15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Tennessee

 If you are an undergraduate interested in business, business internships provide valuable exposure to workplace expectations, deadlines, and collaboration. They help you understand how areas such as operations, finance, marketing, and strategy function within organizations. These programs also add relevant experience to your resume and allow you to explore different business functions before committing to a full-time role, helping you make more informed career decisions. Internships also connect you with professionals in the industry, which can be valuable when pursuing future opportunities. Tennessee offers the right mix of business internship opportunities across corporate offices, logistics hubs, and financial services firms. With numerous options available, finding the right opportunity can be time-consuming.

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 in college helps you develop practical skills, including communication, data analysis, and problem-solving. It also gives you insight into how organizations operate, including decision-making processes and cross-functional collaboration. Internships also add valuable experience to your resume, which can strengthen your qualifications for future roles. You will also gain access to professional networks, mentors, and references that can support your career growth. Overall, completing a business internship can help you better understand your interests while improving your preparedness for the job market.

To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 business internships for undergraduates in Tennessee.

1. Vanderbilt University Office of Investments Summer Internship Program

Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid (exact amount not listed)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 10 weeks from June through August
Application Deadline: Not specified 
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates 

The Vanderbilt Office of Investments Internship Program is a finance-focused opportunity focused on endowment investing and portfolio management. You work with either the public or private investments teams, and contribute to areas such as financial analysis, market research, and due diligence on investment opportunities. The internship also provides exposure to asset classes, including equities, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and real estate, through team discussions and projects. You participate in meetings, review market commentary, and observe how investment decisions are analyzed and implemented. You will also support operations through additional responsibilities such as reporting, data analysis, and performance tracking. The program also includes mentorship from analysts and senior team members throughout the internship.

2. Ladder Internships University Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25% | around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week

The Ladder Internships University Internship Program is a virtual 8-week experience that matches participants with startups to work on structured projects aligned with their interests. You contribute to specific deliverables while gaining insight into how teams manage timelines, coordinate responsibilities, and execute business or technical initiatives. The program includes regular interaction with company mentors or founders, providing exposure to decision-making processes and team workflows. You also complete project outcomes that can be added to your professional experience, along with receiving a letter of completion at the end of the program. The remote format allows you to participate from any location while maintaining a flexible schedule.

3. Crowe Student Internships

Location: Varies by position, available across multiple locations in the U.S., including Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend offered
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

The Crowe LLP Internship Program is a seasonal internship offered during the spring and summer. It provides exposure to audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services within a professional services firm. You work on active client engagements and contribute to project deliverables from the beginning of the program rather than only observing. The internship includes training sessions, networking events, and team-based activities. You are paired with a career coach or mentor who provides ongoing feedback and guidance throughout the experience. The program also includes opportunities to interact with senior team members and firm leadership while working as part of project teams.

4. Deloitte’s Discovery Internship

Location: Nashville, TN, and other Deloitte offices across the US
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, exact amount not listed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies depending on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Varies depending on specific opportunity
Eligibility: Early college students in their freshman or sophomore years | exact requirements may vary depending on the role

The Deloitte Internship Program is available across several business areas, including consulting, audit, tax, and internal services, providing exposure to professional services work within a global organization. You work on business or client projects and contribute to specific deliverables as part of a team. The program includes multiple tracks such as Discovery programs for early college students, client service internships, and internal services roles in areas such as finance, technology, and marketing. You participate in training sessions, mentorship, and networking opportunities throughout the internship. As an intern, you will typically be assigned a coach or mentor who provides feedback and guidance during the program. The experience may also include firm-wide events such as leadership sessions or internship conferences that bring together participants across locations.

5. FedEx - Business Intern

Location: Several locations nationwide, including Nashville, 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

The FedEx Business Product Analyst Intern is a project-based internship focused on analyzing business performance and supporting product or operational decision-making within a logistics environment. You work under supervision to assist with data analysis, business intelligence, and market research related to transportation and logistics operations. The role involves evaluating business metrics, identifying trends, and providing insights that support ongoing initiatives and product improvements. You may also support research on industry trends and emerging market developments to help inform business strategy. The internship typically includes collaboration with cross-functional teams and participation in structured activities such as networking or community events. Interns contribute to projects that aim to improve efficiency, consistency, and overall customer experience within the organization.

6. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee BlueBridge Internship Program

Location: Primarily remote, office in Chattanooga, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of school, recent college graduates, or those enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program

The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Internship Program is a professional internship that provides exposure to areas such as business, technology, finance, communications, and healthcare services. You are placed within a team and contribute to ongoing projects and initiatives that align with organizational needs. The program includes mentorship, with guidance from supervisors and team members, providing insight into workflows, decision-making, and collaboration. You also participate in cohort-based activities and networking sessions with fellow interns and professionals across departments. The experience involves working on assignments related to internal operations or customer-facing processes.

7. Enterprise Mobility Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations in Tennessee and across the US
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates | exact requirements will vary depending on the specific internship

The Enterprise Mobility Internship Program is a business-focused internship that provides exposure to areas such as management, accounting, and information technology within a mobility and transportation company. You work within a team on a combination of operational and project-based tasks, including customer interactions, business management processes, and internal initiatives. The program includes on-the-job training and mentorship, with guidance from team members across functions. You take part in activities such as fleet coordination, service-related tasks, and support for ongoing business operations. The experience also includes training sessions and performance evaluations.

8. Amazon Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the US, including Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising seniors and recent graduates with an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree

The Amazon Business Internship Program is a project-based opportunity focused on roles in areas such as operations, finance, marketing, human resources, and product or program management within a global business environment. You are assigned a specific business project and work on defined deliverables that contribute to ongoing team or organizational objectives. The internship involves analyzing data, supporting decision-making processes, and assisting with the planning or execution of business initiatives. You work closely with a manager and team members, receiving guidance and feedback throughout the program. The experience includes elements such as onboarding, training sessions, and networking opportunities with other interns and professionals across teams.

9. Cummins Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Nashville and Memphis, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students | exact requirements will vary depending on the specific internship

The Cummins Internship Program is a project-based internship offering opportunities across business functions such as operations, finance, supply chain, and general management within a global manufacturing and technology company. You are assigned to a team and contribute to ongoing business projects while applying business analysis and project management skills to defined tasks. Responsibilities typically involve managing portions of projects, supporting team operations, and tracking progress on deliverables. Depending on your role, you may work on activities such as data analysis, reporting, budgeting support, or process improvement initiatives. As an intern, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to solving business and operational challenges. You receive mentorship and guidance from team members and managers while working on assigned projects.

10. Dell Technologies Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; exact requirements will vary depending on the specific internship

The Dell Technologies Internship Program is a project-based internship offering opportunities across business functions such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and services within a global technology company. You can apply to specialized programs such as the Dell Financial Services Internship Program, Marketing Intern Program (MIP), Global Operations Internship, and Dell Technologies Services Internship, each aligned with different parts of the business. In these roles, you work on defined projects involving financial analysis, marketing initiatives, supply chain processes, or internal business operations, depending on your placement. You collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to ongoing business initiatives as part of your daily responsibilities. The experience includes mentorship, training sessions, and opportunities to present completed work to team members or leadership.

11. GEODIS Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including the North American headquarters in Brentwood, Tennessee
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; exact requirements will vary depending on the specific internship

The GEODIS Internship Program is a project-based internship offering opportunities in areas such as logistics, supply chain, operations, and business support within a global third-party logistics company. You are assigned to a business unit and contribute to daily operations by working on tasks such as data analysis, reporting, and supporting productivity initiatives. The role may involve tracking operational performance, maintaining reports, and assisting with process-related projects related to transportation or warehouse functions. You work closely with team members and participate in projects that are presented to leadership at the end of the internship. The experience typically includes working on defined deliverables that support ongoing operational goals. 

12. Mars Incorporated Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Franklin, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 11 weeks in Summer | exact dates will vary depending on the specific internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduates who currently have one more year of schooling to complete (1 - 2 semesters of courses pending) | students on an H-1B visa or using Optional Practical Training (OPT) are not eligible

The Mars Internship and Co-op Experience is a project-based internship that offers exposure to business functions such as marketing, finance, sales, human resources, corporate affairs, and supply chain within a global consumer goods company. You are assigned a project with defined deliverables to complete during the course of the internship. Depending on your placement,the role may involve tasks such as financial analysis, brand strategy support, operations planning, or customer-focused initiatives. You work closely with a manager and team members who provide guidance and feedback throughout the experience.

13. Republic Finance Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Franklin, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend $15.00 per hour (tentative, exact amounts may vary depending on location) 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 8 - 12 weeks | exact dates will vary depending on specific internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to college juniors and seniors; preference for majors such as business, sales, or finance

The Republic Finance Internship Program is a project-based internship focused on business operations, sales, and financial services within a consumer lending company. You are placed in a branch location and work on daily activities such as customer interactions, loan processing, and supporting branch operations. The role involves tasks such as assisting with loan origination, reviewing documentation, and learning compliance and financial procedures used in lending. You also spend time with team members to understand different levels of responsibility within the business. You will also participate in projects related to improving branch operations or customer service delivery.

14. Sherwin-Williams Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S. and Tennessee, including Brentwood, Knoxville, and Chattanooga
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who are eligible to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis upon graduation, without sponsorship or restrictions

The Sherwin-Williams Internship Program is a project-based internship offering opportunities across business areas such as sales, marketing, merchandising, customer relationship management, and general business operations within a global coatings company. You are typically placed in a retail or field environment and contribute to daily operations, including customer interactions, sales support, and store management activities. The role involves tasks such as assisting with product sales, managing inventory, and supporting both business-to-business and retail processes. You may also work on a project that addresses a specific business challenge and present your findings at the end of the internship. You will have the opportunity to spend time with managers and sales representatives to understand different aspects of the business.

15. Oracle Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend paid, amount will vary depending on specific opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who are eligible to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis upon graduation, without sponsorship or restrictions

The Oracle Internship Program is a project-based internship offering opportunities across business functions such as finance, sales, marketing, legal, and operations within a global technology company. You are assigned to a team and work on defined projects that contribute to ongoing business or client-focused initiatives. Depending on your placement,the role may involve tasks such as data analysis, market research, financial planning support, or assisting with business strategy. You collaborate with team members and receive guidance from managers and mentors throughout the internship. The program includes opportunities to engage with professionals across teams and participate in learning and networking activities.

Summary

This list covers 15 business internships for undergraduates in Tennessee, spanning investment management, management consulting, audit and tax, corporate finance, logistics, supply chain, healthcare administration, consumer goods, manufacturing operations, and information technology, hosted at major organizations including Vanderbilt University, Deloitte, Crowe, FedEx, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Amazon, Cummins, Dell Technologies, GEODIS, Mars, Sherwin-Williams, and Oracle, with most positions offered as paid internships though the majority do not disclose a specific stipend figure publicly, and Republic Finance being the most transparent at approximately $15 per hour. The programs divide between large nationally recognized corporate programs at firms like Amazon, Dell, Deloitte, and Oracle, where the application process is highly competitive and recruiting timelines open in early fall for the following summer, and more regionally anchored or accessible programs like BlueCross BlueShield Tennessee, GEODIS, Republic Finance, and Vanderbilt's investment internship, which offer meaningful exposure to Tennessee-specific industries and often have rolling or more flexible application windows. For students targeting the most competitive programs — Amazon, Cummins, Mars, and Deloitte's core tracks — applications should be submitted in early fall, as recruiting at these organizations typically opens in September and October, well before most students begin their search.

Questions Students Often Ask About Public Health Programs

1. Most of these programs say they're paid but don't list a specific amount. How do I find out what I'd actually earn?

For programs that confirm pay without disclosing a figure, the most reliable approach is to check recent intern reviews on Glassdoor or LinkedIn, where past participants often share compensation details that companies don't publish officially. You can also ask directly during the interview process, which is appropriate and expected at the offer stage. Republic Finance is the most transparent program on this list at approximately $15 per hour. Among the larger firms, Deloitte and KPMG intern compensation can be found through accounting-focused forums and professional communities online if you're looking for a benchmark before applying.

2. Most deadlines here say "rolling" or "varies." How early do I actually need to apply?

For the large corporate programs — Amazon, Mars, Dell, Cummins, and Deloitte — recruiting effectively opens in September or October of the year before your target summer, which is significantly earlier than most students expect. Treating "rolling" as "flexible until spring" is the most common mistake students make with these programs, since positions often fill well before any formal closing date is announced. For programs that are genuinely more flexible, like BlueCross BlueShield, Enterprise Mobility, and Crowe, applying in October or November rather than waiting until January or February still meaningfully improves your chances compared to late applicants.

3. Some programs here, like GEODIS and Cummins, are less familiar names than Amazon or Deloitte. Are those internships still worth applying to?

Yes, and in some cases they offer more substantive day-to-day work than larger programs where intern roles can be more narrowly defined. GEODIS is one of the largest third-party logistics companies globally, and a supply chain or operations internship there provides real exposure to international logistics at scale, which is directly relevant for students interested in supply chain management, operations, or international business. Cummins is a Fortune 500 manufacturer with strong name recognition in industrial and engineering business circles. Smaller or less consumer-facing names on a resume are less of a disadvantage than students often assume, particularly if you can speak clearly in interviews about specific projects, outcomes, and what you learned.

Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.

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