15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Virginia
For undergraduates interested in business, internships provide exposure to industries ranging from finance and consulting to startups and public sector roles, boosting employability in competitive job markets. Virginia offers a mix of in-person, hybrid, and virtual options through companies, state agencies, and specialized programs, making it an ideal location for gaining relevant experience.
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?
Participating in a business internship during college provides concrete benefits that extend far beyond academic credit. You gain practical exposure to business operations, such as market research, financial analysis, or strategic planning, which sharpens decision-making and problem-solving abilities. These experiences often include mentorship from industry professionals, helping students refine career goals and receive personalized guidance. Many programs feature real projects with tangible outcomes, allowing interns to present their work and build a portfolio. Completing an internship can increase employability by a good margin in entry-level business roles, as employers value demonstrated readiness over theoretical knowledge alone.
Below, we've curated this list of 15 strong business internships for undergraduates in Virginia, focusing on active, accessible programs that prioritize objective value like mentorship, projects, and skill-building.
1. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Summer Internship Program
Location: Richmond, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Typically 10-12 weeks in summer (Early June to mid-August)
Application Deadline: Early Fall (October 31) for first-round consideration; secondary/rolling applications for remaining spots may stay open through Early Winter (February – March)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduates; U.S. citizens
This paid program offers undergraduates hands-on experience in economics, finance, and business research roles at the Richmond Fed. You contribute to real projects supporting monetary policy and economic analysis, collaborating with experts and potentially presenting findings. The focus includes data analysis, report writing, and exposure to central banking operations. Mentorship from senior staff and professional development sessions are key elements. By completing these day-to-day responsibilities, you will quickly develop highly transferable skills in quantitative data analysis, professional communication, and team leadership.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Costs vary depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per session
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: Undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week virtual experience where you work directly with founders of VC-backed startups to solve real-world business challenges. Centered on topics like management consulting, fintech, venture capital, and go-to-market strategy, the program immerses you in the mechanics of scaling businesses. During your internship, you will actively conduct market research for expansion, develop investor outreach materials, perform financial modeling, and present actionable deliverables directly to company leadership. Uniquely, this program ensures you own a tangible project outcome rather than simply assisting, while receiving dedicated weekly mentorship. Ultimately, you will build concrete skills in structured problem-solving, strategic project management, and data-driven analysis. Apply now!
3. Virginia Global Business Internship Program (VGBIP)
Location: Various locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia (based on host company site); many roles are in-person or hybrid (e.g., Richmond, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 20–30 students per year
Dates: Summer Cohort: Typically 10 weeks, running from early June to mid-August. (Secondary cohorts for Fall/Spring are occasionally offered based on company demand)
Application Deadline: Late March to late April
Eligibility: Must be an Undergraduate (Junior or Senior) currently enrolled in a Virginia public college or university; applicants must have a strong interest in international business, marketing, or research
The Virginia Global Business Internship Program (VGBIP) is run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and matches you with a Virginia-based company that needs support growing its international business and export activities. Before starting, you attend a VEDP-hosted orientation and take part in weekly educational workshops covering core global business topics and professional skills. Once placed, you work on real global business projects spanning research, operations, and marketing, under the supervision and hands-on guidance of your host company. The program is designed to build export capacity for Virginia businesses while giving you direct, practical exposure to how companies expand into international markets.
4. Murray Osorio PLLC – Marketing Assistant
Location: Fairfax, VA
Stipend: $18 – $20 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 1–2 assistants per location/cycle
Dates: Year-round / Full-time
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current undergraduates or recent graduates with 1–2 years of experience in content creation, marketing, or communications (internships included); Spanish proficiency is often preferred but not required
In this program, you will support the firm's brand development within a mission-driven immigration law environment. Your work covers digital content strategy, social media management, and event coordination, focusing on translating complex legal services into accessible public information. Specifically, you will create multimedia content for platforms like TikTok, assist in filming educational videos with attorneys, build bilingual graphics, and help coordinate community outreach initiatives. A unique feature of this role is that your marketing efforts directly help families navigate challenging immigration processes by connecting them with essential resources. Ultimately, you will develop practical skills in video editing, graphic design, digital campaign execution, and cross-functional communication.
5. Capital One Internship Program
Location: McLean, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 500–800+ interns across all U.S. offices
Dates: Standard Internship: 10 weeks (June – August; staggered start dates typically available in early to late June; Early Internship: 10 weeks (June – August); Early Experience Summits: 2–3 days (Jan, May, or Aug)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Standard: Juniors/Penultimate year (graduating by August next year); majors in STEM, Finance, Business, or Economics; Early: Sophomores (graduating by August after +2 years); General: Must be in the continental U.S.; no visa sponsorship provided
Capital One’s undergraduate internship programs in Virginia are widely recognized for their high compensation and rigorous selection process. The program typically offers two main tracks for undergraduates: the Standard Internship (for penultimate-year students) and the Early Internship (for sophomores). These internships cover topics such as business analytics, finance, marketing, and product management, where you work on real-world business problems, often using data to drive decision-making. The program includes training sessions, networking events, and mentorship from experienced professionals. Interns collaborate in teams and present their findings to leadership. This internship is well-suited for students interested in finance and tech-driven business roles.
6. PwC Start Internship
Location: McLean, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 15–30 interns per office location
Dates: Summer Cohort (Standard): Typically runs for 8–10 weeks from early June to mid-August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current college sophomores (in 4-year programs) or juniors (in 5-year programs); self-identify as a member of a traditionally underrepresented minority group, a veteran, or an individual with a disability; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
The PwC Start Internship is a diversity-focused program designed for high-performing undergraduate sophomores (or juniors in five-year programs). It serves as a pipeline for the Advance Internship, which typically follows the next summer, and is primarily for early undergraduate students exploring careers in accounting and consulting. You gain exposure to client service, data analysis, and business strategy. The program includes training sessions, mentorship, and networking events with professionals. The internship significantly focuses on data tools like Alteryx, Tableau, and UIPath, where you work on real projects and learn about PwC’s service lines.
7. Northrop Grumman Business Internship
Location: Falls Church, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 2,000+ interns annually across the entire company
Dates: Summer (Primary): May/June to August (10–12 weeks); Fall/Spring (Secondary): Variable start dates; typically aligned with academic semesters for local co-op students
Application Deadline: Summer: February; Fall/Spring Cohorts: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate student returning to school in the Fall; majoring in Business, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related; U.S. Citizens
In this internship, you will immerse yourself in core business management functions like finance, accounting, pricing, contracts, and schedule control. During the program, you will actively analyze financial data from multiple sources and compile detailed statistical reports to support ongoing operations. You will also design processes to improve team workflow and assist in budget modeling for various defense programs. A uniquely defining feature of this internship is your direct exposure to high-stakes aerospace projects, which frequently require obtaining a U.S. Government security clearance. Throughout the summer, you will develop hard skills in financial analytics and project management, alongside cross-functional communication.
8. Booz Allen Hamilton Summer Games Internship
Location: McLean, VA
Stipend: Paid annualized salary ranges by track
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: 10 weeks, approximately late May/early June – mid-August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Entering junior or senior year of college; pursuing a STEM/TEM degree (Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics; some roles open to other STEM disciplines including data science, cybersecurity, or computer science); eligible to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance (implies U.S. citizenship or eligible status)
In this program, you will bypass the traditional apprenticeship model to compete in an intensive, team-based incubator focused on business consulting and strategic analytics. You will tackle crowdsourced, real-world corporate challenges by exploring topics like market analysis, product innovation, and go-to-market strategy. Throughout the 10-week program, you and your team will build working prototype solutions, craft comprehensive business plans, and ultimately pitch your final strategy to a panel of judges in the competitive Challenge Cup. Beyond your core project, you will also engage in the Rising Leader’s Forum and digital networking events to connect with industry experts.
9. KPMG Embark Scholars Program
Location: McLean, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer; typically begins June 1 and runs through early August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Freshmen or Sophomores; first-generation or community college students; 3.0+ GPA; Pursuing Accounting, IT, Finance, or Engineering; U.S. work authorization required
The KPMG Embark Scholars Program is a premier multi-year rotational internship designed for high-performing undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation and community college students. The program provides exposure to the firm’s three main service lines: Audit, Tax, and Advisory. You participate in training sessions, networking events, and project work. The program is designed to build foundational business skills and provide exposure to client services. You also receive mentorship and career guidance. You engage in case-based learning and collaborative assignments that simulate real client scenarios. This program helps you develop problem-solving abilities and gives a clearer understanding of career pathways within professional services.
10. MITRE Internship Program
Location: McLean, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 500+ interns annually across all locations
Dates: Summer: 10–12 weeks; typically runs from late May/early June to late July/early August; Fall/Spring (Co-ops): Generally aligned with standard academic semesters (approx. 14–16 weeks); specific dates are coordinated with individual managers
Application Deadline: Summer: Rolling basis; Fall/Spring: 4–6 months prior to the semester start
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate student (rising sophomore to rising senior); U.S. Citizens
The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and health transformation. You work on projects supporting government and industry clients. The program includes technical training and collaborative work environments, where you gain experience in problem-solving and business strategy. Beyond project work, interns participate in a "Learning Track Program" involving technical talks, professional development seminars, and mentorship. The program maintains a high conversion rate, often extending full-time offers to over 50% of interns who are within 12 months of graduation.
11. Amazon Business Internship (HQ2)
Location: Arlington, VA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: May – August (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students (usually in their penultimate/junior year); have a graduation date between December and June; majoring in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Economics, Communications, or related fields; authorization to work in the U.S.
In this internship, you will step directly into corporate operations to tackle real-world e-commerce and retail challenges. Your experience will cover critical business topics, including finance, marketing, program management, human resources, and business analytics. During the program, you will actively analyze market data, manage cross-functional initiatives, and present strategic solutions directly to company leadership. The internship blends a hybrid work model with paid relocation stipends and the Intern Circle Program, ensuring you receive dedicated peer mentorship and executive networking. By the end of your summer, you will have developed skills in data-driven decision-making, strategic problem-solving, and professional communication.
12. Alltech Services, Inc. – Sales Internship
Location: Sterling, Fairfax, and Reston, VA
Stipend: Hourly pay + commission potential
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; no fixed cohorts
Dates: Year-round/Flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current undergraduates (all majors); must be outgoing and social; no prior sales experience required (training provided)
In this internship, you will dive into the core business topics of B2C sales, lead generation, and consumer marketing. Your daily activities involve engaging shoppers inside Home Depot stores, registering them for free home service consultations, offering exclusive HVAC discounts, and passing qualified leads to the core team. A unique feature of this program is its lack of awkward corporate scripts; instead, you earn an hourly wage plus commission through natural, face-to-face conversations. By actively representing a top-rated local contractor, you will learn practical sales tactics, real-world communication, and relationship-building skills. Ultimately, this internship gives you a direct, hands-on understanding of retail-level business development.
13. Accenture Summer Internship
Location: Arlington, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies by office capacity
Dates: 10 to 12 weeks (Typically early June through mid-August)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students (typically juniors/rising seniors graduating between Winter and Spring); enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program; strong academic standing; U.S. work authorization generally required
The Accenture Summer Analyst Program drops you directly into management consulting, letting you tackle real corporate challenges before you even graduate. Over 10 weeks, you will explore core business tracks including strategy, digital transformation, operations, and financial management. You will actively analyze client business processes, build data-driven financial models, and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership. The standout feature of this internship is the authentic immersion; you operate exactly like a full-time consultant on live client deliverables from day one. By the end of the summer, you will walk away with problem-solving abilities, strong stakeholder management skills, and analytical frameworks essential for your professional career.
14. Leidos Business Development Operations Intern
Location: Reston, VA
Stipend: $41,600 – $75,200 (prorated for the internship duration)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~900 interns
Dates: June – August (Standard 10–12 week summer window; some cohorts extend into November)
Application Deadline: Mid-January; rolling till March after that
Eligibility: Current undergraduates pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business, Marketing, or related field; U.S. citizens; minimum 2.5 GPA
In this internship, you will work within the fast-paced defense sector to learn essential business management and sales fundamentals. You will cover key topics like program integration, defense growth strategies, and core corporate operations while directly supporting the VP of Growth. Throughout the program, your primary activities will include taking detailed meeting notes, generating After Action Reports, collaborating with internal stakeholders, and handling multiple simultaneous tasks. The program features a highly flexible structure, offering primarily remote work alongside specialized internal Leidos training and potential travel to industry events. Ultimately, you will build highly adaptable organizational skills, learn how to prioritize in dynamic environments, and improve your professional communication capabilities.
15. The Inc Lab – Product Intern
Location: McLean, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort sizes
Dates: Summer: June – August; Fall/Spring: Available as part-time or off-cycle opportunities depending on project needs
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors/seniors currently enrolled in Product Design, Human Factors, Business, or related fields; U.S. citizens
In this program, you will focus on product design, project management, and product strategy by bridging the gap between human needs and intelligent digital applications. Your primary activities will include conducting user and stakeholder research, facilitating User-Centered Design (UCD) sessions to uncover pain points, and creating low-fidelity wireframes or interactive mockups. You will also translate your research findings into clear, actionable business recommendations for leadership. A unique feature of this internship is the fast-paced, cross-functional exposure you gain while collaborating with engineers and marketers to shape high-impact, mission-critical systems. Ultimately, you will learn vital skills like user-centric product design, resourcefulness in solving complex problems, and proficiency in modern collaboration tools such as Figma and Miro.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Several of these internships require U.S. citizenship and a security clearance. Why is that so common on this list?
Virginia, particularly the Northern Virginia and McLean corridor, is home to a large concentration of defense and government contracting companies, which explains why Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, MITRE, and Leidos all appear on this list with strict U.S. citizenship requirements. Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen specifically mention the need to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance, which is standard for roles touching national defense or intelligence work. If you are not a U.S. citizen or eligible for a security clearance, your stronger options on this list are Capital One, PwC Start, Accenture, Amazon, and Ladder Internships, none of which mention citizenship as a strict requirement, though most still require U.S. work authorization.
2. The Leidos internship lists a salary range instead of an hourly rate. How does that compare to the other paid roles on this list?
Leidos states a prorated annual range of $41,600 to $75,200, which works out to roughly $20 to $36 per hour depending on where in that range your offer lands, putting it among the most competitive disclosed compensation on this list. Most other internships, including Capital One, Accenture, MITRE, and Amazon, list pay as hourly without disclosing the rate, which is standard practice for large companies that adjust intern pay by year and role. Booz Allen also discloses pay as an annualized salary that varies by track rather than a flat hourly number, similar in structure to Leidos.
3. PwC Start and KPMG Embark Scholars both mention being designed for underrepresented or early-career students. What's the difference between the two?
Both programs target students earlier in their academic journey than a typical junior-year internship, but with slightly different focuses. PwC Start is explicitly for sophomores (or juniors in five-year programs) who self-identify as part of a traditionally underrepresented minority group, a veteran, or an individual with a disability, and it functions as a feeder into PwC's more advanced Advance Internship the following summer. KPMG Embark Scholars is specifically for first-generation or community college students pursuing accounting, IT, finance, or engineering, and is structured as a multi-year rotational program rather than a single summer experience. Both are strong entry points if you meet the eligibility criteria and want a clear pathway into a large professional services firm.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 15 business internships for undergraduates in Virginia, weighted heavily toward defense and government contracting firms like Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, MITRE, and Leidos, alongside major finance and consulting names including Capital One, PwC, KPMG, and Accenture, most of which are concentrated in the Northern Virginia and McLean corridor. Several of the defense-adjacent roles require U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance, which narrows the applicant pool considerably compared to the finance and consulting tracks, so international students or those without clearance eligibility should prioritise Capital One, PwC Start, Accenture, Amazon, or Ladder Internships instead. For students who want a fully remote alternative without the geographic concentration or citizenship requirements common across this list, Ladder Internships remains the most accessible option, with rolling cohorts and no security clearance or citizenship prerequisite.