15 Internships for College Students in Utah
As a college student, participating in an internship is a solid way to strengthen your resume while gaining hands-on experience in a field you’re interested in, whether that’s medicine, marketing, business, economics, computer science, or more. By working in real-world environments, you will build practical skills, professional networks, and a clearer understanding of career paths, all of which significantly improve your employability after graduation.
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 college?
Employers often value candidates with internship experience because it demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and familiarity with workplace expectations. As a college student, it is only natural to explore internships that align with your goals. Utah is home to several institutions that offer college internships that provide meaningful learning opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to your chosen industries. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to identify the most worthwhile opportunities. That’s why we’ve carefully curated a list of the best internships for undergraduates in Utah, focusing on programs that offer strong skill development, reputable organizations, and impactful experiences.
Here are 15 internships for college students in Utah
Quick Look
15 internships total spanning state government, conservation fieldwork, public health, legislative work, and clinical psychology, hosted by organizations including the Utah State Legislature, University of Utah, and several Utah state agencies
The strongest disclosed stipends are SPUR ($5,000) and the Utah Legislative Intern Program ($4,100), both research or policy-intensive placements
Several outdoor and field-based roles pay a clear hourly rate, including USGS Field Technician ($18 per hour) and PMG Vegetation Control ($19 per hour plus per diem and a pesticide bonus)
A few programs, including the Utah Department of Population Health and the Children's Center Utah, offer a mix of paid, unpaid, and credit-based placements depending on funding and role
Most programs require Utah residency or enrollment at a Utah institution, with Ladder Internships as the only fully remote, nationwide option on this list
1. Utah Office of Energy Development Summer Internship
Location: Utah Office of Energy Development, Salt Lake City, UT
Stipend: $20/hour
Application Deadline: March (Summer); July (Fall); November (Spring)
Dates: May – August (Summer); September – December (Fall); January – April (Spring)
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent graduates and graduate students, community college graduates, and trade school graduates
The Utah Office of Energy Development Summer Internship offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working on state-level energy initiatives. Over 12 weeks, you will support a variety of meaningful tasks such as developing K-12 energy curriculum materials, conducting policy research, identifying grant opportunities, and assisting with outreach events. The specifics of the internship vary by cohort, with the summer, fall, and spring sessions offering different experiences. As an intern, you will report directly to the Energy Education Specialist, gaining mentorship and insight into the energy sector. The role also involves contributing to website content and helping plan educational and public engagement events, strengthening both communication and organizational skills. While Spanish language skills are considered a plus, they are not required, making the internship accessible to a wide range of applicants.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (full 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
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you will work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, including health tech, AI & ML, business, finance, economics, computer science, and more. As part of your internship, you will get to work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup you are working with and present your work at the end of your internship. You will also get to work closely with your manager at the startup. Apply now!
3. Uintah Basin Student Research Internship Program
Location: USU Uintah Basin, Vernal, UT
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: January 15 – March 19
Dates: June 3 – July 30
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+); Preference for USU Uintah Basin students who have completed their first or second undergraduate year
During this internship, you’ll work with a faculty mentor at USU Uintah Basin on a summer research project that you’ll help shape. The internship is centered on independent research, so you are not just assisting with routine lab tasks. You’ll design a project, carry it through over the summer, and present your work to the Uintah Basin research community. The program also connects you with senior researchers from across Utah, which gives you exposure to a broader academic network. It is intended for students who want a guided research experience in a university setting. You should expect to build skills in research planning, communication, and presentation. The structure makes it a good fit if you want a first sustained look at how faculty-led research works.
4. Legislative Intern Program
Location: Utah State Legislature, Salt Lake City, UT
Stipend: $4,100 stipend (taxable, paid in two installments)
Application Deadline: October 22 (spring) (tentative)
Dates: 45-day annual general legislative session; January 20 – March 6 (spring)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students attending universities in Utah
During the Legislative Intern Program, you’ll learn about how legislation moves from introduction to passage across diverse policy areas and assist one assigned lawmaker full-time with tasks that support daily operations. Your work includes tracking bills through the policymaking process, handling constituent correspondence, drafting summaries and responses, and providing administrative support. You’ll also contribute to research on policy topics, scheduling coordination, and preparing materials like press releases or website content. The role involves direct public interaction, such as answering calls, greeting visitors, and relaying information. You’ll also receive training and supervision from legislative staff throughout the session.
5. Utah Department of Population Health Internship Program
Location: Utah Department of Health and Human Services Division of Population Health, Salt Lake City, UT
Stipend: Mostly unpaid; Paid positions posted separately on the state jobs site if funded
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Apply at least 2 months before
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students in public health or related fields
As an intern in the Utah Department of Population Health Internship Program, you’ll take on short-term, project-based placements across various Division of Population Health programs, such as administration, epidemiology, surveillance, informatics, communicable disease, health promotion, preparedness, health equity, primary care, rural health, or public health infrastructure. Your work will support non-clinical public health functions like data organization, program coordination, research, evaluation, and process improvement. You’ll develop skills in areas such as communication, ethics, program planning, and data analysis, depending on the assignment. Placements match program needs with your interests and availability, so the role varies by semester. You’ll gain exposure to how government public health services operate, including the 10 Essential Public Health Services.
6. Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
Location: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Stipend: $5,000
Application Deadline: January 25
Dates: May 18 – July 31
Eligibility: Matriculated, degree-seeking undergraduate student (18+) who can commit 35-40 hours/week; Some projects come with specific requirements
The Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) requires full-time effort on research activities, plus attendance at bi-weekly meetings for professional development and research presentations. The structure emphasizes research skills, community involvement, and preparation for future academic or professional opportunities. You’ll work one-on-one with a University of Utah faculty mentor on a research project in one of various disciplines, matched based on available projects. You’ll also attend a grad school expo and weekly Undergraduate Research Education Series sessions. By the end of the program, you’ll have to prepare and present a poster at the Summer Symposium, submit a one-page journal summary, and complete a final report.
7. AmeriCorps Crew Members
Location: Utah Conservation Corps field offices (Logan, Cedar City, Moab), UT
Cost/Stipend: Living allowance: $1,150 – $1,255 (bi-monthly, taxable) + Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,956 – $3,697
Application Deadline: Ongoing review
Dates: Summer: June 1 – August 15; Summer + Fall: June 1 – November 15q; Fall: August 21 – November 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizen/national/permanent resident (18+) with a high school diploma/GED; Must be able to pass a background check
During this program, you’ll join field crews for hands-on conservation projects across Utah and the Intermountain West, living and working outdoors in frontcountry or backcountry settings. The work covers trail construction and maintenance, invasive species management with herbicides and chainsaws, habitat restoration, fencing, land inventory, recreation facility upkeep, and occasional disaster response. Training covers tool use, project techniques, first aid/CPR, and USFS Sawyer skills to support safe operations. You’ll collaborate in small teams on public lands or urban sites, adapting to physical demands such as lifting 30+ lbs., navigating uneven terrain, and working extended days. The program emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and exposure to conservation practices not always found in classroom settings. It functions as an entry-level role for building field skills and networking with land management partners.
8. Utah’s Hogle Zoo Internship Program
Location: Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City, UT
Stipend: Wild Exiles (unpaid) + optional Hugh H. Hogle scholarship; Conservation = stipend
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: May 18 – August 17
Eligibility: College students who have completed sophomore year or recent graduates from accredited institutions with a minimum of 1 year of coursework in biology, zoology, environmental science, or related; Must have a GPA of 3.0+ for Conservation;
Utah’s Hogle Zoo offers internships for college students, like the Conservation Internship, which focuses on field research with native Utah species like western toads, including habitat restoration, community science, public engagement, ArcGIS data management, and equipment use. You can also participate in the animal care internship, which covers specific zoo zones like African Savanna, Herpetology, High Desert Oasis, and Rocky Shores. Under keeper supervision, you’ll perform daily husbandry tasks such as diet preparation, exhibit cleaning, and maintenance, while observing animal behaviors and recording care data. You will also participate in enrichment and training demonstrations and interact with zoo guests to share species knowledge and promote welfare awareness. The program teaches USDA/AZA regulations, nutrition, husbandry techniques, and behavioral ethograms, and includes a final project with a presentation for zoo staff.
9. United States Geological Survey (USGS) and The Nature Conservancy: Field Technician Internship
Location: Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Utah State University, Moab, UT
Stipend: $18/hour
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: 12 weeks from Mid-May — mid-July
Eligibility: Current undergraduates at USU’s Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
In this internship, you will work on rangeland assessment projects with USGS scientists and The Nature Conservancy staff. The internship centers on field-based ecological monitoring in desert and reclamation settings, so your work is mostly outdoors and tied to ongoing research questions. You’ll collect plant and soil cover measurements, biological soil crust data, and samples for analysis, along with data entry. You will also get exposure to standard rangeland monitoring methods and the practical side of ecological research. The program includes opportunities to learn from scientists, graduate students, and biological technicians during the season. The experience is designed to build technical field skills while contributing to active conservation and restoration studies.
10. PMG Vegetation Control: Environmental Mitigation and Land Management Internship
Location: PMG Vegetation Control, Richmond, UT; Unspecified Utah field sites
Stipend: $19/hour + per diem and a pesticide bonus
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Early May — mid-August
Eligibility: USU’s QANR college undergraduates (18+) who have completed 1 year of their degree; Must have a valid driver’s license
As an Environmental Mitigation and Land Management intern, you will work on vegetation and land management in outdoor field settings with PMG’s teams and partners. The internship is built around invasive plant control, restoration work, and hands-on exposure to environmental mitigation operations. You’ll use tools and methods such as backpack sprayers, fencing support, vegetation removal, and habitat restoration. You’ll also gain practical experience with job shadowing, networking, and some project management concepts that are less likely to appear in standard coursework. The program includes certification and training opportunities, such as applicator licensing, defensive driving, trailer towing, and basic first aid. You should expect physically demanding work in varied weather and terrain.
11. Senator Mike Lee Senate Internship Program
Location: U.S. Senator Mike Lee Office, Salt Lake City, UT, or Washington, DC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Spring (January – May); Summer (May – August); Fall (August – December)
Application Deadline: October 16 (Spring); February 12 (Summer); April 9 (Fall)
Eligibility: Current college students or graduates from the semester immediately before internship; High school diploma required; Priority for Utah residents and Utah university students, all majors encouraged; Law/graduate students are eligible, but the program is geared toward undergraduates
In this internship, you will attend Senate hearings, assist with legislative research, track bill progress, and sort/reply to constituent inquiries and mail. You’ll meet and interact with constituents in the office, answer phones, and attend or assist with constituent events. The role places you in Senator Lee’s fast-paced congressional team, where you will promote his policies and goals while adapting to a demanding environment. Excellent writing and communication skills are required, and you should be hard-working, enthusiastic, and interested in public policy.
12. Utah Foundation Internship Program
Location: Utah Foundation, Salt Lake City, UT
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options
Dates: Summer (May – August); Fall (September – December); Winter (January – April)
Application Deadline: April 1 (Summer); August 1 (Fall); December 1 (Winter)
Eligibility: Current college students with strong communication skills; Must be independent self-starters with a professional demeanor (Research) and strong writing/editing, policy/media interest, creative thinker, social media familiarity (Communications)
In the research internship, you’ll collect, analyze, and synthesize research on public policy topics like education, healthcare, air quality, taxes, water, crime, or politics into deliverable reports. You’ll work with staff on multiple projects, become proficient in research methods, and help compile draft and final reports. The role includes supporting research initiatives, administrative tasks, communications, and events at this small nonprofit. In the communications internship, you will translate complex policy research into accessible content via press releases, public summaries, media roundtables, social media campaigns, and event planning. You’ll support staff in public events, advise on messaging for diverse audiences, and contribute to visual/editorial strategies.
13. Utah State Archives and Records Service Internship Program
Location: Utah State Archives and Records Service, Salt Lake City, UT
Stipend: $1,000 stipend at the end of the semester
Dates: Fall (September – December); Spring (January – April); Summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: July 15 – August 15 (Fall); November 1 – December 1 (Spring); April 1 – May 1 (Summer)
Eligibility: Students with excellent written/oral communication; Must be organized, detail-oriented, dependable, punctual, and able to work independently and with a team
During the Utah State Archives and Records Service Internship Program, you’ll complete 120 hours per semester with flexible scheduling tailored to your availability. You’ll work independently and collaboratively on archival and records service tasks, applying organizational and detail-focused skills. Course credit is eligible upon approval from your educational institution.
14. Office of the Utah State Auditor: Utah State Auditor Internship
Location: State Auditor, Salt Lake City, UT (hybrid options may be available)
Stipend: Paid (hourly rate)
Dates: Offered each semester; Flexible scheduling during academic terms
Application Deadline: Spring: November; Summer: March; Fall: June
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students enrolled at a Utah college or university; Strong analytical, writing, and computer skills preferred
The Office of the Utah State Auditor provides semester-long paid internships where you can assist with government auditing and financial analysis work. You may support audit teams by reviewing how state and local agencies manage public funds, follow applicable laws, and carry out their programs. Typical tasks can include examining financial records, reviewing policies and procedures, documenting audit work, and helping prepare sections of audit reports. Through the internship, you will be exposed to governmental accounting practices, basic audit procedures, and how oversight processes function within the Utah state government.
15. The Children’s Center Utah: Psychology & Mental Health Internships
Location: Children’s Center Utah, West Valley City, UT
Stipend: Paid, unpaid, or credit-based internships offered; Doctoral roles are typically funded
Dates: Semester or summer term
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Undergraduate, Master’s, or Doctoral students in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields
The Children’s Center Utah provides internship opportunities in a clinical environment focused on mental health services for children and adolescents. Depending on your level of study, you may observe therapy sessions, assist with basic assessment activities, or take part in supervised discussions related to treatment planning. The program is grounded in evidence-based practices and includes structured supervision and observation. During the internship, you’ll work with professionals from different fields such as psychology and social work. You will also be exposed to services related to early intervention and ongoing mental health care.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. There are several outdoor, field-based internships on this list (AmeriCorps, USGS, PMG Vegetation Control, Hogle Zoo's Conservation track). How do I know which one fits me best?
It depends on the type of fieldwork you're drawn to. AmeriCorps Crew Members is the most physically intensive, involving trail construction, invasive species management, and backcountry living across multiple Utah locations. The USGS and Nature Conservancy internship is more research-focused, centered on ecological monitoring and data collection in desert settings. PMG Vegetation Control leans toward land management and vegetation control with certification opportunities like applicator licensing. Hogle Zoo's Conservation Internship is the most specialized, focused specifically on native species research and public engagement. If you want broad outdoor experience, AmeriCorps is a strong starting point; if you want more structured research skills, USGS or Hogle Zoo are better fits.
2. A few of these internships, like the Utah State Archives and Hogle Zoo's Wild Exiles track, are unpaid or only partially paid. Are they still worth pursuing?
Yes, especially if the specific skills or institutional access matter more to you than immediate pay. The Utah State Archives internship offers a $1,000 stipend at the end of the semester and can often be completed for academic credit, which helps offset the lower pay. Hogle Zoo's Wild Exiles track is unpaid but includes an optional scholarship, and zoo-based animal care experience is genuinely hard to access outside a program like this. If income is a priority, it's worth pairing one of these lighter-paying options with a stronger-paying role from this list, like SPUR or the Legislative Intern Program.
3. How does the Legislative Intern Program compare to working with Senator Mike Lee's office?
Both give you direct exposure to lawmaking, but at different levels of government. The Legislative Intern Program places you with a Utah state lawmaker, working on state-level bills and policy within the Utah State Legislature. Senator Mike Lee's Senate Internship Program is federal, placing you in his Salt Lake City or Washington, D.C. office, where you'll focus more on constituent services, Senate hearings, and federal-level policy. If you're interested in state government and how local legislation moves through the system, the Legislative Intern Program is the better fit; if you want exposure to federal politics and Capitol Hill specifically, Senator Lee's program offers that broader scope.