15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Missouri

For students interested in business, internships can be especially valuable because they offer exposure to corporate operations, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and other core areas of the field. Missouri is an excellent destination for undergraduate business internships because its major cities, like St. Louis and Kansas City, host a diverse array of Fortune 500 companies and growing businesses across industries such as finance, agriculture, and healthcare. Furthermore, the state offers a highly affordable cost of living, allowing you to gain top-tier corporate experience without any financial strain.

Why should I do a business internship in college?

A business internship can help you build practical skills that employers often look for, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. It can also give you a clearer sense of which areas of business interest you most, whether that is finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, or operations. In addition, having internship experience on your resume can improve your employability by showing that you have already worked in a professional setting and understand workplace expectations. These programs can also help you connect with mentors, professionals, and peers who may be useful resources as you continue your career journey.

To make your search easier, we have narrowed down 15 of the best business internships for undergraduates in Missouri.

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. Mizzou International Trade Center Internship

Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $1,300–$1,800+ depending on residency and supplemental business fees / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 16 interns per semester
Dates: Semester-based: Spring (January – May), Summer (June – July), and Fall (August – December)
Application Deadline: Rolling/Ongoing
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University of Missouri with strong research, Excel, and communication skills

The Mizzou International Trade Center Internship is based at the University of Missouri and places students in work related to international trade and business support. You will typically assist with research, communication, and administrative tasks connected to the center's ongoing projects. The internship can help you build skills in market analysis, professional writing, and coordination. Because it is housed within a university center, the work often connects classroom learning with practical business applications. You may also gain exposure to how faculty and staff support global business initiatives.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; acceptance; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks

The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, fully virtual eight-week experience where you work directly with top startup founders on real-world business projects. Throughout the program, you can explore diverse business topics like finance, marketing, consulting, and customer analytics. As an intern, you will meet weekly with a company coach, define core project milestones, develop strategic business drafts, and present a final tangible deliverable to the host company. What makes this program uniquely valuable is that you bypass simulated case studies to receive direct mentorship from founders with elite McKinsey, Google, or Y-Combinator backgrounds. Ultimately, you will develop skills in project management, strategic problem-solving, and professional communication while building a standout resume.

3. EFactory - Entrepreneurship Intern Pilot Program

Location: Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 5 students
Dates: Semester-long (12-week duration during the Fall and Spring academic semesters)
Application Deadline: Mid-October (Spring); Mid-January (Fall); specific dates vary by semester
Eligibility: Be enrolled in at least six credit hours as a Missouri State University undergraduate or graduate student, cumulative GPA of 2.5+

The EFactory Entrepreneurship Intern Pilot Program focuses on entrepreneurship and small business support at Missouri State University. You will likely take part in projects that involve event support, organizational tasks, and assistance with programs connected to innovation and startups. The experience can help you develop communication, teamwork, and office skills in a university-based setting. Since the program is tied to an entrepreneurship hub, you may also observe how startup support initiatives are run. The internship offers practical exposure to the environment around new business development.

4. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship

Location: Kansas City or St. Louis, MO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 150 fellows selected annually
Dates: 8-week summer internship (exact dates vary by employer)
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors or undergraduates; plan to attend or attend a four-year accredited U.S. college/university; GPA ≥ 3.0; interest in media/tech; U.S. work authorization; must be 18 before internship start

The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship places students with media, technology, and entertainment employers across the country. You will work in a professional setting and contribute to assignments that vary by host organization. The foundation places students into one of three specific career paths, including Content, Business, and Innovation. It gives you experience with workplace communication, collaboration, and adapting to corporate expectations. Because placements are paired with the foundation's fellowship model, students also gain access to broader professional development. The structure is designed to connect classroom interests with industry experience in a sustained way.

5. Wash U Skandalaris Internship Program

Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Competitive; approximately 50–60 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (all majors) of WashU who qualify through the Skandalaris application process before accessing internship listings.

The WashU Skandalaris Internship Program connects students with internship opportunities through Washington University's entrepreneurship and innovation center. You will likely work on projects that build problem-solving, communication, and professional experience in a structured university environment. Depending on the placement, the internship may involve startups, research, or business-related support work. The program also gives students access to an entrepreneurship-focused network on campus. It concludes with a showcase event where interns and founders present their summer progress to the local community. It is designed to help students gain applied experience while working in settings connected to innovation.

6. Federal Reserve Bank Internships

Location: Varies across MO according to open positions
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective; 20–40 interns per district
Dates: 10–12 weeks between June – August
Application Deadline: September – January
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students (typically rising juniors or seniors). Must have a strong GPA (usually 3.0+) and be returning to school full-time in the fall

The Federal Reserve System maintains two district headquarters in Missouri: the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The bank places students in a professional setting focused on economic, financial, and public policy work. You will usually support research, analysis, or administrative projects depending on the office and role. The experience can help you learn how a major financial institution operates and how professionals handle policy-related responsibilities. Interns may also gain exposure to data-driven work and cross-functional collaboration. The program is especially relevant for students interested in economics, finance, or government-related careers.

7. Edward Jones - Headquarters Internship

Location: Edward Jones, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Competitive; approximately 150–200 interns annually
Dates: Early June to Early August (typically 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: January – March
Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 GPA; Undergraduate (Junior/Senior) or 1st-year Graduate students; Business, Finance, or Tech-related majors; U.S. work authorization

The Edward Jones Headquarters Internship places students in a corporate environment where they can learn how a large financial services company operates. You will work on assigned projects and gain experience with workplace communication, teamwork, and business processes. The internship may expose you to functions across different departments within the company. Because it is based at headquarters, you can observe how corporate teams coordinate on internal initiatives. You also participate in "Launch Your Practice" sessions and interact with the firm's top leadership. The role is useful for students interested in financial services and business operations.

8. General Services Administration (GSA) Pathways Internship Program

Location: General Services Administration (GSA), Kansas City Regional Office, MO
Stipend: Paid, starting at GS-4 pay grade level; varies as per location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 10–20 students
Dates: Academic year and summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: Typically open on USAJOBS in October and again in February for very short windows (often only 10 business days)
Eligibility: Must be a current student (at least half-time) in an accredited undergraduate program with a 2.5 GPA or higher (3.0 preferred)

The GSA Pathways Internship Program places students in federal government offices where they contribute to public service work. You will likely support projects involving research, administration, or program operations, depending on the placement. The internship can help you build skills in writing, organization, and understanding how government systems function. Because the program is part of the federal Pathways structure, it offers direct exposure to public-sector careers. One of the most significant benefits is that interns who complete at least 640 hours of work and their degree requirements may be converted to a permanent federal position without further competition.

9. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Various locations across the U.S., including MO
Stipend: $17/hr or local minimum wage, whichever is higher
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 300 students nationally
Dates: June – July (6 weeks); mandatory Leadership Summit is scheduled for June 16–18
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18; have recently completed high school (within 2 years), and have earned 12–18 college credits while being in good academic standing; authorized to work in the U.S.; reside in an eligible location; cannot be a Bank of America employee or an immediate family member of one

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program combines a nonprofit internship with leadership development. You will spend time working with a community organization while learning how service-based programs are managed. The experience can help you build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills through practical community involvement. The program also includes a broader summit component, which adds another layer to the internship experience. It is designed for students who want exposure to civic engagement and nonprofit work. You also attend a leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you engage in seminars and discussions about civic leadership and meet peers from across the country.

10. Hoodz – Business Development Intern

Location: Grandview, MO
Stipend: Uncapped 10% Commission on first-time gross revenue; base pay ranges from $15–$20/hour or $10,000–$15,000/year (pro-rated)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 2–5 interns per franchise branch
Dates: Typically June – August; 10–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Late Spring / Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduates (Majors: Business, Finance, Marketing, Communications); age 21+ preferred (due to visiting bars/taverns)

In this role at Hoodz, you dive into B2B sales and lead generation within the commercial services sector. You will spend your time conducting market research to identify leads, managing CRM data, and performing cold outreach to secure new business accounts. The internship allows you to shadow management during on-site inspections and sales presentations to observe professional negotiation firsthand. This experience offers direct exposure to franchise operations, helping you understand how service-based businesses scale effectively. By participating, you'll develop skills in communication, strategic prospecting, and professional networking.

11. Lutheran Home – Business Office Internship

Location: Cape Girardeau, MO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 1–2 interns per business cycle
Dates: Typically aligns with 10–12 week summer sessions or full semesters
Application Deadline: Rolling / Until Filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; specifically those majoring in Business Management, Accounting, or Healthcare Administration

In this role, you'll gain a behind-the-scenes look at the financial management of a healthcare facility, covering everything from accounts receivable to regulatory compliance. You will spend your days processing vendor invoices, managing resident trust accounts, and assisting with internal financial audits. A unique feature of this program is the direct mentorship from the Business Office Manager, offering you a high-level view of non-profit fiscal strategies. Through these hands-on tasks, you'll develop healthcare-specific software and develop a professional grasp of Medicare and Medicaid billing procedures. This experience helps you sharpen your analytical accuracy and communication skills while seeing how administrative efficiency impacts quality resident care.

12. Shift Marketing – Sales & Business Internship

Location: Missouri (Market offices in St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield, Lee's Summit, and St. Charles)
Stipend: $1,000 – $5,000 per week (Commission-based); Average first-year earnings range from $13,000 – $26,000 for the summer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Competitive; cohort size variable by local market demand and territory size
Dates: Typically 12 weeks from mid-May to mid-August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor's degree (Business, Marketing, or Communications preferred)

In this role, you dive into the fundamentals of business-to-business sales and lead generation while supporting the agency's growth strategy. You will spend your time identifying potential clients, conducting cold outreach, managing a CRM database, and eventually delivering live sales presentations. You receive direct mentorship from senior leadership and are part of a results-oriented culture that mirrors high-stakes corporate environments. Through these daily activities, you'll sharpen your negotiation skills, learn effective professional communication, and master the mechanics of building a sales pipeline from scratch.

13. Wheelhouse Downtown – Marketing Intern

Location: St. Louis, MO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 1–3 interns per season
Dates: Typically May/June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current Undergraduates (UGs) or recent graduates in Marketing, Communications, or Business

As a Marketing Intern at Wheelhouse Downtown, you will focus on broad business strategy, including short and long-range planning for existing and new markets. Your daily activities will involve developing new product programs, executing targeted sales initiatives, and managing cross-channel digital promotional efforts. A unique feature of this program is its deeply collaborative culture, providing you with direct mentorship from professionals within a vibrant, innovation-driven environment. Throughout the internship, you will develop hard skills by utilizing CRM software, navigating Google Analytics, and applying fundamental SEO principles.

14. Advantage Capital – Communications & Marketing Intern

Location: St. Louis, MO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective; typically 10–15 interns across departments
Dates: Typically 10 weeks, starting in early June
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduates with expected graduation between May and May next year; 3.5+ GPA; proficiency in Microsoft Office

In this internship, you will explore the intersection of impact investing, corporate branding, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout the summer, you will actively assist with content creation for presentations and digital assets. You will also support brand awareness through social media campaigns, manage data metrics for marketing outreach, and coordinate research for upcoming trade shows. A uniquely valuable feature of this program is its deep focus on conscious capitalism and uplifting underserved communities. Additionally, you will participate in a two-day immersive orientation and present a final collaborative capstone project.

15. BJC Health System – Business Analytics Intern

Location: St. Louis, MO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Competitive; focused group of 2–5 interns
Dates: Year-long or Seasonal
Application Deadline: (Summer: January 9; Fall: March 13; Spring: Early October)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (preference for rising juniors/seniors or +1/+2 year graduates; requires an excellent GPA and relevant major like Business Analytics or Healthcare Admin)

As a BJC Health System Business Analytics Intern, you will dive into the intersection of healthcare operations and data-driven decision-making within one of the nation's largest nonprofit healthcare organizations. Your topics of focus will cover healthcare business intelligence, financial performance tracking, and strategic organizational support. Throughout the program, you will actively navigate complex project requests, track and analyze operational data across various hospital segments, and collaborate closely with staff and project leaders to design innovative workflow solutions. The internship gives you direct exposure to how your analytical work supports massive community health and charity care operations throughout the St. Louis region.

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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