15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Iowa
Explore business internships in Iowa tailored for undergraduates. Enhance your skills and build your resume with these valuable work experiences!
If you’re an undergraduate student considering a business career, internships can be a powerful way to gain experience while still in college. They give you the chance to step into professional environments, work on real projects, and learn how businesses operate in practice. Instead of only studying concepts in class, you’ll develop hands-on skills and gain insights that can help shape your career path. What makes business internships for undergraduates in Iowa especially valuable is the state’s diverse economic landscape. From finance and insurance firms to agricultural businesses and growing startups, Iowa offers students opportunities to explore different industries while gaining practical experience.
Why should I do a business internship in college?
Business internships give college students a chance to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world experience. Employers often expect graduates to have some familiarity with workplace environments, and internships help students understand professional expectations, workflows, and industry practices. They also help you build practical skills that are essential for a business career. For example, interns often gain experience with market research, financial analysis, project coordination, and client communication. These experiences can strengthen your confidence and prepare you for future professional roles.
To make your search easier, below are 15 business internships for undergraduates in Iowa that offer valuable learning experiences and professional growth opportunities.
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.
1. Shift Marketing – Sales & Business Internship
Location: Multiple cities in Iowa, including Ames, Iowa City, Des Moines, Davenport, Sioux City, and Ankeny
Stipend: Commission-based; average first-year interns earn approximately $13,000–$26,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: 10–12 weeks during the summer; typical start dates are in late May or early June, concluding in mid-August
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in sales, marketing, and business development
The SHIFT Marketing Sales and Business Internship immerses you in the core topics of sales, persuasion, work ethic, and professional communication. As an intern, you will engage directly with clients, generate revenue through direct sales, navigate CRM platforms, and participate in growth mindset training. The program is distinct because it offers a highly lucrative commission structure, provides housing in your assigned market, and establishes a clear pipeline for full-time employment. The team environment relies on friendly competition and hands-on coaching to quickly accelerate your development. Ultimately, this intensive role ensures you finish with a strong resume backed by real, data-driven accomplishments.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote (hosted by Ladder University; students work virtually with global startups and nonprofits)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 10%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeksThe Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, eight-week virtual experience that immerses you in the fast-paced startup world. Throughout this business-centric track, you will explore diverse topics and industries like finance, consulting, media, and tech. As an intern, you will engage in hands-on activities like actively defining project goals with a dedicated coach, developing tangible market strategies, and formally presenting a final deliverable to your host company. A unique feature of this program is its flexible remote structure coupled with direct, weekly mentorship from elite founders hailing from organizations like Y Combinator, Google, and McKinsey. Ultimately, you will bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution, developing skills such as strategic planning, practical data analysis, and professional networking.
3. John Deere – Part-Time Student - Inventory Analyst
Location: Waterloo, IA and Ankeny, IA (typically at Waterloo Works or Des Moines Works)
Stipend: $15 – $40 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 5–15 students per location/function
Dates: Year-round (Requires 16–20 hours per week during the academic semesters and 35–40 hours per week during the summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling / Open until filled (Recruitment typically peaks in September/October for academic year starts and January/February for summer starts)
Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergraduate student at a local accredited college or university; must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher (3.0+ preferred for Ankeny locations); must have a graduation date of May next year or a year after that, or later; must be able to commute to the physical work site daily (no remote options for this role); must be 18 years of age or older and authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.
In this role, you will explore supply chain management, data analytics, and financial reporting within a manufacturing setting. Your key activities will involve preparing detailed inventory reports, coordinating routine financial audits, and conducting data-driven shopfloor investigations to resolve inventory discrepancies. A standout feature of this year-round program is its structure, allowing you to directly augment Deere's full-time staff by working part-time during your academic semesters and full-time over the summer. Ultimately, this role sharpens your attention to detail and communication abilities, bridging your undergraduate education with real-world industry execution.
4. Accumold – Intern
Location: Ankeny, IA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 10–20 students
Dates: Year-round (part-time during academic semesters and full-time during the summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling / open until filled
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students in an engineering, technical, or manufacturing-related program; must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher; must be authorized to work in the u.s. without sponsorship; must be able to commute to the ankeny facility daily
In this research role, you will immerse yourself in hands-on discovery across diverse topics like biomedical sciences, engineering, psychology, and the humanities. During your time in the program, you will actively design scientific experiments, conduct field or laboratory data collection, and present your findings at academic symposiums. A distinguishing feature of these Iowa programs is the rare opportunity to actively drive cutting-edge, R1-level funded studies alongside renowned faculty. Ultimately, you will master technical laboratory methods and professional science communication skills that perfectly prepare you for graduate studies or a future industry career.
5. Iowa Economic Development Authority – Business & Policy Internship
Location: Des Moines, IA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 5–10 students per year
Dates: Summer (typically June – August) with year-round part-time options during academic semesters
Application Deadline: Rolling / primary summer recruitment occurs in February and March
Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university; must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; must be pursuing a degree in business, economics, public policy, or a related field; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship; must be able to commute to the Des Moines office daily
In this internship, you explore topics surrounding statewide economic growth, corporate expansion, and community vitality. During the program, you will research regional economic trends, evaluate business incentive applications, draft policy memos, and support local community development initiatives. The program gives you direct exposure to state-level decision-makers while working on real projects impacting Iowa's targeted industries, such as bioscience and manufacturing. By completing these tasks, you will develop valuable skills in data analysis, policy evaluation, professional communication, and project management. Ultimately, this role gives you a practical understanding of how public policy actively shapes local business landscapes.
6. Merrill Manufacturing – Sales Intern
Location: Storm Lake, IA
Stipend: paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 2-5 students per department
Dates: Summer (typically May – August) with potential for extension
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Must be a sophomore or higher pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field; must have the right to legally work in the united states; must have transportation to and from work; must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
In this internship, you will dive into foundational topics like sales operations, lead generation, market research, and customer outreach. During your time in the program, you will actively prospect potential customers, shadow experienced sales professionals, participate in product demonstrations, and help create sales presentations. The internship allows you to learn within North America's leading water well accessory manufacturer, which emphasizes a supportive, family-owned work culture. Through these hands-on experiences, you will develop critical skills such as utilizing ERP/CRM systems, executing effective sales techniques, performing data analysis, and building strong client relationships.
7. Garden State Bins – Sales Summer Internship
Location: Des Moines, IA; Cedar Rapids, IA; Davenport, IA
Stipend: $200 – $300 per day
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 10–20 students per location Dates: Summer (typically May – August)
Application Deadline: Rolling; open until filled
Eligibility: Must be a driven undergraduate student interested in residential sales and professional communication; must possess strong verbal communication and organizational skills; must have a self-motivated and competitive attitude; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
The Garden State Bins Sales Summer Internship in Iowa is a hands-on program where you focus on customer acquisition and business development within the professional trash bin sanitizing industry. Throughout the summer, you will actively engage directly with homeowners, educate them on the health and odor-control benefits of clean bins, utilize tracking technology to maximize your efficiency, and identify ways to improve the overall customer experience. A unique feature of this role is the opportunity to represent a high-demand, recurring residential service in a growth-focused environment where returning interns average a 40% increase in commission earnings. As you navigate these daily responsibilities, you will build essential real-world skills in persuasion, professional communication, organization, and time management.
8. Association Member Benefits Advisors, LLC – HR Intern
Location: Urbandale, IA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 10–15 students
Dates: Summer cohort (10-week program starting in June and running through August)
Application Deadline: Rolling; open until filled
Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergraduate student entering junior or senior year; must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; must be pursuing a degree in human resources, business, or a related field; must be authorized to work in the u.s. without sponsorship; must be able to commute to the urbandale office for in-person work four days per week
In this role, you will focus on enhancing people leader readiness while gaining hands-on exposure to talent operations. You will explore core topics like HR administration, employee file management, and leadership development. Throughout the summer, your daily activities will involve reviewing resumes, screening candidates, supporting onboarding processes, and building a comprehensive training repository. A unique feature of this program is that you will travel to the main office to present your final project to executives, alongside enjoying paid social outings and community volunteer events. By participating, you will develop practical skills in talent acquisition, policy consolidation, and executive presentation.
9. Warren Transport Inc. – Marketing Intern
Location: Waterloo, IA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 1–3 students
Dates: Summer (May to August) with potential part-time extension during the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergraduate student; must have prior internship, coursework, or project experience involving marketing or communications; must be comfortable working both independently and cross-functionally; must be authorized to work in the u.s. without sponsorship; must be able to commute to the waterloo facility daily
In this internship, you will focus on strengthening the company’s employer brand, digital presence, and driver recruitment pipeline. You will explore core topics like recruitment marketing, talent acquisition, and digital campaign strategy. Your daily activities will involve conducting design research, creating graphic design content for branded materials, updating marketing presentations, and drafting copy for emails and landing pages. A unique feature of this program is its hands-on approach to bridging talent acquisition directly with digital marketing within the specialized logistics and trucking sector. Ultimately, you will build highly practical skills in copywriting, graphic design, and cohesive campaign creation to complement your undergraduate studies.
10. Kunkel & Associates – Transportation Sales Summer Internship
Location: Dubuque, IA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 10–15 students
Dates: Summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: Rolling; open until filled
Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a degree in business, marketing, or a related field; must have strong communication and interpersonal skills; must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel; must have a proactive attitude and willingness to learn; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship; must be able to commute to the Dubuque facility daily
In this internship, you will dive into the commercial insurance industry, specifically covering topics like transportation risk, property and casualty solutions, and employee benefits. Your daily activities will include shadowing seasoned sales staff, building detailed insurance proposals, conducting cold calls to prospective businesses, and traveling with producers to meet clients face-to-face. What makes this program uniquely attractive is the exceptional support it provides, including fully paid summer housing in Dubuque, all-expenses-paid travel, and a flexible schedule that gives you Friday afternoons off. Ultimately, this hands-on program delivers real-world sales experience while offering a direct pathway to a potential full-time position upon graduation.
11. Cottingham & Butler – Sales Internship
Location: Dubuque, IA
Stipend: $6,500 plus potential performance bonuses and provided apartment-style housing
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 15–25 students per summer cohort
Dates: May 19 – July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student (all majors accepted); must demonstrate a history of academic or extracurricular excellence; must be self-motivated with a drive to succeed in a sales environment; must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills; must be able to work in a team-oriented environment; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
As a Cottingham & Butler Summer Sales Intern, you will explore the insurance industry by learning the complete sales process, market trends, and client strategies. You will actively cold call prospects to identify their needs, travel to real-world client meetings alongside experienced executives, and research competitor activities to understand the market landscape. Through these hands-on activities and dedicated workshops, you will develop essential skills in strategic problem-solving, competitive resilience, and professional communication. The program uniquely stands out by offering direct one-on-one mentorship from senior leadership, complimentary apartment-style housing, and a $6,500 base pay with additional bonus opportunities. Ultimately, this ten-week experience provides a comprehensive 360-degree view of the business and the potential for a full-time career placement upon graduation.
12. Tension Corporation – Summer Sales & Operations Intern
Location: Des Moines, IA
Stipend: $20 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 1–3 students per location
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling / open until filled (recruitment typically peaks in February and March)
Eligibility: Must be a currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, operations, supply chain, engineering, marketing, or a related field; must be curious, coachable, and comfortable learning in a hands-on manufacturing environment; must possess strong communication skills and a customer-focused mindset; must be organized and reliable with the ability to balance multiple priorities; must have basic comfort with microsoft excel; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
In this role, you will cover core business topics including operations, logistics, lean manufacturing, and general management. Throughout the program, you will tackle hands-on activities like conducting quality inspections, estimating customer orders, shadowing field sales days, and presenting a final capstone project to leadership. What makes this program unique is its structured weekly rotation model, ensuring you act as a value-adding contributor alongside dedicated departmental mentors. By diving into these daily processes, you will learn hard skills like supply chain scheduling, lean waste reduction, and CRM or Power BI data reporting.
13. Berkeley – Business Analyst / Product Manager Co-op
Location: Urbandale, IA (Berkley Technology Services)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 2–5 students per team
Dates: Year-round (typically 15–20 hours per week during academic semesters; 40 hours per week during summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications typically accepted in February/March for summer and September for fall
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a degree program related to business, technology, or insurance; completed at least 2 years of college coursework preferred; authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship; able to work on-site in Urbandale; possess strong communication skills
In this co-op role, you are embedded within a technology team to bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions. The program covers practical topics like the insurance industry lifecycle, technical operations support, and data-driven system enhancements. You will spend your time resolving support tickets, writing business requirements for new features, and performing quality control testing on system updates. A unique feature of the program is the high level of leadership engagement and the chance to work directly on specialized segments like "Excess & Surplus" technology. Through these tasks, you’ll sharpen your skills in analytical modeling, requirements documentation, and cross-functional communication.
14. John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Summer Accelerator Fellowship
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Stipend: $6,000 for individual fellows or $12,000 for teams of two or more
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 5–15 students
Dates: May 18 – July 24
Deadlines: March 11
Eligibility: Currently enrolled as a University of Iowa undergraduate students; actively building a startup beyond the idea stage; begun customer discovery or early validation; prepared to commit full-time effort for 10 weeks; coachable, execution-oriented, and milestone-driven; demonstrate strong potential for venture growth
The Summer Accelerator Fellowship at the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is an intensive startup program designed for students actively building and scaling ventures. In this program, you work full-time on your startup with structured mentorship, coaching, and milestone-based progress tracking. You develop your product, validate your market, and build a scalable business model while receiving guidance from industry experts. The program includes a dedicated workspace, weekly check-ins, and culminates in a Demo Day where you present your venture to investors and ecosystem leaders. This experience is ideal if you are serious about launching and growing a startup.
15. Genuine Parts Company – Sales Intern
Location: Davenport, IA (Motion Industries) and various NAPA Auto Parts locations throughout Iowa
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 5–15 students per region
Dates: Summer (typically June – August; 10–12 week duration)
Application Deadline: Rolling; typically peaks in January and February for summer cohorts
Eligibility: Undergraduate student in their junior or senior year of study with an interest in a sales career; currently enrolled at an accredited college or university; excellent communication skills in both verbal and written forms; authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
During this summer internship, you will immerse yourself in the industrial and automotive parts industry while building essential business acumen and communication skills. You will work with sales leaders to identify prospects, manage sales cycles, and collaborate with service teams to drive client engagement. Throughout the program, you'll gain technical knowledge via product training and join cross-functional meetings to understand various departmental operations. A unique feature of this role is the high-level leadership exposure and the direct path it offers into the company’s post-grad Sales Development Program. You will sharpen critical skills in relationship management, analytical problem-solving, and lead generation through hands-on field experience.