12 Data Science Internships for Undergraduates
Data science offers a number of opportunities for college students interested in data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Internships are essential for gaining practical experience, building strong resumes, and applying classroom learning to real-world challenges. For undergraduates, these internships are particularly valuable as they provide hands-on exposure to a rapidly evolving field, enhance employability, and allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to real projects.
An internship in data science offers several key benefits: it strengthens your resume by showcasing practical experience, increases your employability as companies often prefer candidates who are familiar with industry practices, and helps you bridge the gap between theory and practice by solving real-world problems. Additionally, internships allow you to build a professional network with industry experts, mentors, and peers while exploring diverse career paths within the field, such as machine learning, data engineering, or data analytics.
With data science playing a crucial role across industries, an internship can open doors to exciting career opportunities, making it an excellent option for undergraduates. Below, we’ve curated a list of 12 highly recommended data science internships for you to explore.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,490 for the internship program; $4,800 for the research internship; $5,900 for the combined program
Application Deadline: February 9, 2025, for the spring cohort
Internship Dates: Multiple dates; Spring cohort starts on February 19, 2025
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates; some Python experience recommended
Ladder’s University Program offers a flexible remote data science internship for undergraduates looking to gain hands-on experience in data science. The program provides a high-impact internship experience for motivated students, connecting them with leading startups and NGOs to work on real-world projects. Spanning eight weeks, the program includes weekly meetings with a startup supervisor.
During the internship, you’ll work on real projects, gain exposure to professional tools like SQL, Python, and machine learning frameworks, and receive mentorship from experienced data scientists. By the end of the program, you will have a comprehensive portfolio with project examples to showcase in job interviews. While knowledge of basic Python and statistics will be helpful, the remote format may offer fewer networking opportunities compared to in-person internships.
Location: Various U.S. and international locations
Cost: Free, stipend varies by position
Application Deadline: Rolling, typically closes around February
Internship Dates: May–August, tentative
Eligibility: Juniors or seniors in relevant majors; familiarity with R or Python required
Google’s Internship offers an immersive experience in big data analytics, machine learning, and data engineering. Interns collaborate with Google’s data science teams to address real-world data challenges impacting millions of users and present their findings to Google teams. A solid foundation in programming and familiarity with Google products is beneficial. The program is competitive, with a thorough selection process.
3. IBM Data Scientist Intern: 2025
Location: Research Triangle Park, US
Cost: Projected Minimum Salary: $103,000 per year
Application Deadline: Varies based on position
Internship Dates: Varies based on position
Eligibility: Undergraduates majoring in data science, computer science, or a related field with basic understanding of Python, Java, Cloud etc.
As a Data Scientist Intern at IBM, you will transform client data into business insights through analysis and collaboration on product development. Using advanced open-source tools, you’ll automate data processes with Python, build structured datasets, and address real-world problems. Responsibilities include contributing to software projects, applying data engineering to prepare data for analysis and AI, using predictive modeling, and working in Agile teams. You will also gain experience with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure to enhance analytics and data processing capabilities.
4. Microsoft Explore Internship
Location: U.S. and select global locations
Cost: Paid
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until positions are filled
Internship Dates: Two start dates—May 19, 2025, to August 8, 2025, and June 16, 2025, to September 5, 2025
Eligibility: First-year (graduating between December 2027 and August 2028) or second-year (graduating between December 2026 and August 2027) college students pursuing a bachelor's degree in the United States, Canada, or Mexico
The Explore Microsoft program is a 12-week summer internship for first- and second-year college students interested in tech. Designed for students majoring in Computer Science, Data Science, or Cybersecurity, this program provides hands-on experience in the software development cycle, covering the design, build, and quality phases. During the internship, you will work collaboratively in teams and gain valuable insights through mentorship, community-building activities, and networking opportunities.
5. Meta’s Facebook Intern Program
Location: Various U.S. and international locations, with virtual and hybrid options
Cost: Paid positions; compensation varies by role
Application Deadline: Rolling; typically closes around February every year
Internship Dates: May–August, tentative
Eligibility: Open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students proficient in SQL, Python, and data visualization
Meta's Facebook internships offer valuable, hands-on experience with real data science challenges. During the internship, you'll receive practical training and work on impactful projects, which can enhance your resume and provide a strong foundation for a career in data science. However, competition is high—only about 200 to 300 interns are selected for the summer, with fewer openings in the fall. To secure a position, you'll need strong skills and a solid interview performance.
6. Amazon Research Science Internship
Location: Seattle, WA, and various U.S. locations
Cost: Paid position; compensation varies by role
Application Deadline: Rolling; positions updated frequently
Internship Dates: Varies by position
Eligibility: Upperclassmen or recent graduates with strong coding skills in Python or Java
Amazon's internship offers hands-on projects in logistics, personalization, and predictive analytics, providing an in-depth look at applied machine learning. You'll gain practical experience with Amazon’s data tools and products, so it's important to be familiar with Python, machine learning models, and data preprocessing. Internship opportunities are updated frequently, so it's best to check the site regularly for the most suitable position. The work can be highly technical, and beginners may find the learning curve challenging.
7. Airbnb Data Science Intern Program
Location: Various locations
Cost: Based on position offered, multiple options available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Internship Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors with experience in data visualization and analytics
Airbnb’s internship program offers the opportunity to work on customer insights, market research, and optimization projects related to travel data. You'll engage in an immersive data project focused on visualization and analytics. Familiarity with Airbnb’s services and the travel industry can be helpful. Internship locations vary, and remote positions are limited.
8. Tesla Data Science Internship
Location: Fremont, CA, and Austin, TX
Cost: Paid position; compensation varies by role
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; typically closes around March every year
Internship Dates: May–August, tentatively
Eligibility: STEM undergraduates with experience in Python and predictive modeling
The Tesla data science internship program offers the opportunity to work on data-driven projects focused on production and vehicle analytics. You'll gain hands-on experience with Tesla’s data architecture. Strong Python skills and an understanding of vehicle data structures are recommended. The program is competitive and requires relocation.
9. NASA Data Science Internship
Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S.
Cost: Paid, with stipends based on academic level and session duration
Application Deadlines:
- Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
- Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Internship Dates:
- Summer Session: June – August 2025
- Fall Session: September – December 2025
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; minimum GPA of 3.0; full-time students (high school through graduate level); at least 16 years old at the time of application
NASA’s internship offers hands-on data science experience focused on space and planetary science data, machine learning, and data visualization. You will collaborate on projects that support NASA’s missions and research. The program offers three types of internships: OSTEM Intern, Pathways Intern, and International Intern. You will complete a data science project with real-world applications to NASA’s data systems, with potential for research publications. It’s helpful to be familiar with Python, data visualization, and NASA’s open data sets. U.S. citizenship is required.
10. Spotify Data Science Internship
Location: New York, NY, and Stockholm, Sweden
Cost: Paid; $33.00/hour (Undergraduate First Year & Sophomores), $42.00/hour (Undergraduate Juniors & Seniors)
Application Deadline: February 2025
Internship Dates: May – August 2025
Eligibility: Open to upper-level undergraduates with experience in data science, statistics, and proficiency in SQL, Python, or R
Spotify’s internship provides students with the opportunity to work on large datasets related to music and user behavior analytics. You will support product and business teams, exploring user engagement and personalization. This hands-on experience includes working with data at scale, building models to understand user preferences, and using Spotify’s advanced analytics tools. Familiarity with SQL and statistical modeling is helpful. The program has limited slots and is highly competitive due to Spotify’s brand appeal.
11. Intel Data Science Internship
Location: Various U.S. locations
Cost: Paid; compensation varies by position
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Internship Dates: Varies depending on the specific role
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates in data science, computer science, or related fields; proficiency in Python and statistics is recommended
Intel offers internships focused on predictive modeling, machine learning, and big data applications for hardware and software innovation. You will complete a capstone project with Intel’s engineering or analytics teams, gaining practical experience in advanced data science applications. Strong coding skills and basic knowledge of big data are recommended. Relocation may be required.
12. Deloitte Data Science Internship
Location: Various U.S. locations and remote options
Cost: Paid; compensation varies by position
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Internship Dates: Varies by position
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates in data science, analytics, or related fields; strong data manipulation skills required
Deloitte’s data science internship allows you to work on real consulting projects in areas like financial modeling, business intelligence, and predictive analytics, offering valuable experience in the consulting side of data science. You will work on business analytics projects, present findings to client teams, and high performers may receive job offers. Familiarity with business analytics tools and client-oriented data presentation skills is helpful. Consulting internships can be high-pressure and may require long hours.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships.
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual program where you’ll have the chance to work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! These startups span a variety of industries, including computer science, tech, and engineering. During your internship, you’ll work on a meaningful, real-world project that directly contributes to the startup’s needs, and you’ll present your work at the end of the program.
You’ll collaborate closely with your manager from the startup and also receive guidance from a Ladder Coach throughout your experience. Ready to take the next step? Apply now!