15 Business Research Internships for Undergraduates
As a college student, participating in an internship is a good way to enhance your resume and profile. Internships allow you to explore your career interests, build professional networks, and develop key skills like communication, analysis, and problem-solving. If you’re interested in business, internships offer a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the corporate world, understand industry trends, and develop a strong foundation in areas like finance, consulting, marketing, and strategy. You’ll also have the chance to work closely with mentors and participate in professional development sessions
What business research internships are available for undergraduates?
Business research internships are designed to give you experience in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve business problems. You may get to work on projects such as market research, competitor analysis, financial modeling, consumer behavior studies, or industry trend reports. These opportunities not only strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills but also provide exposure to professional workflows and team collaboration. By the end of the internship, you’ll have practical research experience, a stronger understanding of business operations, and a resume that reflects your ability to contribute meaningfully to an organization.
In this blog, we’ve carefully selected 15 of the best business research internships for undergraduates, ensuring each program provides meaningful research experience and opportunities to develop professional skills.
1. Columbia Business School Summer Research Internship
Location: Columbia Business School, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are comfortable working with tools like Python, R, or STATA
The Columbia Business School Summer Research Internship is a highly selective program that allows you to gain practical experience and insight, working alongside faculty on a research project in fields like economics, finance, management, and more. You will develop skills in data analysis and statistical modeling, thereby enhancing your understanding of research methodologies. You’ll attend seminars, collaborate with PhD students, and present your findings in a professional research environment. The program strengthens your analytical and problem-solving abilities, allows you to explore your research interests, and prepares you for future careers in business or academia.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid is available
Dates: Spring, summer, fall, and winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship opportunity where you will get to collaborate with startups and nonprofit organizations from around the world. The startups represent a diverse range of industries, including business research. During the internship, you will engage in real-world projects that address the genuine needs of your assigned organization and will have the opportunity to present your work upon completion. You will also get to work closely with your designated managers at the startup. Apply now!
3. University of Chicago Booth School of Business Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options
Dates: Varies by project
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: University of Chicago undergraduates
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Undergraduate Research Opportunities offers two main programs you can participate in: the Summer Institute in Social Research Methods (SISRM) and the Becker Friedman Institute (BFI). The SISRM program provides an opportunity to serve as a research assistant and participate in a mentored research experience, contributing to a faculty member’s project. Whereas the BFI program allows you to apply to ongoing summer internships or present proposals of your own. Both programs allow you to engage in studies across finance, marketing, management, and economics while developing practical skills in data analysis, research methodology, and study design. You’ll also attend seminars, collaborate with PhD students, and present your findings, strengthening both your analytical and communication abilities. These programs provide an opportunity to explore your interest in business research, connect with professionals in the field, and enhance your resume for careers in finance, consulting, or other business areas.
4. Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Summer Internships
Location: D&B office in Jacksonville, FL, or Austin, TX
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; Dates vary by role
Application Deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: U.S.-based college/university and graduate students from diverse backgrounds
This internship gives you the chance to work on real-world projects that turn your classroom knowledge into practical experience. You’ll collaborate with professionals, learn new skills, and gain insight into how teams across a global company work together. Beyond project work, the program offers mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities to help you grow both personally and professionally. You’ll also get hands-on exposure to areas such as data, technology, finance, and marketing, contributing to meaningful projects that provide a clear understanding of how a large organization operates and preparing you for your future career.
5. Department of Justice USTP Internships
Location: Executive Office for United States Trustees, Washington, D.C., or other sites in the U.S.
Stipend: Not specified
Dates: Spring: January – May; Summer: June – August; Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Spring: August; Summer: January; Fall: April
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and law students
The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) Internship with the Department of Justice gives you real-world exposure to business and corporate law. You will learn about bankruptcy law, administrative law, policymaking, and legislative processes while working on meaningful tasks that support the program’s mission. Depending on your interests and placement, you may assist with legal research, financial analysis, or administrative projects. Pre-law students may also serve in paralegal roles, helping with corporate bankruptcy cases and gaining hands-on experience in the legal process.
6. Fidelity Undergraduate Internships
Location: Multiple Fidelity sites across the U.S. (commonly in Boston, MA)
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed from mid-September through mid-October
Eligibility: Rising college juniors and seniors
The Fidelity Summer Associate Program gives you hands-on experience in key finance areas like finance, audit, risk, compliance, and actuarial services. You’ll rotate through different sub-teams, work with associates and analysts on projects such as financial analysis, market research, data visualization, and report preparation, and receive training to build a strong foundation in your chosen area. You’ll also gain exposure to corporate compliance and tax frameworks and participate in mentorship, networking events, and skill-building workshops, with strong performance potentially leading to another internship or a full-time role after graduation.
7. Morgan Stanley Summer Analyst Program
Location: Morgan Stanley offices in the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: October
Eligibility: Rising college seniors
This 10-12-week summer program starts with hands-on training to build your money skills and analytical power, then places you in one key area such as Investment Management, Portfolio Solutions, Sales & Trading, or Operations & Technology. As an intern, you'll help teams by researching money rules and market trends, checking compliance, doing economic and number analyses, and reviewing cash flow and capital needs. You'll work closely with others on live projects, join inspiring speaker talks, workshops, and networking events, plus enjoy perks like mentorship and a competitive stipend to kickstart your finance career.
8. Boston Consulting Group Summer Associate Internships
Location: Various locations across the U.S. and internationally
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 2 to 3 months during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors and seniors, as well as non-MBA master’s students
BCG’s summer internships allow you to apply your skills directly to real management consulting work across various industries. You will be placed on a consulting case team, contributing to a client project while helping to develop practical business solutions. During the internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience in financial analysis, industry and market research, and data collection, using insights to identify strategic opportunities for the client. You’ll also support the creation of client-ready presentations and proposals. The program includes structured mentorship, networking events, professional training, and exposure to the full consulting process, allowing you to learn how projects evolve from start to finish.
9. Alvarez & Marsal Undergraduate Internships
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S. and abroad
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8-10 weeks (June – August); A few 4-month internships are offered in Europe
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors, and graduate and law school students; Major or coursework requirements may apply
The Alvarez & Marsal Internship Program offers you a paid, hands-on opportunity to gain real experience in a global consulting environment. You will work on client projects, supporting teams with research, data analysis, financial modeling, and problem-solving, while developing key professional skills. The program emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and networking, giving you the chance to learn directly from experienced professionals and connect with peers across the firm. By the end of the internship, you will gain a solid understanding of consulting, practical experience, and a strong foundation.
10. Bain & Company Associate Consultant Internship
Location: Multiple Bain offices worldwide
Stipend: $9,000/month + benefits
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by office; recruitment begins in the preceding summer
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate seniors and master’s students
In BCG’s summer internship program, you’ll get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in management consulting. You’ll join a case team and contribute to client projects, helping solve business challenges across different industries. You’ll analyze data, research markets, gather key information, and support strategic decisions, while also assisting in creating client presentations and proposals. Alongside your project work, you’ll participate in mentorship, training sessions, and networking opportunities, giving you a full picture of how consulting projects are executed from start to finish.
11. Jane Street Trading Summer Internship
Location: Jane Street’s New York City office or other offices worldwide
Stipend: Paid
Dates: May – September
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate seniors with strong Excel skills
The Jane Street Trading Internship gives you a hands-on, immersive experience in financial markets and quantitative problem-solving. During the program, you’ll work on real trading projects, analyze market data, and use math and programming to develop strategies. You’ll participate in interactive classes, simulated trading exercises, and problem-solving sessions, all while receiving mentorship from experienced traders. You’ll also gain insight into risk management, market structure, and how trading works in practice. Beyond technical skills, the internship gives you the chance to collaborate with a supportive team, network with professionals, and experience the trading environment, helping you build a strong foundation for a career in trading or quantitative finance.
12. Wharton Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA
Stipend: $6,000
Dates: 10 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: Wharton undergraduate students in good academic standing
SPUR enables you to design and execute a faculty-mentored research project on Penn’s campus, spanning business disciplines or related fields with flexibility in theoretical, data-driven, or applied methodologies. It provides dedicated faculty mentorship, comprehensive access to campus resources, opportunities for collaboration with peers in programs such as PURM or SUMR, and tangible deliverables, including a complete research paper, a reflective blog post for broader dissemination, and a presentation at a fall or spring symposium. You will engage in regular advisor check-ins to foster progress and develop essential professional competencies in time management, academic writing, critical analysis, and autonomous research execution, with no concurrent substantial employment or coursework permitted.
13. WBG Pioneers Internship
Location: World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C
Stipend: Stipend offered on an hourly basis
Dates: April – September
Application Deadline: January 19 – February 17
Eligibility: Final year undergraduate students
The WBG Pioneers Internship gives you a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in global development work with the World Bank Group. During the internship, you will contribute to projects across areas like economics, health, education, agriculture, environment, energy, urban planning, social sciences, and corporate support functions. You will develop professional, analytical, and technical skills while working closely with experienced teams and seeing firsthand how the World Bank operates worldwide. The program provides an hourly salary, and you may be placed at the Bank’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., or in one of its country offices, allowing you to make meaningful contributions to initiatives that promote poverty reduction, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
14. McKinsey & Company Sophomore Summer Business Analyst Internships
Location: Multiple McKinsey offices in North America
Stipend: 10-week proration of $190,000 annual salary
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising or current college sophomores attending school in the U.S. or Canada
McKinsey’s Sophomore Summer Business Analyst (SSBA) Internship provides you with hands-on experience in business and consulting. After a week of training, you will join a team of three to five McKinsey consultants, contributing to a client engagement through tasks such as data collection, market research, company analysis, and presentation preparation. As an intern, you will be paired with a dedicated mentor who provides guidance, answers questions, and supports career planning in consulting. You will also participate in affinity group events, connecting with other interns and professionals from similar backgrounds. The SSBA Internship often serves as a stepping stone to future summer internships, which can lead to full-time opportunities at McKinsey after graduation.
15. Hydrite Finance Internship Program
Location: Hydrite, Brookfield, WI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Dates not specified
Application Deadline: October 8
Eligibility: Undergraduates pursuing degrees in finance or related fields
In this internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with the finance team, taking part in tasks like budgeting, financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting. You’ll apply your classroom knowledge to situations, work with financial data using tools like Excel, and contribute to projects that support important business decisions. Throughout the program, you’ll also have opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, participate in team discussions, and understand how different parts of a finance department work together. By the end of the internship, you’ll have built practical skills, gained insight into the workings of a professional finance environment, and prepared yourself for a future career in finance or accounting.
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