15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Rhode Island
Business Internships for undergraduate students are a practical way to build relevant skills, strengthen your resume, and explore potential career paths before graduation. You’ll gain firsthand experience in applying classroom concepts to real business challenges, while also improving your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. For students interested in business, internships provide early exposure to industries such as banking, accounting, marketing, and human resources.
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?
Doing a business internship in college will help you develop technical skills such as financial analysis, data interpretation, and strategic planning, while also building transferable skills like communication and project management. You may get to work on tasks like preparing reports, supporting audits, assisting with marketing campaigns, or analyzing operational data, depending on the role. Many internships also include structured mentorship, team-based projects, and opportunities to collaborate with professionals across departments, giving you a clearer understanding of how corporate and nonprofit organizations operate.
Which programs should I look at?
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of 15 business internships for undergraduates in Rhode Island, focusing on internships that offer meaningful, hands-on experience and exposure to professional environments.
1. KPMG Embark Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Providence, RI
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: This is a multi-year internship program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to first-generation or Community College students pursuing or intending to pursue a Bachelors degree in accounting (or other equivalent) or IT related degree from an accredited college/university | Applicants must 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 | GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred | Must possess strong technical ability relevant to the internship.
The KPMG Embark Scholars Program is a multi-year, paid internship designed to help you explore careers in public accounting through structured rotations in audit, tax, and advisory services. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to different business functions, allowing you to understand better which areas align with your interests before pursuing future internships. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with a cross-functional network of professionals who’ll provide guidance and insight into the firm’s work. A key component is the team-based Capstone project, where you’ll work with peers to solve business problems and develop collaboration and project management skills. The program emphasizes building foundational skills such as communication, leadership, and technical proficiency while working in a professional corporate environment.
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
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 10%
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; the summer application deadline is in May
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
3. Apple Internships
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Rhode Island
Stipend: Paid, but the compensation may vary based on the role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; Click here to filter and check individual listings for internship-specific prerequisites
Apple Internships offer undergraduate students the opportunity to work on real business projects across teams such as marketing, finance, sales, and public relations. In this internship, you may support ongoing initiatives by conducting research, assisting with project execution, and contributing to team deliverables. You’ll build practical skills in areas like data analysis, communication, and time management while working in a collaborative environment. Interns will be treated as active team members, contributing to projects that align with current business priorities. You may also gain exposure to cross-functional work, interacting with professionals from different departments.
4. Rhode Island State Government Internship Program
Location: Remote, hybrid, and in-person
Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year, during the summer (June 1 – July 24), Fall (September 14 – December 14), and Spring (February 1 – April 23) sessions
Application Deadline: March 13 (Fall Session) and August 1 (Spring Session); applications are accepted throughout the year
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students from all academic majors | Must be at least 18 years old | Required minimum GPA is 2.5 | Must be RI residents attending an accredited in-state or out-of-state institution, or non-residents who are attending a RI-accredited institution
The Rhode Island State Government Internship Program places you in roles across state departments, municipal agencies, and nonprofit organizations, where you may work on projects related to business, finance, communications, policy, or human resources. You will be matched with a placement based on your interests and collaborate with a supervisor on tasks such as program support and operational or policy-related projects. The program offers flexible formats, including in-person, hybrid, and fully remote options, allowing you to choose a structure that fits your schedule and learning goals. In the remote team-based option, you’ll get to work with a group of interns and a mentor to complete a policy, IT, or communications project, requiring regular virtual collaboration and meetings. You’ll develop skills in communication, project management, and teamwork while gaining exposure to how government operations intersect with business and economic functions.
5. Citizens Bank Internships
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Rhode Island
Stipend: Paid, but the exact amount may vary based on the position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Varies by internship
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in late March or late August/early September, depending on the internship area
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; exact prerequisites may vary based on the internship
The Citizens Bank Internship program is designed for undergraduate students seeking experience across core areas of banking and business operations. During this internship, you may get to work in divisions such as commercial banking, corporate finance, risk management, or wealth management. Along the way, you may build skills in data analysis, communication, and problem-solving through hands-on assignments aligned with your team’s work. You may collaborate with professionals across different business units, gaining exposure to both traditional banking functions and emerging areas like data analytics and financial technology. The program also provides access to mentorship from Wall Street veterans and senior leadership, along with opportunities to participate in community-focused activities.
6. Amica Insurance Internships
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Rhode Island
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary based on the internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on the internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; check here for internship-specific prerequisites
The Amica Insurance Internship program is a paid opportunity for undergraduates that provides experience across business areas such as accounting, marketing, risk management, investments, and client services. In this internship, you’ll work in a specific department, contributing to projects, daily operations, or customer-focused initiatives. You’ll build skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while working in a collaborative cross-functional environment. The program will also include participation in team-building activities and company-wide events, offering opportunities to interact with professionals across the organization.
7. KLR Internships
Location: Various locations across the globe, including Providence, RI
Stipend: $28 – $31/hour; varies depending on experience
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Internships are available in the Spring and Summer semesters
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The KLR Internship Program is a paid accounting internship designed for undergraduate students pursuing careers in public accounting. In this internship, you will work on audit and tax projects across various industries, assisting with tasks such as preparing financial reports, gathering client data, and supporting tax return processes. You’ll develop skills in financial analysis, accounting software, and professional communication through hands-on assignments. The program begins with a structured training week that includes technical instruction and simulated audit and tax projects to prepare you for client work. You’ll collaborate with professional staff and participate in firm meetings, gaining exposure to real workflows and team-based projects. Mentorship sessions and interaction with firm partners will provide additional insight into career paths and industry practices.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local non-profit organizations across the U.S., including Rhode Island
Stipend: Minimum of $17/hour or the local minimum wage (whichever is higher)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer, starting from mid-June; the Leadership Summer is from June 16–18
Application Deadline: February 9 – March 16
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students with good academic standing | Must be at least 18 years old | Must have earned at least 12 hours and no more than 18 credit hours of post-secondary credit | Must be 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 is a six-week paid internship that places you with a nonprofit organization to work on community-focused initiatives. You’ll get to contribute to projects such as program support, outreach, or operations tasks, gaining experience in how organizations manage and deliver services. You will develop skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork through hands-on involvement in nonprofit operations. A central component of the program is the Leadership Summit, where you’ll participate in training sessions and learn how public and private sectors collaborate to address community and economic challenges. You’ll also interact with peers and professionals, including Bank of America representatives, through networking opportunities. The program combines work experience with leadership development, providing insight into the relationship between business practices and community impact.
9. Fidelity Summer Internships for College Students
Location: Virtual and in-person at various locations across the U.S., including Rhode Island
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks in June – August
Application Deadline: Mid-September – mid-October
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from all areas of study
The Fidelity Summer Internship program is a 10-week internship for undergraduate students that provides experience across business areas such as finance, operations, risk, compliance, marketing, and client relations. As part of this internship, you may get to work on ongoing business projects, contributing to tasks such as data analysis, client support, financial reporting, or process improvement, depending on your team. You’ll develop skills in analytical thinking, communication, and project coordination through hands-on assignments. You’ll even get to collaborate with full-time associates and participate in team-based projects that reflect day-to-day business operations. Mentorship, training sessions, and intern events will provide additional structure, along with opportunities to network with professionals across the organization.
10. Navigant Credit Union’s Bridge to Career Success Internship Program
Location: Navigant Credit Union offices across Rhode Island
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year, including in the Spring (February – April), Summer (June – August), and Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline: December 12 (Spring) | April 24 (Summer) | July 24 (Fall)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students
The Navigant Credit Union’s Bridge to Career Success Internship Program is a 12-week internship that provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience in financial services. In this program, you will get to work on projects in areas such as banking, marketing, loan management, sales, or data analysis, contributing to day-to-day business operations. You’ll develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and industry-specific practices while working alongside managers from different departments. You’ll be guided by a mentor who will help you set goals, provide professional development support, and conduct performance feedback throughout the internship. The program emphasizes collaboration and real-world application of classroom knowledge through project-based work. Top-performing interns may have opportunities to continue with the organization in future roles, including part-time or full-time positions.
11. Citrin Cooperman Internships
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Rhode Island
Stipend: $20 – $30/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year, including summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; click here for internship-specific prerequisites
The Citrin Cooperman Internship program offers undergraduate students hands-on experience in accounting, tax, audit, and advisory services. As part of this internship, you may get to contribute to tasks such as preparing tax documents, organizing financial information, and supporting client-related work, while gaining familiarity with professional accounting tools and processes. You may develop skills in financial analysis, attention to detail, and professional communication through real-world assignments. The program will include structured training through technical sessions, soft skills workshops, and webinars that complement on-the-job experience. You will also get to work closely with professionals and will be supported by multiple mentors, providing guidance across different service areas.
12. Withum Internship Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Providence, RI
Stipend: Paid, but the compensation may vary based on the role and location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Internships are available in the winter and summer months
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications are typically open in the late summer/early fall
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors
The Withum Internship Program offers winter and summer internships for undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in public accounting. You may get to work with professional teams on accounting-related tasks, gaining exposure to client work and firm operations. You may build skills in financial analysis, communication, and problem-solving through hands-on assignments. Mentorship will be provided through career coaching sessions and peer mentoring programs that support your professional development. The program also includes access to structured learning resources and may lead to full-time opportunities after graduation.
13. Perspectives Corporation Internships
Location: Perspectives Main Office, North Kingstown, RI
Stipend: Starting from $21/hour (varies based on experience)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduates who have completed at least one year of college study or are currently enrolled in not less than six (6) semester hours of relevant undergraduate coursework at an accredited college or university | Must be proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and data entry tools; experience in Photoshop and video editing is a plus
The Perspectives Corporation Internship program is a paid opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience in areas such as finance, human resources, business administration, and information technology. As part of this internship, you may contribute to departmental projects and daily operations, supporting tasks like data entry, administrative processes, or project coordination, depending on your area of interest. You will develop skills in communication, organization, and teamwork while working in a cross-functional environment. The program will include structured onboarding, training, and participation in company meetings, allowing you to understand how different departments operate within the organization. You will also work alongside professionals and receive mentorship through training programs and guided project work.
14. Factory Mutual Insurance Company (FM) Internships/Co-ops
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S., including Rhode Island
Stipend: Varies by internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Internships and co-ops are available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; exact prerequisites may vary based on the internship—check here
The FM Internship and Co-op program offers undergraduate students hands-on experience in business-related areas such as underwriting, client services, and corporate operations. The Corporate Summer Internship program, in particular, provides you with exposure to core business functions such as finance, legal, and marketing, allowing you to understand how large organizations operate. Along the way, you may develop skills in problem-solving, communication, and industry-specific practices while collaborating with professionals across departments. You may also participate in job shadowing and special projects that combine in-office and field-based experiences. Mentorship and professional development workshops will be integrated into the internship to support your learning and provide insight into potential career paths.
15. Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) Internships
Location: Virtual
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year, including in the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications open on January 15
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students | Communication internships give preference to students majoring in journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications | If you’re interested in Development internships, familiarity with Canva and Raiser’s Edge is preferred | Prior policy or research experience is preferred in students applying to Policy and Programs internships
The AAJC Internship program is a virtual internship that typically runs 10 weeks in the summer or part-time during the academic year, offering experience in communications, development, and human resources. You may work on projects such as drafting communication materials, conducting donor research, supporting fundraising initiatives, or assisting with HR program development, depending on your assigned department. You’ll build skills in research, writing, project coordination, and event planning through hands-on assignments. You’ll also participate in team meetings, collaborate with staff across teams, and be involved with ongoing projects that reflect day-to-day organizational operations. By the end, you’ll gain practical experience in how business and administrative functions support advocacy and nonprofit initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. There are four different public accounting firm internships on this list (KPMG, KLR, Citrin Cooperman, Withum). How do I tell them apart and decide which to apply to?
While all four follow a similar audit, tax, and advisory structure, they differ in scale and specific focus. KPMG's Embark Scholars Program is the most structurally distinct, since it's a multi-year program specifically designed for first-generation and community college students, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and a team-based capstone project. KLR and Citrin Cooperman both pay clearly disclosed, competitive hourly rates ($28 to $31 and $20 to $30 respectively) and structure their internships around a training week before placing you on real audit and tax projects. Withum is more flexible in timing, offering both winter and summer placements, which can be useful if you want accounting experience outside the typical summer internship cycle. If eligibility for KPMG's program applies to you, it's worth strong consideration given its structured, multi-year mentorship design; otherwise, KLR and Citrin Cooperman offer the clearest, most transparent compensation among the four.
2. A few programs here, like the Rhode Island State Government Internship and Bank of America Student Leaders, place you with nonprofits or government agencies rather than a traditional corporation. How does that change the kind of business experience I'd get?
These placements tend to emphasize how business principles apply within public service and mission-driven contexts rather than a typical corporate environment. The Rhode Island State Government Internship Program exposes you to how business, finance, and policy intersect within state departments and municipal agencies, which is valuable if you're interested in public administration or government-adjacent business roles. Bank of America's Student Leaders Program places you directly with a local nonprofit, giving you hands-on experience in how organizations manage limited resources and deliver community-focused programs, while still including direct exposure to Bank of America's own leadership development curriculum. Both are strong options if you want your business experience to carry a clear civic or social impact angle alongside the standard skill-building.
3. Several listings on this list (Apple, Citizens Bank, Amica, Fidelity, Factory Mutual) describe themselves as having locations across the U.S. "including Rhode Island" without much detail. Should I expect these to actually be based in Rhode Island, or are they more general national programs?
It's worth treating these with a bit of caution and verifying directly with each company before assuming a guaranteed Rhode Island placement. Citizens Bank and FM (Factory Mutual) do have a genuine and substantial presence in Rhode Island specifically, since both are headquartered in the state, so those two are reliably accessible locally. Apple, Amica, and Fidelity are larger national or multi-state companies, and while they may have some Rhode Island presence or accept Rhode Island-based applicants for remote roles, it's worth checking each company's internship portal directly to confirm whether an actual in-state placement is available for the specific role you're interested in, rather than assuming it from the listing alone.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 15 business internships for undergraduates in Rhode Island, with a strong concentration of public accounting firms, including KPMG, KLR, Citrin Cooperman, and Withum, alongside genuinely Rhode Island-headquartered companies like Citizens Bank and Factory Mutual Insurance, and several larger national companies, including Apple, Amica, and Fidelity, whose Rhode Island presence is worth confirming directly before applying. Pay varies considerably among the accounting-focused roles, with KLR and Citrin Cooperman both disclosing strong hourly rates in the $20 to $31 range, while several other listings either don't disclose pay or note that it varies by role. For students interested in public service or nonprofit-adjacent business experience, the Rhode Island State Government Internship Program and Bank of America's Student Leaders Program both offer a distinct civic angle, while Ladder Internships remains the only fully remote, startup-based alternative for students who want flexibility without a Rhode Island-based placement at all.