15 Internships for College Students With No Experience
Are you a college student looking to create a strong resume and explore your field of interest? Internships are an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience, enhance your skill set, and build connections in the industry. Unlike classroom education, a hands-on internship allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This not only helps you gain a deeper understanding of concepts but also develops problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and industry insights. Plus, many internships during college lead to full-time opportunities or recommendations for future roles.
For students with no prior experience, finding an internship can be a daunting task. But whether you’re interested in finance, tech, public policy, or publishing, plenty of companies offer internships for students who are just starting.
To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 internships for college students with no experience. Let’s dive in!
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary — space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and more
Location: Remote or across NASA facilities
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
- Be a full-time student (high school through graduate level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in at least 6 semester hours.
- Be at least 16 years of age at the time of application (no exceptions).
Application deadline: Varies depending on the internship opportunity
Program dates:
- Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December)
- Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May)
- Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August)
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers high school and college-level students an opportunity to gain practical work experience through their paid internships. You can choose from a range of subjects that interest you, including space science, technology, space microbiology, aeronautics, and more. Explore the different internships here using the ‘Filter’ option to see the opportunities available to college students.
As an intern, you will work alongside research scientists, engineers, and individuals from different professions and contribute to the agency’s mission to advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. You’ll design experiments, analyze mission data, and develop innovative technology.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary — finance, media and journalism, consulting, mental health, fashion, health tech and more
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Ladder University Program is a selective virtual internship program for ambitious college students. During the 8-week program, you will be paired with a high-growth startup that raises over a million dollars on average. Startups offering internships come from various industries, including health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, tech, deep tech, and more. You can explore all the options in the application form. You will work on a real-world project under the mentorship of startup managers and a Ladder Coach, and present your work to the company.
3. The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program
Subject areas: Foreign affairs and public policy
Location: Internships are offered in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C., and at Department offices around the United States
Stipend: Interns are paid a stipend (Amount not specified)}
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a minimum 3.2 GPA
- Be an Undergraduate (junior and senior) or Graduate Student
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Summer (October), Fall (February), and Spring (July).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, and Spring
The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program is a paid opportunity for college students interested in working at the bureau level with the government. While the duties differ as per the bureau, you can expect a hands-on learning experience in a foreign affairs environment. You’ll participate in meetings with government officials, draft, edit, or contribute to communication materials, support conferences, and meetings, and promote foreign policy while engaging with local audiences.
Subject areas: Multiple areas within the organization
Location: Remote or UNICEF Headquarters
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Applicants must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program or have graduated within the past two years
- Proficient in at least one of UNICEF’s working languages: English, French or Spanish
Application deadline: Opportunities are offered throughout the year. Check vacancies here
Program dates: Internships last between 6 - 26 weeks and can be part-time or full-time
The UNICEF Internship Program provides college students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain experience in the humanitarian sector while enhancing their academic, professional, and personal development. The specific duties and responsibilities vary from one department to the other. But you will partake in database management, communications, or research projects. Check out all the current opportunities on their vacancies page.
Subject areas: Healthcare — engineering, manufacturing, sales, quality assurance, information technology, and more
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least one year of college and enrolled for the fall season post-internship with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application deadline: Varies according to internship. Check available positions here
Program dates: 10 - 12 weeks in the summer
Each year, Abbott provides paid internships for hundreds of students eager to explore healthcare. Internships are available in various focus areas within the field, including commercial MBA, engineering, finance and accounting, manufacturing, sales, and beyond.
As an intern, you’ll work on challenging projects that directly impact the business. Plus, you’ll receive career development training and networking opportunities with peers and senior leaders.
Subject areas: Business and Accounting
Location: PWC offices across the country. Check locations here
Cost/Stipend: Interns receive a competitive stipend; specific amounts may vary by location
Eligibility: Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and in their sophomore or junior year of a four-year or five-year degree program. Students pursuing an associate’s degree and enrolled in a four-year institution may also apply. CPA eligibility may be required for specific accounting practices.
Application deadline: Varies by role; early application is encouraged as many positions are filled on a rolling basis.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Winter (January – March/April) and Summer (June – mid-August)
PWC’s Start is a career readiness and leadership development experience that invites college students to cultivate their business and professional acumen. The program is available in various career areas, including tax, audit, digital assurance and transparency, advisory, and products and technology.
During the internship, you will apply problem-solving, research, analytical, and organizational skills to gain a deeper understanding of the business. Additionally, the program hosts networking events, provides mentorship opportunities, and offers professional development sessions on personal branding, relationship building, and more.
7. Penguin Random House Internship
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary — sales, marketing, operations, legal, information technology, and more
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Rising seniors and college graduates who are willing to work full-time
Application deadline: Fall/Spring session: March 17 | Summer session: Mid-October
Program dates:
- Fall/Spring session: 21-hour workweek schedule divided into two segments, with each segment of 10 weeks
- Summer session: 28-hour workweek schedule for 10 weeks
Penguin Random House offers paid remote internship opportunities in their adult, children, and corporate divisions in areas such as editorial, sales, finance, marketing, legal, publicity, and more. As an intern, you will be immersed in the process of book publishing during the internship, as you gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and collaborate with industry professionals. They also offer mentorship, learning, and development opportunities.
Subject areas: Banking and finance – operation, wealth & asset management, human resources, information security, and more
Location: Various locations nationwide. Check here
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Varies according to different roles
Application deadline: Varies according to different roles
Program dates: 10 weeks in the summer
For those interested in exploring the banking industry, US Bank provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects throughout the company. During the 10-week internship, you will be fully integrated into their business as you participate in hands-on experiences and connect with senior leaders. They offer various program tracks for undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, the program focuses on professional development, mentoring, and social and volunteer engagements.
9. BMW Domestic Internship Program
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: BMW Manufacturing Plant, Spartanburg, SC
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time at an accredited 4-year university or college in the United States
- Be pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Have completed at least 3 semesters towards the degree at the start of the internship
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be enrolled with the university’s Co-Op or Career Services office
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (October), Summer (February), and Fall (May)
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, and Fall
The BMW Domestic Internship Program offers selected students in-depth exposure and experience at their manufacturing facility. You’ll get a chance to experience their work culture first-hand while developing the knowledge to enhance your skills and add value to their company. They offer internships in varied areas, including Engineering, Manufacturing Support, Quality Management, Logistics, Procurement, Information Technology, Human Resources, Communications, Finance, and Controlling.
Note: BMW also offers other undergraduate internship programs. Check the list here.
10. Samsung Research America Internships
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: Samsung Office, Mountain View, California
Stipend: Paid (amount varies according to the role). You will also receive a housing stipend and relocation assistance.
Eligibility: Varies according to different roles
Application deadline: Varies according to different roles
Program dates: Varies according to different roles
Samsung Research America offers a variety of internships for undergraduate and graduate students across its research and development labs. You are provided an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, apply classroom theory to real commercial projects, and enhance your academic goals. The program also provides professional development and personal growth, alongside networking opportunities. The selected students gain various employee benefits like insurance, an onsite fitness center, subsidized meals, an automated coffee bar, student loan refinancing, and virtual and onsite fitness programs.
Find all the open positions here using the “Filter” option to see internships.
Subject areas: Tax, consulting, audit, strategy, and more
Location: Various locations nationwide. Check here
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Varies according to different roles
Application deadline: Varies according to different internships. Check available internships here
Program dates: Internships are available in three sessions: Summer, Winter, and Fall
Deloitte invites college students to gain real-world experience, tackle challenges, and drive significant outcomes through their internships. Their internships provide a space to explore your field of interest and also offer learning and development opportunities, mentorship, and networking events.
There are three types of internships:
Discovery internship: This program provides early college students with comprehensive training and engaging projects, helping them gain insight into the services and client-facing business.
Internal services internship – Selected students gain first-hand experience in internal projects in technology, marketing, finance, and administration.
Client service internship – If you are looking for a client-facing role, this internship assigns you to one or more client projects, and you’ll be responsible for the deliverables.
Find all the available opportunities here.
12. National Gallery of Art Summer Internship Program
Subject areas: Art and Culture
Location: Remote or on-site at National Gallery of Art, Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
Stipend: Stipend: $25.26/hour + Cost of living expense: $1,818
Eligibility: Students with a passion for arts and culture
Application deadline: February
Program dates: June – August
The National Gallery of Art’s Summer Internship Program allows students to engage with the field of art and develop their skills and understanding. The program offers a practical experience that has been tailored to match your interests and challenges to help you learn. You’ll be paired with an experienced professional during your internship who will provide mentorship and aid your learning journey. Apart from that, every week, they host special tours, talks with directors and senior administrators, and presentations that provide an inside view of the museum’s operations.
13. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Internship Program
Subject areas: Clean energy and water innovation
Location: Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Applicants should be Massachusetts residents or have attended a college, university, or training program in Massachusetts. Applicants should also meet one of the following requirements:
- Students must have completed at least their freshman year of college (24 credits) the semester before the internship or have graduated within the past year.
- Students who attend or attended a community college (or 2‐year Associate program) must have completed at least 24 credits.
- Graduate students must be currently enrolled in their program or have completed it within the last year.
- If a student has attended a training program, that program must have been completed within the last year.
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until full}
Program dates: Spring session (January - May) | Summer session (June - August) | Fall session (September - December)
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Internship Program offers college students and recent graduates internships at various clean energy and water innovation companies across the state. Through the program, they aim to train the next generation of clean energy workers. You’ll get an opportunity to network within the sector while gaining valuable hands-on experience. You need to create an intern profile on their online workforce portal. Upload your resume, academic background, and preferred industry subsector. You will, then, have access to open internship positions, and also potential employers can view your qualifications and invite you for an interview.
14. Her Campus Media Internships
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary — Business development, community management, design, editorial, integrated marketing, and more
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount varies according to role)
Eligibility: Varies according to role
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Spring session: Mid-December | Fall session: Mid-August | Summer session: April
Program dates: Spring session (January - May) | Fall session (September - December) | Summer session (May – August)
Her Campus, a leading media platform, is a small team of mostly women-identified individuals working to empower college women worldwide. Their intern program offers skill-building projects and tasks designed to deepen your understanding of your interests. You can choose from six available areas: business development, community management, design, integrated marketing, product and operations, and editorial and social.
They recommend that you have strong communication, organizational, and strategic thinking skills and a working knowledge of all Microsoft Office platforms.
15. American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Summer Internship Program
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: Remote or in-person in Washington, DC
Stipend: $18/hour
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Identify as a person with a disability
- Be a current student or recent graduate of a U.S.-based school or program
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent at the start of the internship
Application deadline: October
Program dates: 10 weeks in the summer
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Summer Internship Program is a professional and career development opportunity that places students in Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations for 10 weeks in the summer. The program aims to advance students' career opportunities and deepen their leadership skills.
Before the internship, you’ll participate in a 1-week orientation that will prepare you for the internship, help you learn about the disability rights movement, and connect you with your peers. In addition to the actual internship, you’ll partake in a Disability Advocacy Certificate Program designed to build advocacy skills and attend events, conferences, community events, briefings, and more. The program also assigns each student a mentor who provides career guidance throughout the summer.