15 Internships for College Students in Texas
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 19
- 11 min read
Internships can be an excellent way to gain professional experience, explore potential career paths, and apply what you learn in college to practical settings. These opportunities allow you to work alongside professionals, develop industry-specific skills, and deepen your understanding of how organizations operate across fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, finance, government, and research. They can also help you expand your professional network and clarify your long-term academic and career goals.
Texas offers a wide range of internship opportunities with major corporations, research institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and universities. From aerospace and biomedical research to public policy, energy, finance, and technology, students can find internships across many industries while gaining exposure to some of the state's leading employers and institutions.
Why should I do an internship in college?
Internships allow you to develop professional skills while gaining experience in environments that closely align with your academic interests and career goals. Depending on the role, you might conduct research, analyze data, contribute to engineering projects, support business operations, participate in policy work, or collaborate with teams on organizational initiatives. These experiences can help you build technical and workplace skills, strengthen your resume, and gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities available within your field of interest.
To help with your search, below is a list of 15 internships for college students in Texas.
If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Internships span a wide range of industries, including aerospace and defense (NASA JSC, Lockheed Martin), energy (ExxonMobil), biomedical research (Baylor College of Medicine SMART, MD Anderson CATALYST), technology (Dell, Texas Instruments, AT&T), finance (Goldman Sachs), aviation (Southwest Airlines, American Airlines), and government and policy (Texas Legislative Internship Program).
Several internships are among the most competitive in the country, including Goldman Sachs (2 to 5% acceptance), NASA JSC Pathways (5 to 10%), Baylor SMART Program (5 to 10%), and MD Anderson CATALYST (5 to 10%), requiring strong academic records and early applications.
Students interested in paid research experience can apply to Baylor SMART ($5,400 stipend plus housing), MD Anderson CATALYST (paid with some housing and travel support), NASA JSC Pathways (paid), and Ladder University Internship Program (remote, with real-world startup projects).
Texas hosts several globally recognized employers, including ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, Dell, and Goldman Sachs, giving Texas-based college students access to internships with major industry leaders without relocating.
Deadlines for competitive internships fall between July and November for summer positions, so students should begin identifying and applying to programs in the fall semester of the preceding academic year.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need for the startup they are working with and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
Location: Houston, TX
Cost: Paid (varies by role and level)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (~5–10% estimated)
Dates: Year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall rotations)
Deadline: Varies by session (typically 3–6 months in advance)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in undergraduate/graduate programs
The Pathways program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center places you directly inside teams working on projects tied to human spaceflight and mission systems. Your role depends on the division, but it often includes tasks such as working with datasets, assisting with design processes, or supporting technical documentation. One part that stands out is the rotation system, where you move across teams and see different parts of the center, rather than staying in one role. The work is paced around real project timelines, so you’re expected to keep up with deadlines and updates. Mentors check in regularly, but you’re also expected to figure things out as you go. You get access to internal talks and briefings that show how different teams connect their work.
Location: Houston, TX
Cost: $5,400 stipend + housing support
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (5–10% estimated)
Dates: June 1 – July 31 (9 weeks)
Deadline: January (applications open in October)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (science & related fields)
This intensive research internship offers you the opportunity to conduct advanced biomedical research at a top medical institution. You work in labs on real scientific projects across fields like bioengineering, computational biology, and health sciences. You work with faculty mentors and gain hands-on experience in research methodologies and data analysis. You also attend seminars, workshops, and career development sessions designed to enhance your academic growth. You engage with a cohort of peers, building both technical skills and professional networks.
Location: Multiple locations in Texas (Austin, Round Rock, etc.)
Cost: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive (10–20% estimated)
Dates: Summer (May–August), some year-round roles
Deadline: Typically December–February
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students across disciplines
This industry-recognized internship program helps you launch your career in technology by working on impactful, real-world projects from day one. You gain hands-on experience across fields like engineering, marketing, finance, and IT, depending on your interests. You work with global teams and contribute to innovative solutions in areas like AI, cloud computing, and data systems. You receive mentorship and structured learning opportunities to build both technical and business skills. You also get exposure to a diverse and inclusive workplace that values new ideas and fresh perspectives. By the end, you develop a strong professional foundation and clarity about your future career path.
Location: Multiple locations across Texas (Houston, Baytown, etc.)
Cost: Paid + possible relocation support
Acceptance Rate: Competitive (~10–15% estimated)
Dates: Summer (May–August), Spring/Fall co-ops available
Deadline: August–November (rolling recruitment)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students
ExxonMobil’s internships place you within teams handling technical or operational work across energy projects, ranging from engineering tasks to planning and analysis. You’re usually assigned a defined project early on, with clear expectations about what needs to be delivered. The work often involves handling data, running calculations, or supporting processes that feed into larger operations. Since teams are interdisciplinary, you end up interacting with people from different technical backgrounds. The schedule is structured, and most of your time is spent advancing your assigned work rather than shadowing. Managers expect you to take responsibility for your part of the project and report updates regularly.
Location: Texas (Austin and other government offices)
Cost: Paid (varies by placement)
Acceptance Rate: Selective (10–20% estimated)
Dates: Spring session (semester-based)
Deadline: October 12
Eligibility: College students (primarily Texas-based institutions)
TLIP places you inside legislative offices during an active session, which means the work changes depending on what’s happening that day. You might be helping with research on a bill, drafting communication, or organizing information for meetings and hearings. The pace can shift quickly, especially as deadlines approach or new issues arise. You work closely with staff members, which gives you a clearer sense of how decisions are prepared before they’re made public. There’s also a lot of reading involved, especially when you’re trying to understand policy details. You start noticing how different offices coordinate and respond to ongoing developments.
Location: Dallas, TX
Cost: Paid + travel perks + possible housing/internet stipend
Acceptance Rate: Competitive (15–25% estimated)
Dates: Typically in June (summer program)
Deadline: Varies by the role
Eligibility: Undergraduate/graduate students (minimum GPA 2.5)
This corporate internship allows you to work within one of the leading airlines in the U.S. while exploring diverse business functions. You can join teams across areas like marketing, finance, operations, HR, or technology, depending on your interests. You work on projects that support customer experience, innovation, and business operations. You receive mentorship, attend leadership sessions, and participate in professional development programs. You also benefit from networking opportunities and unique perks like employee travel privileges. By the end, you gain a well-rounded understanding of the aviation industry and corporate work culture.
Location: Dallas, TX (and other Texas locations)
Cost: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive (<8% estimated)
Dates: Summer (May–August), some semester internships
Deadline: September–November (early hiring cycle)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students (especially STEM & business)
Texas Instruments interns usually work on projects tied to semiconductor design, testing, or business operations, depending on the role. If you’re in a technical track, you might be working with circuit design, validation, or performance testing, while business roles focus more on analysis or strategy tasks. The work is detailed, and you spend a lot of time understanding systems before making changes or contributions. Teams are structured, so you follow clear workflows and documentation processes. You are also introduced to the tools that engineers and analysts use internally. Over time, you start understanding how products move from early design stages to something that can actually be manufactured and used.
Location: Multiple Texas locations
Cost: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (5–10% estimated)
Dates: Summer (May–August), some year-round roles
Deadline: Rolling (early applications recommended)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students (primarily STEM fields)
This high-impact internship places you in one of the world’s leading aerospace and defense companies, working on real-world technical challenges. You contribute to projects involving advanced systems, engineering design, or data analysis that directly support major programs. You work with experienced professionals and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies. You receive mentorship and opportunities to develop leadership and problem-solving skills early in your career. You also engage with a culture focused on innovation, teamwork, and mission-driven work. By the end, you will have built strong technical experience and a deeper understanding of the aerospace industry.
Location: Dallas, Houston (and other global offices)
Cost: Paid (highly competitive compensation)
Acceptance Rate: Extremely competitive (2–5% estimated)
Dates: Summer (June–August)
Deadline: Varies (typically July–October for next year)
Eligibility: Undergraduate (Analyst) and MBA/graduate students (Associate)
This finance internship offers you the chance to work at a global investment bank while gaining exposure to high-level financial operations. You work in divisions like investment banking, asset management, or global markets, depending on your background. You contribute to live projects, financial analysis, and client-facing work alongside experienced professionals. You participate in training programs, mentorship, and networking sessions with industry leaders. You also develop strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. By the end, you gain insight into careers in finance and potential full-time opportunities.
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective (15–25% estimated)
Dates: Summer (8 weeks)
Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
This healthcare-focused internship introduces you to the administrative side of a leading medical institution. You work within departments like HR, finance, clinical operations, or global health, gaining insight into how healthcare systems function. You contribute to projects tailored to your interests while learning from experienced professionals. You attend speaker sessions and cross-departmental learning opportunities that broaden your perspective. You also develop organizational, communication, and management skills in a real-world setting. By the end, you gain a strong understanding of non-clinical careers in healthcare and medical institutions.
Location: Waco & Houston, TX
Cost: Varies (some paid, some unpaid)
Acceptance Rate: Selective (varies by program)
Dates: Summer (June–August), some year-long options
Deadline: February–March (varies by program)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (pre-health focus)
These programs vary by track, but most involve a mix of research, clinical exposure, and public health activities. You might be working on data analysis in one program, while another could involve observing patient care or supporting community health initiatives. Faculty and professionals guide your work, but you’re expected to stay engaged and keep up with assigned tasks. The structure depends on the specific program, so experiences can differ quite a bit. Some tracks include additional sessions or coursework alongside the internship. You also interact with other students who are exploring similar pathways.
Location: Dallas, TX (and other U.S. locations)
Cost: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive (15–20% estimated)
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Deadline: Rolling (applications typically open in the fall)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
AT&T interns are placed within teams working on projects related to telecom systems, data, or business operations. Your role might involve analyzing information, supporting product teams, or working on internal tools, depending on your placement. You’re introduced to company systems early, which helps you follow how tasks are handled internally. Teams expect regular updates and clear communication, especially when working on shared projects. The program also includes sessions that teach you about different parts of the company. Most of your time, though, is spent working through assigned tasks and deadlines.
Location: Houston, TX
Cost: Paid (varies by track; some include housing/travel support)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (5–10% estimated)
Dates: Summer (June–August)
Deadline: January–February
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and medical students (varies by track)
CATALYST places you in research environments focused on cancer studies, where you work alongside scientists on ongoing projects. Your tasks usually involve lab work, data handling, or supporting experiments, depending on your assigned track. You follow strict protocols, especially when working in lab settings. The program also includes sessions where researchers explain their work and current challenges in the field. You interact with peers working on different projects, which gives you a wider view of ongoing research.
Location: Dallas, TX (and other U.S. hubs)
Cost: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive (15–25% estimated)
Dates: Summer (May–August), some year-round roles
Deadline: Rolling (typically fall–early spring hiring cycle)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
This aviation and business-focused internship allows you to work with one of the largest airlines in the world while building practical industry experience. You explore roles across departments like finance, supply chain, marketing, revenue management, and airport operations. You work on projects that impact real airline operations and customer experience. You gain mentorship, training, and networking opportunities with industry professionals and leaders. You also develop problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.
Frequently asked questions
What types of internships are available for college students in Texas?
Options include biomedical and cancer research internships (Baylor SMART, MD Anderson CATALYST, Baylor Prehealth), aerospace and defense internships (NASA JSC, Lockheed Martin), technology and engineering internships (Dell, Texas Instruments, AT&T), energy sector internships (ExxonMobil), finance internships (Goldman Sachs), aviation and operations internships (Southwest Airlines, American Airlines), government and policy internships (Texas Legislative Internship Program), and flexible remote internships (Ladder University Internship Program).
Which Texas internships are paid or provide stipends?
Most internships on this list are paid. Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program provides a $5,400 stipend plus housing support. NASA JSC Pathways, Lockheed Martin, Dell, Texas Instruments, ExxonMobil, Goldman Sachs, Southwest Airlines, AT&T, American Airlines, and MD Anderson CATALYST are all paid positions. The Seattle Youth Employment Program equivalent here is the Texas Legislative Internship Program, which is paid and varies by placement.
Which internships are best for students interested in biomedical or healthcare research?
Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program places students in faculty-mentored research labs across bioengineering, computational biology, and health sciences for nine weeks. MD Anderson CATALYST places students in active cancer research environments with structured scientific training. Baylor University Prehealth Research Internships offer a mix of research, clinical observation, and public health work across multiple tracks.
Which Texas internships are most competitive?
Goldman Sachs is among the most selective, with an estimated acceptance rate of 2 to 5%. NASA JSC Pathways, Baylor SMART, and MD Anderson CATALYST each have estimated acceptance rates of 5 to 10%. Texas Instruments is also highly competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate below 8%. Students applying to these programs should begin preparing early, focus on relevant coursework, and apply well before deadlines open.
Are there internships in Texas open to students across all majors?
Yes, several internships welcome students from a wide range of disciplines. Dell Technologies, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and AT&T all recruit across engineering, marketing, finance, HR, and operations. Goldman Sachs recruits students for analyst and associate tracks across business and quantitative backgrounds. Baylor College of Medicine's Administrative Internship Program places students in departments like HR, finance, and global health, regardless of major.
When should I apply for college internships in Texas?
Goldman Sachs typically opens applications as early as July for the following summer. ExxonMobil recruits from August through November. Texas Instruments hires from September through November. Dell and AT&T accept rolling applications opening in the fall. Baylor SMART and MD Anderson CATALYST both close in January or February. NASA JSC Pathways deadlines vary by session and are typically three to six months in advance. Students should begin researching and preparing application materials in the summer before their target internship year.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program whe