15 Internships for College Students in Tennessee
As a college student, you can benefit immensely from participating in an internship. They help enhance your resume, strengthen your professional profile, and significantly improve employability after graduation. They also give you the chance to gain hands-on experience in a chosen field, apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, and build practical skills. College internships also offer an early glimpse at workplaces and the opportunity to better understand workplace expectations.
If you’re looking for 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 you do an internship in college?
Internships provide valuable networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with industry professionals who can offer mentorship or future job leads. Many students actively seek internships that align with their interests, career goals, and preferred locations. To simplify this process, we’ve carefully narrowed down some of the best internships available for undergraduates in Tennessee, focusing on programs that offer meaningful learning experiences and strong career value. These opportunities are selected to help students stand out in competitive job markets while gaining exposure to diverse industries.
Here are 15 internships for college students in Tennessee.
Key takeaways
This list gathers 15 internships for Tennessee college students across healthcare, finance, government, museums, and consulting, with standout hosts including Vanderbilt University, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Deloitte, and Crowe.
Nearly all of these are paid, with stipends ranging from $1,500 up to $4,000 for several of the research-focused fellowships, while Ladder stands out as the one unpaid option, offsetting that with available financial aid.
A few of the programs here are more restricted than they first appear: two are tied to Vanderbilt specifically and one requires graduate enrollment, so it's worth double-checking eligibility rather than assuming every listing is open to any Tennessee college student.
Most opportunities cluster around Nashville and Oak Ridge, while options like Ladder, Deloitte, and the APA fellowship are virtual or multi-location and don't require being based in Tennessee at all.
The earliest deadline falls in early February for one of the clinical research programs, with a public health department deadline following two weeks later, so it's worth getting materials together well before then if research or healthcare interests you.
1. Vanderbilt University: Undergraduate Clinical Research Internship Program (UCRIP)
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Stipend: $1,500
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: June – August
Eligibility: Undergraduates enrolled in a four-year accredited college or university with a minimum 3.5 GPA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The UCRIP is a highly competitive program that brings together clinical observation and guided research in a hospital setting. You’ll spend time observing patient care alongside residents and attending physicians in departments such as emergency medicine, oncology, or pediatrics. Alongside this, you will be matched with a mentor who will support you in completing a research project. Your work may involve analyzing clinical data, reviewing patient charts, or studying outcomes related to patient care. Because the program is based in a clinical environment, the research topics are often directly connected to real healthcare settings. You’ll also attend weekly seminars that introduce topics like medical school applications and different aspects of working in medicine, including discussions on health equity.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available); Unpaid
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Undergraduates who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you’ll work with startups and nonprofits from around the world that range across a variety of industries. This includes technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. As part of your internship, you will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup you are working with and will get to present your work at the end of your internship. You’ll also have the chance to work closely with your manager at the startup. Apply now!
3. Vanderbilt University Office of Investments Summer Internship Program
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June – August (10 weeks)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from Vanderbilt and other universities
This 10-week paid program is designed for college students who want to explore work related to finance and investments. As an intern, you’ll review market updates and stock analyses prepared by investment professionals and take part in discussions around portfolio decisions. You will be placed with either the public investments team, which works with areas like equities, hedge funds, and fixed income, or the private investments team, which focuses on venture capital, real estate, and private equity. In your role, you’ll assist with projects and day-to-day tasks that support ongoing investment work. Through this experience, you’ll develop skills in areas such as financial analysis, basic accounting, data interpretation, and forming investment perspectives.
4. TVA Bold Beginnings Internship Program
Location: TVA‑affiliated offices across Tennessee
Stipend: Paid; Pay is based on class standing and major (hourly or weekly rate)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (18+) enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university; Must have completed at least 30 credit hours of college courses and be authorized to work in the U.S.
In this program, you’ll work on real projects across TVA’s business units rather than only clerical tasks. You will be embedded in a team, receive a mentor, and participate in orientation sessions about TVA’s mission, safety, and regional impact. The experience is structured to help you test whether working in energy, public‑utility operations, or related technical fields fits your long‑term career goals.
5. ThinkTennessee Internship Program
Location: ThinkTennessee, Nashville, TN + Virtual options
Stipend: $15/hour (students may alternatively opt to receive academic credit instead of pay)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Dates: 10-12 weeks (multiple cohorts in a year)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in any field, with strong preference for those interested in public policy, voting‑access issues, or economic‑security–related work
During the ThinkTennessee Internship Program, you’ll work directly with ThinkTennessee staff and board members to support research, policy analysis, and advocacy projects aimed at expanding civic participation and improving economic security for Tennessee residents. You may conduct background research, draft policy memos, help prepare briefs for policymakers, support outreach or event‑related coordination, and contribute to reports or op‑eds. The structure is flexible and hybrid, so you can gain experience in a nonprofit‑think‑tank environment while maintaining a schedule that respects your academic workload.
6. Vanderbilt Health Hospital & Clinics Administrative Fellowship Program’s Summer Internship Program
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: TBA in the fall
Dates: 10 weeks; Typically, starting in May
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in graduate coursework
The Administrative Summer Internship Program at Vanderbilt Health is a 10-week program focused on healthcare administration. During the internship, you’ll observe and engage with hospital and clinic operations across different departments. You’ll work on projects in areas such as finance, operations, business development, process improvement, quality, or strategy. Through these tasks, you gain experience in areas such as healthcare management, operational analysis, and presenting professional work. At the end of the program, you’ll prepare and deliver a final project, such as a presentation or written plan, summarizing your work.
7. Crowe Internship Program
Location: Varies by position; Opportunities are available across the U.S., including TN
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: 8-10 weeks in the spring or summer
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; Exact requirements vary by position
The Student Internship program at Crowe allows you to contribute to projects related to consulting and advisory work. During the internship, you’ll join a team, take part in meetings, and help prepare materials or deliverables for clients. Your work may involve tasks such as data analysis, financial modeling, and evaluating business processes. You will be supported by career coaches and peer liaisons who guide you through the program. The internship also includes firmwide activities, such as community service events like Crowe Cares Day, and opportunities to interact with senior staff. In some cases, students may be considered for full-time roles after completing the internship.
8. The Parthenon’s Wesley Paine Internship
Location: The Parthenon, Nashville, TN
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: March 1 – April 1
Dates: 8-12 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: College students and recent graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.25+; Preference given to specific students
The Wesley Paine Internship at Parthenon Museum is a paid summer program for students interested in museum work. During the internship, you’ll spend time in different areas such as curatorial work, education, and collections management. You will be assigned to specific departments, where you’ll work up to 40 hours per week and assist with day-to-day tasks. Through this experience, you’ll learn about how museums manage collections, develop exhibitions, and run educational programs. You’ll also interact with staff across departments, gaining a broader understanding of how museum operations are organized.
9. Department of Health TN Internship
Location: Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Spring: September 30; Summer: February 15; Fall: April 15
Dates: Spring: January – April; Summer: June – August; Fall: August – December
Eligibility: College students (18+) and high school graduates or equivalent at the time of placement
The Internship Program at the Tennessee Department of Health gives college students hands-on experience in public health and state government operations. In the program, you may work in areas such as epidemiology, health communication, addressing health disparities, or health informatics, depending on your placement. You will be assigned to units like Communicable and Environmental Diseases & Emergency Preparedness or Family Health and Wellness, where you’ll assist with tasks such as disease surveillance, outbreak tracking, data analysis, and developing communication materials for different audiences. Through this work, you’ll gain experience in public health administration, policy implementation, data management, and strategic communication.
10. American Red Cross Internships
Location: American Red Cross offices across the U.S., including in Nashville, TN
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options
Dates: Year-round and aligned with academic calendars; Availability varies by department and need
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Actively enrolled undergraduate or graduate students
The American Red Cross offers internships for college students, giving you the chance to assist with projects related to humanitarian efforts or organizational operations. Internships typically last 10 weeks or more, during which you’ll support the day-to-day work of an assigned unit. Depending on the role, positions may be paid or unpaid and can be completed remotely or on-site. The program provides practical experience with how a large nonprofit operates and exposes you to a variety of volunteer and staff responsibilities.
11. Deloitte’s Discovery Internship
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including TN
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Varies by role
Eligibility: Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, economics, STEM, or a related field; Specific requirements can vary by role
The Deloitte Discovery Internship provides college students with experience in areas such as audit, consulting, tax, and business operations. In this role, you’ll support ongoing projects, collaborate with professionals, and observe how large organizations approach business challenges. The program includes workshops, mentorship, and opportunities to work with clients, helping you develop technical, analytical, and communication skills. You’ll also take part in networking events and informational sessions to learn more about different career paths and the industry.
12. City of Oak Ridge Internship Program
Location: Various City of Oak Ridge departments, Oak Ridge, TN
Stipend: Paid; Hourly rate set by the host department
Application Deadline: Summer: March 31; Fall: April – June; Rolling basis
Dates: Summer: May 26 – August; Fall: August – November/December; Spring: January – May
Eligibility: College students; Specifics vary by internship; More info here
In this internship, you will be placed in a department of your choice, such as the City Manager’s Office, IT, Public Works, Police, Recreation & Parks, Planning & Development, Public Library, Communications, or Legal/City Attorney’s Office. You’ll work on project-based tasks similar to entry-level responsibilities in that area. The program begins with a three-day orientation that covers city-wide and department-specific training, followed by weekly group lunches and mentor check-ins. Your department mentor assigns tasks such as drafting reports, managing data, supporting GIS work, assisting with events, or providing administrative support, while guiding your progress. This structure allows you to develop practical skills, gain insight into a specific career path in public service, engineering, IT, policy, public safety, or library work, and build a professional network within Oak Ridge’s local government .
13. American Psychological Association Summer Undergraduate Psychology Experience in Research (SUPER) Fellowship
Location: Varies by mentor (virtual options may be offered)
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Late November/early December – March
Dates: 9 weeks in the summer; Flexible dates set by you and your mentor
Eligibility: Undergraduate students studying at accredited undergraduate degree-granting institutions
The American Psychological Association SUPER Fellowship provides you with the chance to take part in research within your local area. To get started, you’ll identify and secure a faculty mentor, then spend about nine weeks working in their lab on a project related to psychological science. During this time, you will engage with the research process and contribute to ongoing work under guidance. You’ll also have opportunities to interact with other participants, researchers, and APA staff through virtual meetings held over the summer. The program includes career-focused webinars that introduce different paths within psychology. At the end, you may present your research through virtual sessions organized by the program.
14. Rollins College of Business Internship Program
Location: Various businesses across TN
Stipend: Many internships are paid, but unpaid or credit‑only internships may exist
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Typically 10-12‑week placements during summer or a full semester (fall/spring)
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors (60 credit hours) in the Rollins College of Business with a cumulative GPA of 2.75+; More info here
During the Rollins College of Business Internship Program, you’ll gain “on‑the‑job” business experience through placements coordinated by the Decosimo Success Center, rather than through a single, centrally fixed internship. The center routes opportunities via email lists, the college job board, employer tabling events, and referrals from faculty or alumni. You’ll then apply directly to employers, with support from the center’s career advisors on resumes, interview prep, and professionalism.
15. Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization Internship Program
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: 12-week internship aligned with academic semesters; dates not specified
Eligibility: Vanderbilt University undergraduates entering their senior year of college and graduate students
The CTTC Student Internship Program at Vanderbilt University Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization is intended for college students interested in how research moves from the lab to practical use. In this program, you’ll learn about areas such as intellectual property, market assessment, and the process of turning research into applications. You’ll work with licensing professionals to review and support the evaluation and commercialization of Vanderbilt-developed technologies. Your tasks may include assisting with invention assessments and understanding how protections like patents are applied. You will also be introduced to concepts such as patent processes, term sheets, and basic negotiation. Through this experience, you’ll become familiar with the broader field of technology transfer and how institutions manage and license innovations.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need prior research experience to apply to these internships?
It depends on the program. The clinical and lab-based research fellowships on this list tend to favor students with some related coursework, though not necessarily hands-on experience. The government and nonprofit placements are generally more open to students building that background for the first time.
2. A couple of these programs are limited to students at specific universities. How do I know if I qualify?
Check the eligibility line for each program closely, since a few here are restricted to one school's students or to graduate students specifically. The rest are open to any enrolled college student in Tennessee, so don't rule out a listing until you've confirmed the details.
3. Are any of these internships open to students outside Tennessee?
Yes, a handful are virtual or available across multiple U.S. locations, so being based in Tennessee isn't a requirement for those. The on-site programs, particularly around Nashville, generally expect you to be local or willing to relocate for the internship period.