15 Internships for College Students in North Dakota
If you’re a college student, internships are one of the smartest ways to build a strong foundation for your future career. They help you strengthen your resume with real-world experience, making your profile more competitive when applying for jobs or graduate programs. Through internships, you gain hands-on exposure to your chosen field, develop practical skills, and understand how workplace environments actually function beyond the classroom. You also get the opportunity to network with professionals, which can open doors to mentorship and future job opportunities.
If you’re open to considering remote/online internships, then you can check out paid programs here! And if you’re worried about having less experience, check out our blog here!
Why should I do an internship in North Dakota?
North Dakota is an excellent place for a college internship due to its robust economy and low unemployment rate, which provide strong opportunities in thriving sectors like agriculture, energy, and technology. Furthermore, state-backed initiatives like "Operation Intern" actively fund these positions, ensuring students gain valuable, often paid, hands-on experience while creating direct pathways to post-graduation employment.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 internships for college students in North Dakota that offer skill-building experiences.
Quick Look
15 internships total spanning STEM industry research, state and congressional government, nursing, accounting, agriculture, minor league baseball operations, and manufacturing engineering
The strongest disclosed hourly rates are Doosan Bobcat ($23 to $26 per hour plus a monthly $250 housing stipend) and NDSGC Industry Internships ($20.50 per hour)
The NSF REU at UND offers a flat $7,000 stipend plus up to $1,000 in travel support, one of the strongest total compensation packages on this list
Several programs are specifically designed for North Dakota residents or students at North Dakota institutions, including InternGF, STTAR, Team ND, and Senator Cramer's internship, which gives preference to ND students
Sanford Health's nursing internship stands out for its scale, placing around 200 summer interns across acute-care, ICU, emergency, and rural hospital settings statewide
1. NDSGC Industry Internships
Location: North Dakota (varies by industry partner)
Stipend: $20.50/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies based on available funding
Dates: Flexible depending on the chosen industry partner and the semester of placement
Application Deadline: 1st of each month on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled at an NDSGC Affiliate College or University; U.S. citizens; must be in good academic standing; limited to one internship per degree program
In this internship, you work directly with a research mentor at a STEM-relevant company or laboratory on a project aligned with your academic background. Your schedule, including total weeks and hours per week, is decided collaboratively with your mentor based on the scope of the project. You engage in hands-on, experiential learning within a real-world industry setting, allowing you to build practical STEM skills. The program emphasizes direct collaboration with professionals in local industries. You are responsible for coordinating with an industry partner and applying through the program to receive funding support. The experience is centered around applying your knowledge to industry-based research projects under guided mentorship.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere globally)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); typically 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week virtual experience that matches you with real-world roles at fast-growing startups and NGOs. You can choose to work in diverse fields, including artificial intelligence, software engineering, finance, media, health tech, and environmental science. During your placement, you will dive into hands-on activities like coding prototypes, analyzing market data, formulating strategic plans, and delivering a final presentation to your host company. The program stands out because it bypasses simulated case studies, offering you direct mentorship from actual founders and CEOs with backgrounds at top-tier universities and major tech companies. Ultimately, you will finish the internship having learned practical skills in professional communication, critical problem-solving, and project management. Apply now!
3. Team ND Student Internship Program
Location: North Dakota
Stipend: Paid, varies by position and hiring agency
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size dependent on the number of available agency openings
Dates: Typically 6–12 weeks (flexible; arranged with hiring agency)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students; no visa sponsorship provided
In this internship, you work within state government agencies as part of Team ND, contributing to projects that address real challenges across the state. You apply your classroom learning in a professional environment while collaborating with teams that rely on your input and skills. Your work may span areas such as policy, public service, or cultural and historical initiatives, depending on the department you join. You also have the opportunity to be part of the Statewide Internship Development Program, which focuses on building leadership and workplace skills. Through this experience, you gain exposure to government operations while contributing to initiatives with statewide impact.
4. InternGF Program (Grand Forks Internship Support Program)
Location: Grand Forks
Stipend: Employers may receive up to $3,500 to offset wages
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Spring (January 1 – May 1); Summer (May 1 – August 31); Fall (August 1 – December 31)
Application Deadline: Spring: October 31 (Priority: September 1); Summer: March 1 (Priority: February 1); Fall: August 1 (Priority: July 1)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in an academic program at the University of North Dakota (UND) or another accredited college; secure an internship with a Grand Forks company or a teaching/research assistantship at UND; Summer Cohort Series: Must not have participated in a past InternGF summer cohort
In this program, you are hired by participating employers in the Grand Forks region for internship roles that are newly developed or not routinely available locally. Your experience depends on the specific position, but you contribute to real projects within a company while gaining practical exposure to the workplace. As part of the program requirements, you complete regular tasks such as submitting weekly or bi-weekly journal entries, maintaining communication with a career coach, and uploading pay stubs after each pay period. The program connects you with structured support through the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation, which assigns a career coach to guide your progress.
5. Black Leg Ranch – Summer Internship
Location: McKenzie, North Dakota
Stipend: Paid; amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small, intimate team
Dates: May 18 – August 14 (flexible based on college schedule)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students; opportunity to earn college credit upon completion
In this internship, you work on a 20,000-acre family-owned ranch supporting daily operations across cattle, buffalo, and related agricultural ventures. Your responsibilities include assisting with calving, feeding animals, monitoring animal health, building and repairing fences, moving cattle, and supporting planting and haying activities. You also take part in general maintenance and mechanical tasks while contributing to the ranch’s day-to-day needs. Alongside hands-on work, you learn practices such as holistic management, intensive grazing, and the use of cover crops to improve soil health and reduce feed costs. The experience also allows you to observe additional operations on-site, including hunting/outfitting, agri-tourism events, and a brewery.
6. ND EPSCoR STTAR Internship Program (Students in Technology Transfer and Research)
Location: North Dakota
Stipend: Minimum $18/hour (with $10/hour cost-share; up to maximum of $4,800 per intern)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by year based on funding and business participation
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks between May 1 – August 31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the U.S.; must be at least sophomore status; must be enrolled at a North Dakota University System institution, Tribal College System institution, or be a North Dakota resident enrolled elsewhere; pursuing a STEM major
In this internship, you work with a North Dakota company on research and development projects that address science and technology-based challenges. Your role focuses on applying your STEM knowledge to contribute to areas such as product or process development, technology transfer, or company performance improvement. You are hired directly by participating businesses, which identify projects that require your academic training and skills. The program emphasizes hands-on involvement in solving real-world problems. Your work contributes to industry-focused research initiatives while aligning with company objectives and innovation efforts. Through this experience, you engage in practical STEM applications within a professional setting over the course of the summer program.
7. Senator Kevin Cramer – Congressional Internship
Location: Washington, D.C. and Senator Cramer's North Dakota offices
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified by the office
Dates: Spring, summer, and fall semesters; specific term dates are arranged with the office
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: College students and recent college graduates; preference given to North Dakota residents or students enrolled in a North Dakota school who have completed a minimum of one year in college
In this internship, you join the Washington, D.C. or North Dakota office of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, contributing to the daily work of a congressional office centered on public service and constituent representation. You work closely with the legislative and communications teams on a variety of projects and may attend committee hearings and other events. In the North Dakota offices, you assist with constituent relations and other district-relevant projects while attending events with staff on Senator Cramer's behalf in the state. You build practical skills in legislative support, constituent correspondence, communications assistance, and the day-to-day operations of a federal office.
8. NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) – UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Location: Grand Forks
Stipend: $7,000 stipend; travel support (up to $1,000)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; up to 10 students
Dates: May 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 15 (review begins by March 1)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be a current undergraduate not graduating before December 1
In this program, you participate in a 10-week summer research experience focused on environmental effects on gene expression and regulation. You work in a laboratory alongside faculty, graduate, and undergraduate researchers, contributing to projects in areas such as epigenetics, neuroscience, developmental biology, and genetics. Your work may involve studying topics like learning and memory in animal models, neural stem cell development, or environmental influences on biological systems. In addition to laboratory work, you attend weekly seminars and workshops covering science writing, research ethics, and the graduate school application process. You also gain exposure to a range of lab techniques across multiple biology-related fields.
9. Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Hospitality Management Internship
Location: Fargo
Stipend: Paid; amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: May – September (flexible based on school schedule)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: College students (internship can be done for college credit); must be able to commit to the entire RedHawks season, work nights, weekends, and extended hours
In this internship, you support the food and beverage and hospitality operations at Newman Outdoor Field while working with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Your responsibilities include assisting with daily operations, managing inventory and supplies for concessions and events, and coordinating group outings, suite rentals, and catering activities. You also provide customer service to fans and guests while helping ensure a positive event experience. The role involves supporting staff training and supervision, including concession workers and catering teams. You are expected to help maintain compliance with health and safety standards related to food handling and service. Through this experience, you contribute to live event operations in a fast-paced environment while handling multiple responsibilities.
10. Brady Martz Spring Accounting Internship
Location: North Dakota (Grand Forks, Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson) and South Dakota (Sioux Falls)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: January 5 – April 15
Application Deadline: Varies by specific office location and year (typically ranges from late June to late October of the preceding year)
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s-level college accounting program
In this internship, you work with Brady Martz & Associates across audit, tax, and strategic business solutions service lines. Your responsibilities include assisting with tax return preparation, supporting audit and accounting engagements, and helping with client needs such as financial statements, tax forms, sales tax reports, and documents like 1099s and W-2s. You collaborate with team members at different levels, gaining exposure to various aspects of client work and firm operations. The role involves hands-on participation in both day-to-day and year-end accounting processes. You also work closely with professionals in a team setting, contributing to ongoing projects and deliverables. Through this experience, you engage in practical accounting tasks within a professional services environment.
11. North Dakota FFA Foundation Communications & Events Internship
Location: Bismarck (hybrid)
Stipend: $1,000/month
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 1 intern
Dates: May 1 – November 30
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: College students (ideally agricultural communications majors) seeking experience in nonprofit communications and event management; able to travel to support events like the ND State FFA Convention, Big Iron, and the Blue & Gold Gala
In this internship, you support communications and event-related initiatives at the North Dakota FFA Foundation. Your responsibilities include drafting press releases and articles, creating digital and social media content, and assisting with event planning and vendor coordination. You also travel to support major events such as the ND State FFA Convention, Big Iron, and the Blue & Gold Gala, with the possibility of attending the National FFA Convention. The role involves a hybrid work structure, requiring periodic in-person presence at the Foundation office. You contribute to ongoing outreach and event execution efforts while working part-time alongside the team. Through this experience, you engage in nonprofit communications and event operations across multiple projects.
12. Sanford Health – Sanford Student Nurse Internship Program (SSNIP)
Location: North Dakota; primary medical center placements in Bismarck and Fargo, plus rural Sanford North Network hospitals and clinics across the state, including Dickinson, Jamestown, Mayville, Hillsboro, Lisbon, Valley City, and Wahpeton
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; roughly 200 summer interns
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; typically begins in late May/early June and continues into early August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled in an accredited RN program (associate or bachelor degree) with at least one completed semester of clinical experience; anticipated graduation in Winter or Spring; current American Heart Association BLS certification required; state board–approved internship course is required except for placements in South Dakota and Iowa
In this program, you step into the day-to-day role of a registered nurse across Sanford Health's North Dakota sites, working full-time under an experienced RN preceptor who acts as your personal clinical coach. Over 10 weeks, you are engaged in direct patient care, performing assessments, passing medications, placing Foley catheters and IVs, and educating patients and families, while applying classroom knowledge in real acute-care and rural settings. You work rotating 12-hour day or night shifts matching your preceptor, complete required didactic coursework, and take part in professional development sessions and clinical simulations. Placements span departments such as the ICU, emergency, medical-surgical, oncology, and the Birth Place.
13. Doosan Bobcat Manufacturing Engineer Student Internship
Location: North Dakota (Bismarck, Gwinner, Wahpeton) and multiple U.S. locations
Stipend: $23–$26/hour; additional monthly $250 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Internship (semester-long, ~4 months); Co-op (8 months)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Freshman to senior undergraduate students pursuing Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related)
In this internship, you work with Doosan Bobcat on manufacturing and engineering projects across production and corporate functions. Your responsibilities may include assisting with capital project layouts, conducting time studies for production efficiency, and supporting fabrication processes such as programming machinery and calculating cycle times. You also contribute to assembly operations by working on process documentation, workflow improvements, and automation initiatives. In areas like welding, paint systems, and conveyors, you assist in improving safety, quality, and productivity through ongoing projects. The role involves collaborating with professionals while applying engineering concepts to real-world manufacturing challenges.
14. MDU Resources Group – Summer Internship Program
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota (MDU Resources corporate campus), with some internships based at field districts across the company's operating region
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; modest cohort size
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a related field such as information technology, engineering, business, accounting, finance, or surveying; some roles require sophomore or junior standing or at least one completed year of college; legally authorized to work in the U.S. with no sponsorship considered
In this program, you join MDU Resources as a summer intern matched to one of its business units, spanning information technology, accounting, finance, engineering, environmental, safety, and operations roles, primarily at the company's Bismarck, North Dakota, corporate campus or a field district. Working alongside industry professionals, you apply what you have learned in the classroom to real on-the-job experience, and in technology-oriented assignments such as the enterprise information technology and software developer tracks, you support digital systems, build spreadsheets and workpapers, and contribute to data-analytic projects. You work with Microsoft applications and follow cybersecurity practices that protect networks, devices, programs, and data from cyber-attack or unauthorized access. Safety is consistently emphasized as the top priority.
15. Minot Hot Tots & Minot Honeybees (Northwoods League) – Summer Internships
Location: Minot, North Dakota (Corbett Field)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; specific cohort size is not publicly stated
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current college students; enrollment with academic credit from college or university required; application submitted through TeamWork Online
In this program, you join the Minot Hot Tots and Minot Honeybees as a summer intern at Corbett Field, gaining hands-on experience across the business and operations side of collegiate baseball and softball. Depending on your role, you work in areas such as ticket sales and service, sponsorship activation, content marketing and video production, ballpark and game-day operations, entertainment, or broadcasting on the Northwoods League TV Network and ESPN+. You learn ticketing systems, lead generation, sponsor activations, event execution, and storytelling through video, graphics, and social media. The internship is built around running 36 Hot Tots home games plus Honeybees softball, so you handle real game-day responsibilities and fan experiences.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. I'm not studying STEM or engineering. Are there strong options for me on this list?
Yes, several programs welcome non-STEM majors. The North Dakota FFA Foundation's Communications and Events Internship is specifically suited to agricultural communications or marketing students. Senator Cramer's Congressional Internship is open to students of any major with an interest in public service and policy. The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and Minot Hot Tots and Honeybees internships are built around business, marketing, event operations, and broadcasting rather than technical fields. Brady Martz's accounting internship is designed specifically for accounting majors. Team ND places students across state agency departments, so almost any academic background can find a relevant role.
2. Several programs on this list require you to be enrolled at a North Dakota institution. What if I attend school out of state?
Ladder Internships is the most accessible option for out-of-state students, since it's fully remote with no geographic requirement. The NSF REU at UND is open to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an undergraduate program nationally, making it one of the strongest research options available regardless of where you attend school. The STTAR program also accepts North Dakota residents enrolled elsewhere, not just students at ND institutions. For in-state focused programs like InternGF and Team ND, you would generally need to attend a North Dakota institution or, in some cases, secure housing locally to participate.
3. The Minot Hot Tots internship is unpaid. Is there value in pursuing an unpaid sports operations role over a paid alternative on this list?
Yes, if sports management, event operations, or media production is your intended career path, the hands-on game-day experience at Corbett Field, including managing real fan events, running ticket sales, producing content for ESPN+, and activating sponsors across 36 home games, is the kind of portfolio-building work that's hard to replicate in a paid office role. It's worth checking whether your school offers academic credit for the role, since the listing specifically requires enrollment with academic credit, which can offset the lack of direct pay. If income is essential for your summer, pairing this with another paid part-time role alongside the internship schedule is worth considering.