15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Pennsylvania
If you’re an undergraduate student considering a future in business, internships are one of the most effective ways to gain practical experience and understand how organizations operate. Business internships allow you to apply classroom concepts to real-world situations, build professional skills, and work alongside experienced professionals in areas like finance, consulting, marketing, and operations. Doing a business internship in Pennsylvania offers undergraduates hands-on experience in a state with a massive, diverse economy that ranges from tech startups to major healthcare systems. It is a great way to build real-world skills and connect with professionals who can help you land a job after graduation.
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?
Business internships offer direct exposure to workplace expectations, including how teams collaborate, how decisions are made, and how projects are executed. You may work on tasks such as data analysis, client presentations, financial planning, or marketing strategy, depending on the role. These experiences help you build transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking, that employers expect from entry-level candidates. Internships can also provide opportunities to connect with mentors and professionals who can offer career guidance and support long-term goals.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 business internships for undergraduates in Pennsylvania. These opportunities span industries such as consulting, investment management, healthcare administration, media, and technology, offering exposure to a wide range of business functions.
1. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program
Location: Pennsylvania (Offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Canonsburg)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (<1%); cohort figures vary by firm need and year
Dates: 8–10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their third or penultimate year of study
The Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program is a 9–10 week internship designed for undergraduates that fully integrates them into the firm’s daily operations. You’ll attend an initial orientation and structured training sessions that will introduce you to the firm’s culture, expectations, and core business functions, followed by hands-on work across divisions such as Investment Banking, Asset & Wealth Management, Risk, or Global Investment Research. The program emphasizes collaboration within teams and provides opportunities to learn directly from experienced colleagues in an apprenticeship-style environment. Throughout the internship, you may gain firsthand experience in investment strategies, client-focused solutions, and financial analysis, while supporting a diverse global client base.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 10%; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program immerses you in the operations of an early-stage or high-growth startup, focusing on practical business applications. You collaborate remotely with startup founders and teams, dedicating five to ten hours weekly to structured, project-based assignments. Your core responsibilities involve conducting market research, analyzing competitor landscapes, and executing business development strategies tailored to your host company's genuine operational needs. Throughout the eight-week program, you navigate digital corporate workflows while refining professional skills in strategic planning, data analysis, and client-ready reporting. You receive direct guidance through regular meetings with a host company mentor and a dedicated Ladder coach, culminating in a professional-level project presentation. Apply now!
3. KPMG Embark Scholars Program
Location: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size varies by year and local office capacity,
Dates: Typically runs for 8 weeks during the summer (typically commencing in June and wrapping up in August)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: First-generation or Community College students pursuing or intending to pursue a Bachelor's degree in accounting (or other equivalent) or IT related degree from an accredited college/university; have a minimum of three semesters (or equivalent for quarter schools) to complete before obtaining their degree and/or CPA eligibility requirements post-Embark Scholars Program
Through the KPMG Embark Scholars Program, you’ll participate in a multi-year paid internship that introduces you to the core functions of a multinational accounting firm, including Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. Throughout the program, you’ll rotate across these practice areas, gaining exposure to different types of client work and developing a clearer understanding of where your interests align. You’ll get to connect with a network of KPMG professionals who’ll support your development and provide insight into the firm’s structure and expectations. A key component of the program is a team-based capstone project, where you’ll collaborate with other scholars to share your knowledge and build teamwork.
4. Advance – PwC's Internship Experience
Location: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Internships are available several times during the year, including in the summer and winter (January – March or April)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who meet minimum GPA requirements; graduation date must align with the firm's full-time hiring pipeline; legal authorization to work in the US without requiring current or future visa sponsorship
In this program, you’ll take part in formal training sessions, including the Leadership Development Experience, where you’ll receive real-time coaching and develop technical and leadership capabilities. You may also get to work on client assignments alongside partners, principals, and staff, gaining direct exposure to how client service is delivered in areas like audit and tax. The program will also include a shadowing experience that allows you to observe senior professionals and understand how responsibilities differ across roles within the firm. You’ll learn from a dedicated coaching team and participate in networking and community service initiatives that help you build strong professional relationships.
5. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Internships
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small to moderate cohort sizes
Dates: Typically a standard 10-week program running from mid-June to mid-August
Application Deadline: Early June
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students in their junior year (penultimate year); have an outstanding academic record (typically a competitive GPA of 3.5+ is preferred, though not an absolute cutoff); strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills, combined with leadership capabilities and effective communication
BCG Internships allow you to participate in a project-based experience where you’ll work with a consulting team to address real client challenges across industries. You'll gain experience in research, data analysis, and developing insights that contribute to strategic recommendations, gaining exposure to how consulting engagements are structured. The program offers multiple tracks, including core consulting, digital and technology roles, and business services like finance or HR, allowing you to focus on areas aligned with your interests. You’ll collaborate closely with professionals and benefit from structured learning and development programs that will help enhance your problem-solving and analytical skills.
6. Deloitte Internships
Location: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Mechanicsburg, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Competitive; dozens of interns per regional Pennsylvania office across various client-service tracks
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year via summer and winter/spring cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited undergraduate program; strong academic standing (typically a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above is preferred; 3.5+ is competitive); 18 years of age and possess legal authorization to work in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future
As part of Deloitte Internships, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the professional services industry through hands-on experience across areas such as client service, internal operations, or early-career Discovery internships. You may contribute to real projects by working on client deliverables or supporting internal functions, such as finance, technology, or marketing, depending on your assigned role. Throughout the internship, you’ll participate in structured training and receive mentorship that supports your development in technical, analytical, and client-facing skills. The program also includes networking opportunities and team-based collaboration, reflecting how work is managed at a large consulting firm.
7. Alvarez & Marsal (A&M)’s Internship Program
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Competitive; small-to-medium-sized cohorts
Dates: 8–10 weeks in early-June – mid-August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising college juniors and seniors; strong analytical capabilities, high spreadsheet proficiency, and solid communication skills; authorized to work in the U.S.
In A&M’s Internship Program, you’ll take part in an 8–10 week paid experience focused on applying business and consulting skills in a professional setting. You work on projects that contribute to real business outcomes, collaborating with teams across different practice areas and supporting client-focused initiatives. You’ll be involved with high-impact project work, where you’ll get to apply analytical and problem-solving skills to practical business challenges. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive mentorship from experienced professionals while developing your understanding of consulting workflows and team collaboration. The program will also provide opportunities to build professional relationships through networking and exposure to a collaborative, idea-driven work environment.
8. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Corporate & Finance Summer Internship
Location: Pittsburgh and Williamsport, PA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small to mid-sized per division site
Dates: Early June – Early August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate sophomore or junior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree; target graduation date within the subsequent two years; successfully pass background screening upon offer acceptance (including Pennsylvania Act 34 Criminal Record Check)
UPMC Internships and Fellowships provide hands-on experience in healthcare operations, with opportunities in areas such as finance, supply chain, IT, and human resources. During your placement, you’ll get to contribute to real projects that support hospital and administrative functions, gaining exposure to how large healthcare systems operate. Programs like the Summer Associate Program offer a structured, full-time internship where you’ll collaborate with professionals and build practical business skills. You’ll also have access to mentorship and may participate in rotational or residency-style programs that introduce you to multiple departments. Through this experience, you’ll develop an understanding of healthcare management while working in a professional, team-based environment.
9. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local non-profit organisations across the U.S., including Greater Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: Minimum of $17/hour or the local minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; more than 300 students
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer, starting from mid-June; the Leadership Summit is from June 16–18
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with good academic standing; at least 18 years old; earned at least 12 hours and no more than 18 credit hours of post-secondary credit; legally authorized to work in the U.S.; previous participants of the Student Leaders Program are not allowed to reapply; Bank of America employees or immediate family members are not eligible to apply
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program allows you to participate in a six-week paid internship with a local nonprofit organization, where you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting community-focused initiatives.You’ll work full-time on projects that may involve program support, outreach, or operational tasks, depending on the nonprofit’s focus and your assigned role. A central component of the program is the Leadership Summit, where you’ll get to engage with peers and professionals to explore how public and private sectors address community and economic challenges. Throughout the experience, you’ll develop leadership, communication, and professional skills while contributing to organizations focused on social impact.
10. Vanguard’s College to Corporate (C2C) Internship Program
Location: Malvern, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: 10-week summer program; cohorts typically begin in late May or early June and conclude in August
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications typically open in August
Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Finance, Business, or a CFP-registered program; at least 18 years old
The Vanguard C2C Internship Program immerses you in a 10-week, paid experience focused on business operations at an investment management firm. You will work on real-world projects in areas such as finance, marketing, sales, investment management, data analytics, or client relationship management, depending on your assignment. As an intern, you may contribute to ongoing business initiatives, applying academic knowledge to practical challenges that support day-to-day operations. The program includes structured training and mentorship from professionals, helping you build technical and analytical skills relevant to the financial services industry. Through this experience, you may gain insight into the company’s business model while developing practical skills in a collaborative, team-based environment.
11. McKinsey & Company’s Business Analyst Internship
Location: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: Competitive salary + benefits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 3–5 consultants
Dates: Internships are typically 8–10 weeks long
Application Deadline: Late March
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students graduating between December and August of the academic year following the internship
The McKinsey & Company’s Business Analyst Internship places you in a client service team for an 8–10 week consulting experience focused on solving complex business challenges. During your internship, you will work on core consulting tasks such as research, data analysis, and developing insights that support client strategies and operational improvements. As an intern, you will collaborate with consultants and clients, contributing to discussions and problem-solving sessions that shape project outcomes. You may even get to create deliverables such as presentations and analytical materials that communicate recommendations and support decision-making. The program follows an apprenticeship-style structure, where you’ll receive ongoing mentorship and feedback while working in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
12. PNC Corporate & Institutional Banking Undergraduate Internship
Location: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: 10-week summer internship program
Application Deadline: Early fall (September/October) to the following spring, depending on when roles are filled
Eligibility: Working toward a bachelor's degree in a business-relevant major; junior status; minimum 3.2 GPA
As an intern in PNC's Corporate & Institutional Banking division, you gain broad exposure to business operations within Capital Markets. You develop a professional foundation by completing core departmental tasks and collaborating with senior managers on strategic projects. Your workplace responsibilities include performing in-depth financial analyses, evaluating industry risks, conducting cash flow analysis, and building projected financial models. Through these hands-on business activities, you sharpen your analytical decision-making skills while supporting live deal processes and internal sales operations. You also complete technical training curriculums and participate in structured social learning, including peer networking, job shadowing, and direct mentorship.
13. Dow Jones News Fund Internship Program
Location: Top media companies across the U.S., including Pennsylvania
Stipend: $525 per month + $1,500 scholarships for college tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 80 college students
Dates: One week of intensive training in late May followed by a 10–12-week full-time internship starting in June
Application Deadline: November 5
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are enrolled in school full-time; U.S. students studying abroad and international students already in the U.S. with work visas are also eligible
At the Dow Jones News Fund Internship Program, you’ll participate in a structured journalism internship that begins with a one-week training program followed by a 10–12 week paid placement at a media organization. You can choose from tracks such as Business Reporting, where you’ll cover topics like financial markets, young entrepreneurs, labor unions, and tech startups. During your internship, you will research, analyze data, and contribute to news stories while working in a professional newsroom environment. The program includes specialized training led by industry professionals on topics such as finance, investing, labor issues, and mergers and acquisitions. You will also gain exposure to editorial workflows and deadlines.
14. Comcast Internships
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies by department and business needs each year
Dates: Summer Cohort: Early June to mid-August; Academic Year Cohort (NBCUniversal): Mid-September to mid-April; Co-op Cohorts: 6-month immersive cycles
Application Deadline: Summer: October and early December; Academic Year: Early May;
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors or seniors currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university; authorized to work in the U.S.
Through Comcast Internships, you’ll participate in a summer program where you’ll work on business-focused projects at a Fortune 50 company. You can gain experience in areas such as product management, marketing, sales operations, finance, or data analytics, contributing to initiatives that support customer experience and business strategy. You’ll work on real assignments that may involve analyzing data, developing business cases, supporting product research, or assisting with marketing and communication efforts. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive mentorship and have opportunities to interact with senior leaders, helping you understand how different business functions operate. The program also includes leadership development activities, networking opportunities, and volunteer or community events.
15. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship
Location: Various media companies across the U.S., including Pennsylvania
Stipend: Paid; amount not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 150 interns
Dates: Minimum of 8 weeks in May – June
Application Deadline: Rolling applications typically open from September through April (placements are determined by May 15)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a four-year accredited U.S. college or university; minimum GPA is 3.0; authorized to work in the U.S.; at least 18 years old
In the Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship, you’ll be placed in a paid, full-time role with a partner company in the media, technology, or entertainment industry for at least eight weeks. You will explore business-focused areas such as marketing, public relations, sales, or human resources, contributing to projects that support company operations and audience engagement. As an intern, you will collaborate with professionals, assist with ongoing initiatives, and gain practical experience in a corporate media environment. The program follows a multi-year structure, allowing selected fellows to return for internships each summer throughout their college education.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How realistic is it for an undergraduate to get into programs like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, or BCG?
These are genuinely among the most competitive internships on this list, with Goldman Sachs noting an acceptance rate under 1 percent and McKinsey selecting only 3 to 5 consultants per regional office. Most firms at this level expect a strong GPA (often 3.5 or above), demonstrated leadership experience, and advanced quantitative or analytical skills, typically from students in their junior or penultimate year. If you are earlier in your undergraduate journey or still building your resume, programs like the KPMG Embark Scholars Program, which is specifically designed for first-generation and community college students, or Ladder Internships, which has a more accessible acceptance rate around 10 percent, can serve as strong stepping stones toward more competitive opportunities later.
2. Several of these internships don't disclose their pay. How should I think about compensation when comparing programs?
Most large firms on this list, including Goldman Sachs, KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, Vanguard, and Comcast, list pay as a paid hourly or salaried role without disclosing the exact figure, which is standard for large organizations that vary compensation by office and year. A few programs do specify amounts: Bank of America Student Leaders pays a minimum of $17 per hour or local minimum wage, and Dow Jones News Fund pays $525 per month plus a $1,500 tuition scholarship. For undisclosed roles, checking recent intern reviews on Glassdoor or LinkedIn before application season is the most reliable way to set expectations.
3. I am interested in business but not specifically finance or consulting. What other industries are represented on this list?
Several programs cover other sectors. UPMC offers healthcare-focused finance and operations roles. Comcast spans media, telecommunications, and product management. The Dow Jones News Fund and Emma Bowen Foundation are both centered on business journalism and media industries respectively. Bank of America's Student Leaders Program places you with a local nonprofit rather than within the bank itself, giving you exposure to the social impact sector. Ladder Internships is the most flexible option here, since placements depend on the specific startup you are matched with and can span a wide range of industries beyond finance and consulting.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 15 business internships for undergraduates in Pennsylvania, anchored by several of the most competitive finance and consulting programs in the country, including Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, BCG, and Vanguard, alongside more accessible entry points like the KPMG Embark Scholars Program and Bank of America Student Leaders Program. Application timelines vary significantly by firm, with some, like McKinsey (late March) and Comcast (October and December), opening well over six months before the internship begins, so students aiming for the most selective programs should start preparing materials in the autumn of the prior year. For students who want a flexible, remote alternative without the rigid GPA and major requirements of the larger firms, Ladder Internships is the only fully virtual option on this list, with a comparatively higher acceptance rate and project work matched to individual interests rather than a fixed eligibility checklist.