. These assignments can include tasks such as financial analysis, marketing research, customer outreach, and digital strategy planning. Projects often range from a few days to several weeks, allowing you to gain experience across multiple companies in a short timeframe. Students work directly with employers and complete projects that contribute to real business objectives. Because the projects are shorter than traditional internships, they can fit around academic schedules more easily. This flexible model makes it one of the more accessible business internships for undergraduates in Montana.
8. Montana Stockgrowers Association Summer Internship
Location: Helena, MT
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified | typically, 1 - 2 interns
Dates: May through August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: College sophomores/juniors | GPA of 2.5+ | an interest in agribusiness
The Montana Stockgrowers Association Summer Internship focuses on the business and policy aspects of the beef industry in Montana. Interns assist with projects related to event planning, policy research, member outreach, and digital communications. You will work closely with industry professionals and gain exposure to agribusiness management and advocacy efforts within the state. Interns may also help organize events, support communication campaigns, and interact with ranching communities. This experience provides insight into how industry associations operate and advocate for their members.
9. Marketing Intern – Missoula PaddleHeads
Location: Missoula, Montana (Ogren Park at Allegiance Field)
Cost/Stipend: Paid for-credit internship | housing provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed | limited seasonal intern positions
Dates: Baseball Season (summer; interns work throughout the season and all home games)
Application Deadline: Rolling until positions are filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in marketing, sports management, communications, or business | strong writing skills and interest in sports marketing preferred
The Missoula PaddleHeads Marketing Internship allows students to work within the marketing and operations functions of a professional baseball organization. Interns assist with promotional campaigns, fan engagement initiatives, and marketing materials used during games and events. You will help coordinate promotions, support digital marketing efforts, and contribute to game-day operations. Interns also collaborate with multiple departments to maintain consistent branding across the organization. One key project involves organizing digital photo and video assets to support the team’s marketing strategy. For students interested in sports marketing, this internship offers a unique perspective on business operations in the sports industry.
10. SHIFT Marketing Internship
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Cost/Stipend: Commission-based earnings
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selected cohort of interns each year (exact numbers not publicly listed)
Dates: Typically, summer (May - August)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications until positions are filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from any major interested in business, marketing, entrepreneurship, or sales
The SHIFT Marketing Sales & Business Internship focuses on sales training and client relationship management. Interns learn how to generate revenue through direct sales activities while building communication and negotiation skills. Participants receive training in customer engagement techniques and sales technology platforms used to track leads and performance metrics. The program encourages interns to set personal goals, analyze results, and refine their sales strategies throughout the summer. Interns also interact with mentors who provide feedback on performance and professional development. For students interested in entrepreneurship or sales careers, this program represents one of the performance-driven business internships for undergraduates in Montana.
11. Marketing Intern - Valley Bank (Glacier Bancorp)
Location: Helena, Montana
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (salary varies depending on experience and hours)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: May - December (schedule may vary based on the student’s academic calendar)
Application Deadline: Rolling until positions are filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled at a Montana college or university pursuing degrees in finance, accounting, or marketing, and interested in careers in community banking
This marketing internship at Glacier Bancorp’s Valley Bank provides exposure to marketing and operations functions within the banking sector. Interns support marketing campaigns, contribute to research projects, and create content for promotional materials and social media platforms. Students work with marketing managers to analyze customer data and support strategic marketing initiatives within the bank. The role may also involve assisting with events, compiling data for reports, and supporting brand development efforts. Interns gain insight into customer engagement strategies and financial services marketing. Banking roles like this represent another important category of business internships for undergraduates in Montana.
12. Enterprise Planning Internship - First Interstate Bank
Location: Billings, Montana (Great West Center)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (salary varies by role and experience)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: 10 - 12 weeks (maximum employment length of 90 days; typically during summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling until positions are filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed 2 - 3 years of college or hold an associate degree | strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills required
The Enterprise Planning Internship at First Interstate Bank provides students with experience in strategic planning and project management within a financial institution. Interns assist with enterprise planning initiatives and help track organizational projects across different departments. You will work with mentors to analyze operational data and support long-term planning initiatives within the bank. Interns also contribute to internal reporting processes and cross-team coordination. The experience offers insight into how large organizations plan and execute business strategies. This internship provides valuable exposure to enterprise-level planning for students interested in corporate strategy roles.
13. SPIKA Design & Manufacturing Finance Internship
Location: Lewistown, Montana (254 Cottonwood Creek Road)
Cost/Stipend: $18 - $20 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed | typically limited internship openings
Dates: Varies | typically summer or semester-based depending on company needs
Application Deadline: Rolling applications (posted through hiring platforms such as Indeed)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students taking courses in accounting, business administration, customer service, or related fields | strong attention to detail and familiarity with business software such as Microsoft Office preferred
The Finance Internship at SPIKA Design & Manufacturing provides students with experience in corporate accounting within a manufacturing company. Interns assist with tasks such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoice processing, and financial record management. Students also support vendor documentation, financial reconciliations, and administrative processes that support business operations. Interns gain exposure to compliance procedures, financial reporting, and internal accounting workflows. The internship also encourages process improvement projects that help to streamline operations. This internship offers practical exposure to manufacturing business operations for students exploring accounting or financial management.
14. Innovation Management Internship
Location: Billings, Montana (Great West Center)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (exact hourly rate not publicly listed)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed | limited interns selected for the bank’s summer internship cohort
Dates: 10 - 12 weeks (maximum 90 days), typically during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling | typically filled in early spring for summer internships
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed approximately 2 - 3 years of college or hold an associate’s degree | strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills required
The Innovation Management Internship at First Interstate Bank focuses on technology-driven business strategy and organizational innovation. Interns work within the bank’s Innovation Lab and conduct research on emerging technologies and industry trends. Participants contribute ideas for new digital initiatives and assist with projects aimed at improving internal processes. Students collaborate with teams across departments while learning how large organizations evaluate innovation opportunities. Interns also gain experience documenting project progress and supporting research efforts. This internship blends strategy, technology, and management skills within the financial services sector.
15. Sales Account Specialist Internship (Truck Rental Division)
Location: Billings, Montana (5044 Midland Road)
Cost/Stipend: $17 per hour plus potential performance bonuses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed | competitive national internship program with small branch cohorts
Dates: 10 - 12 weeks, typically starting in May (summer internship)
Application Deadline: Rolling | many positions filled between January and March
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students expected to graduate with a bachelor’s degree by the upcoming Spring | must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and meet Department of Transportation (DOT) driving requirements
The Sales Account Specialist Internship with Enterprise Mobility provides experience in sales operations and customer relationship management within the truck rental industry. Interns assist with fleet operations, customer service functions, and branch management activities. Participants also complete projects designed to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and sales strategy skills. The internship includes training in marketing, operational management, and client relationship development. Interns work closely with experienced managers who provide mentorship and feedback. Programs like this offer hands-on exposure to logistics and sales operations within large business organizations.
Summary
This list covers 15 business internships for undergraduates in Montana, spanning marketing, sales, finance, agricultural business, startup operations, banking, manufacturing accounting, business analytics, and supply chain management, hosted at organizations including MSU, University of Montana, the State of Montana, Glacier Bancorp's Valley Bank, First Interstate Bank, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Missoula PaddleHeads, Enterprise Mobility, SPIKA Design and Manufacturing, and Parker Dewey, with compensation ranging from commission-based models at sales-focused programs to fixed hourly wages at banking and manufacturing placements like SPIKA ($18 to $20 per hour). The programs divide between university-facilitated credit arrangements at MSU Jabs College and University of Montana, which offer the broadest eligibility and a structured pathway to connect students with Montana employers on a semester basis, and more specialized private-sector placements like First Interstate, Montana Pollution Prevention, and SPIKA Finance, which offer more defined project-based work with better compensation but typically require specific academic backgrounds, Montana residency, or junior-to-senior standing. Most university-facilitated programs require students to register within the first week or two of each semester, while time-bound private-sector programs like Montana Pollution Prevention (February 28) and Montana Stockgrowers Association (March 1) close applications in late winter for summer placements.
Questions Students Often Ask About Economics Programs
1. I'm early in my degree and haven't specialized yet. Which programs are the most accessible for freshmen or sophomores?
Parker Dewey micro-internships are among the most accessible options on this list, offering short-term rolling projects with no strict year-of-study requirement. Ladder Internships is also open to undergraduates at any stage of their degree. University of Montana LaunchPad and MSU Jabs College both facilitate placements for students within their university systems and, while they may require prerequisite business coursework, are generally more accessible earlier in your college career than private-sector placements that explicitly prefer juniors or seniors.
2. Several programs here are commission-based, like SHIFT and the Enterprise Mobility role. How are those different from a traditional paid internship?
Commission-based programs like SHIFT mean your actual earnings depend on individual sales performance rather than a guaranteed hourly rate, so income can vary significantly from the ranges advertised. Enterprise Mobility offers a fixed hourly wage rather than pure commission, making it more predictable financially. Both types develop practical skills in client communication, goal-setting, and performance tracking, but they suit students who are energized by measurable outcomes and direct accountability. If you prefer a structured environment with defined project responsibilities and a guaranteed wage, the banking internships at First Interstate and Valley Bank or the finance role at SPIKA are stronger fits.
3. Montana is a smaller market than major business hubs. Does that affect the quality of internships available here?
Montana's smaller business ecosystem tends to give interns broader responsibility and more direct access to senior decision-makers than equivalent roles at large organizations in major cities, which is genuinely valuable early in a career. Programs like Montana Pollution Prevention provide university-supported structured research with formal presentations, and APFC's investment internship offers exposure to sophisticated portfolio management at a level that punches above its geographic location. For students planning to stay in Montana long-term, the professional network you build through these placements is strategically important, since Montana's business community is close-knit and professional relationships here tend to have a longer runway than in larger, more transient markets.