15 Internships for College Students in Rhode Island
Internships are one of the most effective ways to translate your academic learning into practical, career-relevant experience. As a college student, you gain exposure to real work environments, allowing you to build technical and professional skills that go beyond the classroom. These experiences strengthen your resume, demonstrate initiative, and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market. You also get the opportunity to explore different career paths, helping you make more informed decisions about your future.
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 Rhode Island?
Doing an internship in Rhode Island offers college students hands-on experience, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios while building a strong local professional network. Additionally, localized opportunities or placements through local universities help you develop practical skills, explore meaningful career paths, and boost your post-graduation employability.
At the same time, finding the right internship requires careful exploration. To make this process easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 valuable internships for undergraduates in Rhode Island across diverse fields like marine science, healthcare, business, and public service.
Quick Look
15 internships total spanning state and federal government, clean energy, criminal justice, corporate finance, insurance, sales, healthcare, and startup-based remote work, hosted at organizations including CVS Health, Citizens Financial Group, Amica Mutual, Mayo Clinic, and multiple Rhode Island government offices
The strongest disclosed stipends are CVS Health ($25 per hour), Campus Reel ($18 to $35 per hour plus commission), and the Rhode Island Department of State Fellowship ($17 per hour); several programs including Citizens Financial Group and Amica are paid but do not disclose a specific figure
Several government internships are unpaid or partially unpaid, including the Rhode Island Public Defender's Office (unpaid), the State Government General Assembly Internship (unpaid for fall and spring), and the Mayor's Fellowship ($3,000 flat for the summer)
Most programs target rising juniors and seniors, though Mayor's Fellowship, the Senator Reed and Whitehouse offices, and the State Government Internship are open to undergraduates at any stage; Citizens Financial Group requires a minimum 3.2 GPA with 3.5 preferred
The most time-sensitive deadlines outside the summer cycle are the RI State Government Internship spring session (November 14) and fall session (currently waitlisted), so students interested in legislative placements should plan well ahead
1. Summer Fellowship Program – Rhode Island Department of State
Location: Rhode Island
Stipend: $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: College students enrolled in a university; must be available full-time (Monday–Friday)
The Rhode Island Department of State Summer Fellowship Program offers you the opportunity to work on impactful public service projects while gaining hands-on government experience. You may contribute to initiatives such as civic engagement programs, archival preservation, voter outreach, and data transparency tools. The program allows you to work with large datasets, support communications strategies, and collaborate with community organizations. You will also engage with state leaders and present your work at the end of the program. This experience helps you build skills in research, policy, communication, and public administration.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students; 10–20 hours/week commitment for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a competitive, fully remote opportunity where you collaborate with startups and nonprofits across diverse industries. You will work on a real-world project that directly contributes to the organization’s goals, gaining meaningful, hands-on experience. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship from a manager and develop practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and project execution. The internship concludes with a final presentation in which you showcase your work and outcomes. This experience also helps you build a global professional network while learning how distributed teams operate. Apply now!
3. Mayor’s Fellowship Program – City of Providence
Location: Providence, RI
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
The Mayor’s Fellowship Program in Providence offers you direct exposure to city government through hands-on project work across various departments. You will be mentored by department directors and contribute to initiatives to improve community outcomes and public services. The program includes a weekly “Lunch and Learn” series, where you interact with government leaders and policymakers, gaining insight into public administration at multiple levels. You will work in a fast-paced environment, developing skills in research, policy analysis, and communication. The fellowship also emphasizes networking and cohort-based learning through collaborative experiences.
4. Internship Program – Office of U.S. Senator Jack Reed
Location: Providence/Cranston, RI and Washington, DC
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session (Fall: June 30)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students
Interning with Senator Jack Reed’s office gives you firsthand exposure to the legislative process and federal government operations. In the Rhode Island offices, you will assist with research, constituent communication, and administrative tasks while supporting local initiatives. In the Washington, DC office, you may attend hearings, conduct policy research, and support legislative and press activities. The internship helps you build strong analytical, writing, and communication skills in a policy-driven environment. You will also gain insight into how public policy impacts communities at both the state and national levels.
5. Rhode Island State Government Internship Program – General Assembly
Location: Rhode Island (in-person, hybrid, and remote options available)
Stipend: Paid for summer session, unpaid for Fall and Spring sessions
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies depending on placement needs, agency availability, and academic requirements
Dates: Fall: September 15 – December 6; Spring: February 2 - April 24; Summer: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: Fall: Waitlisted; Spring: November 14; Summer: March 13
Eligibility: College, graduate, or law students; GPA ≥ 2.5; must be 18+
The Rhode Island State Government Internship Program offers you a comprehensive introduction to how state government operates across legislative, executive, and judicial branches. You will be placed in a role aligned with your interests, working on projects that may involve policy research, communications, or administrative support. The program includes flexible formats—remote, hybrid, or in-person—allowing you to tailor the experience to your schedule. You will collaborate with supervisors and, in some cases, work in team-based projects focused on policy or technology initiatives. This internship emphasizes skill development, professional networking, and real-world government exposure.
6. Clean Energy Internship Program – Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources
Location: Rhode Island (varies by employer placement)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies depending on employer participation and available funding
Dates: 12 weeks (Spring, Summer, Fall cohorts)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: College students and recent graduates interested in clean energy
The Rhode Island Clean Energy Internship Program connects you with companies across the state working in areas like renewable energy, energy efficiency, engineering, and sustainability. You will gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects while receiving mentorship from industry professionals. The program is structured to support workforce development, helping you build practical skills and explore career pathways in a rapidly growing sector. You will also have access to a centralized internship portal where you can apply to multiple roles aligned with your interests.
7. Summer Undergraduate Intake Internship – Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office
Location: Rhode Island
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Summer (10 weeks; full-time)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students
The Rhode Island Public Defender’s Undergraduate Intake Internship offers you direct exposure to the criminal justice system through client-facing and administrative work. You will assist in interviewing prospective clients, helping gather key information that supports legal representation. In addition, you will contribute to case processing, documentation, and courtroom support, giving you a practical understanding of legal workflows. The program emphasizes client-centered and holistic legal services, allowing you to see how legal aid operates in real-world settings. You will work closely with attorneys and staff, gaining insight into defense strategies and justice system dynamics.
8. Internship Program – Office of U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Location: Rhode Island and Washington, DC
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies based on office needs each semester
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session; Spring: Mid-November; Summer: Mid-March; Fall: Late June
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students; strong preference given to Rhode Island residents
Interning with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s office gives you hands-on experience in legislative processes and public service. In the Rhode Island offices, you will assist with constituent services, administrative tasks, and local outreach initiatives. In the Washington, DC office, you may support legislative research, attend hearings, and assist with communications and policy work. You will develop strong writing, research, and interpersonal skills while gaining insight into how federal policy is shaped and implemented. The program also provides opportunities to engage with policymakers and observe government operations up close.
9. Summer Sales Internship – Lotus Sales
Location: Glocester, RI
Stipend: Paid ($7,000–$20,000+; commission-based)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Summer (exact start and end dates are flexible)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: College students; no prior experience required
The Lotus Sales Internship is a high-intensity, performance-driven program focused on developing your sales and communication skills. You will engage in direct customer interactions through door-to-door sales, learning how to pitch services, handle objections, and close deals. The role emphasizes personal growth, helping you build confidence, resilience, communication, and goal-setting abilities in a fast-paced environment. You will receive structured training and mentorship to improve your sales techniques and leadership skills. Compensation is commission-based, offering high earning potential depending on performance.
10. Sales & Business Internship – SHIFT (Actions, Perspective, Future)
Location: Kingston, RI
Stipend: $1,000 - $5,000/week (commission-based; ~$13,000–$26,000 average earnings)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (full-time)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: College students; strong interest in sales, business, or marketing
The SHIFT Sales & Business Internship is a performance-focused program designed to help you build core business and sales competencies. You will develop skills in persuasion, client engagement, and revenue generation while working in a competitive, team-driven environment. The internship emphasizes measurable outcomes, allowing you to track your performance and showcase real data on your resume. You will also gain experience using CRM tools and learn how to manage customer relationships effectively. Training includes mindset development, leadership skills, and professional communication.
11. Campus Reel – Campus Marketing & Outreach Intern
Location: Providence, RI
Stipend: $18–$35/hour + commission
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; no fixed cohorts
Dates: Part-time (flexible, year-round)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently enrolled college students located in Rhode Island
This Campus Marketing & Outreach Internship allows you to gain hands-on experience in digital marketing and community engagement while working on flexible hours. You will create and manage social media content, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, to promote financial wellness resources. The role also involves organizing campus events, collaborating with student organizations, and executing outreach campaigns. You will develop practical skills in marketing strategy, event planning, and audience engagement while tracking campaign performance. With both hourly pay and commission-based earnings, the role rewards initiative and results.
12. Management Trainee Intern – Enterprise Mobility
Location: North Kingstown, RI
Stipend: $19/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by local branch and operational needs
Dates: 10–12 weeks; Summer (Late May – August); Fall, and Spring cohorts available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising seniors in a bachelor’s program; must be 18+; hold a valid driver's license with a safe driving record; have at least 3 months of customer service, sales, or leadership experience; and possess U.S. work authorization
The Enterprise Mobility Management Trainee Internship is a paid, hands-on program designed to give college students real-world experience in running a multifaceted business. You will work in a fast-paced, team-based environment where you manage daily operations, customer service interactions, and vehicle logistics. The internship also exposes you to sales strategies, marketing initiatives, and business development practices. You will take on responsibilities similar to full-time employees, allowing you to build practical, transferable skills. Performance-based incentives and networking opportunities further enhance the experience.
13. CVS Health – Corporate Summer Internship
Location: Woonsocket, Rhode Island (hybrid; three days in office, two days remote)
Stipend: $25/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: May 27 – August 7
Application Deadline: March or until roles are filled
Eligibility: Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program; major or concentration relevant to the chosen track such as business, finance, supply chain, analytics, or healthcare
In this program, you own and drive a meaningful project tied to real business outcomes within a unit such as finance, supply chain, merchandising, human resources, or communications. You work a hybrid schedule, spending three days each week alongside teams that support the company's pharmacy, retail, and integrated health care operations. Across the 10 and a half weeks, you contribute to project deliverables, attend professional development workshops, build a network through mentorship, take part in community service, and interact with senior leaders. Corporate interns have an increased likelihood of receiving a future full-time offer.
14. Citizens Financial Group – Summer Internship Program
Location: Johnston, Rhode Island (Citizens' main campus); some roles in this program are also based at other Citizens locations across its footprint
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort numbers not stated by the organization
Dates: 10-week program beginning in May for the commercial banking track (the Capital Markets & Advisory track runs 12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current undergraduate or graduate students graduating between Winter and Spring; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, with 3.5 preferred; MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) proficiency required; U.S. residency required with no visa sponsorship available
In this program, you work inside a commercial banking or corporate finance business line on project-based assignments tied to real bank initiatives. You strengthen financial analysis, accounting, and Excel skills while gaining exposure to financial modeling, data visualization systems, and research sources used across the bank. You follow a structured learning curriculum alongside orientation, professional development workshops, a senior speaker series, and community-service activities. You build relationships through formal mentorship and footprint-wide networking with fellow interns. Strong performers earn early consideration for Citizens' post-graduate development programs, such as the Commercial Banker Development Program or Finance Accounting Corporate Training track.
15. Amica Mutual Insurance – Summer Student Internship Program
Location: Lincoln, Rhode Island (Amica's home office; the company also runs internships at regional offices such as East Hartford, Connecticut)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Summer months with the possibility of continuing employment during the school year for some roles
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Completed at least your sophomore or junior year at an accredited college/university before the summer and continuing undergraduate studies in the fall; pursuing a degree in a related field such as Risk Management, Actuarial, Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, or Information Technology; GPA of 3.0 or higher (3.2 for some roles); based in the U.S.
In this internship, you are placed in one of the core business departments, such as Accounting, Actuarial, Amica Life, Claims, Corporate Information Systems, Investment, Marketing & Communications, Risk Management, Service Center Operations, or Sales and Client Services. Working alongside full-time staff in Lincoln, Rhode Island, you take on real department projects, which, depending on your team, can include financial analysis and reinsurance administration, risk and business-continuity work, or application development, including analysis, coding, testing, documentation, and implementation. The program also adds team-building exercises and companywide events that reflect Amica's culture. Upon successful completion, candidates could be considered for full-time employment.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. There are several government and legislative internships on this list. How do I decide which one to apply to?
It depends on what level and type of government work interests you most. The Senator Reed and Whitehouse office internships give you exposure to federal policy and legislative processes, including the option to work in Washington D.C. The Rhode Island State Government Internship and General Assembly placement are more focused on state-level operations across legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Mayor's Fellowship places you directly within city government in Providence, working on community-facing initiatives. If you're unsure, the Mayor's Fellowship is a strong starting point since it includes a structured weekly speaker series and cross-departmental exposure that can help you narrow your interest before committing to a more specialized federal or state placement.
2. I don't have a background in finance or business. Are there options on this list that suit students from other fields?
Yes. The Rhode Island Department of State Fellowship, Public Defender's Office internship, clean energy program, and both Senate internships are open to students from any academic background with an interest in public service, communications, or policy. The Campus Reel marketing internship suits students from communications, media, or social science programs. The Mayor's Fellowship also accepts all majors and is designed to expose you to city government broadly rather than requiring a specific technical background.
3. Several of these internships are commission-based, like Lotus Sales and SHIFT. How do those work in practice, and are they worth including on a resume?
Commission-based sales internships mean your actual earnings depend on your individual performance rather than a fixed hourly rate, so income can vary significantly from the figures listed. They can be worth including on a resume if you perform well, since they demonstrate self-motivation, client communication, and resilience under pressure, which are genuinely valued in sales, business development, and entrepreneurship roles. However, they function very differently from the structured corporate or research internships on this list, and may not carry the same weight with employers in fields outside of sales. If your career interests are outside business or sales specifically, the CVS Health, Citizens Financial Group, or government internships on this list are likely a stronger use of your summer.