15 Economics Summer Internships for Undergraduates

If you’re an undergraduate interested in economics or planning to major in the field, you should consider doing an economics internship. 

Economics internships let you learn about research methods, data analysis, financial modeling, policy evaluation, and other key areas that shape how organizations and markets operate. You’ll work on projects like analyzing economic trends, evaluating policies, or creating financial models, which are not usually covered in college courses.

This type of experience can help you figure out which area of economics interests you most, decide whether you want to pursue it in graduate school or a career, and give you a head start when you get there. It can also strengthen your resume and give you concrete experiences to discuss with future employers or admissions committees.

To help you choose the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 15 economics summer internships for undergraduates! 

15 Economics Summer Internships for Undergraduates

1. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

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.

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 is of genuine need to 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!

2. World Bank – Treasury Summer Internship for College Students

Location: World Bank Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Cost: Paid internship; no fees; visa sponsorship available if required

Program Dates: 10 weeks in summer (June–August)

Application Deadline: Applications open in the fall; typically close by late November or December

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates in the penultimate year of a four-year degree program; must graduate between January and September of the year following the internship.

The Treasury Summer Internship is a college-level program at the World Bank for around 16 students each summer. You rotate through three Treasury teams, learning about sovereign debt management, financial advisory, sustainable finance, reserves management, and risk analytics. You work on real projects, receive mentorship from senior economists, and complete a capstone presentation for Treasury leadership. You also attend weekly career talks, meet officers and directors, and build a global professional network. 

3. Federal Trade Commission – Bureau of Economics Summer Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.

Cost: Paid (competitive salary)

Program Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks, full-time)

Application Deadline: Applications open via USAJobs; closes once 150 submissions are received (apply early)

Eligibility: Advanced undergraduate economics students considering graduate school or economic policy roles; strong skills in Stata, R, or Python; U.S. citizens

The FTC Bureau of Economics summer internship lets you work with PhD economists on real-world antitrust and consumer protection cases. You analyze large datasets and use Stata, R, or Python to run econometric studies. Projects include examining market behavior, mergers, and pricing strategies, conducting policy-relevant microeconomic research, and preparing data visualizations and reports. You gain insight into how economic evidence shapes enforcement and policy, while building skills in empirical research, technical writing, and regulatory economics.

4. City of Madison – AASPIRE Internship Program

Location: City of Madison, Madison, WI

Cost: Free to participate; this is a paid internship

Program Dates: June–August (8–10 weeks)

Application Deadline: February 24–March 31

Eligibility: Open to current undergraduates from accredited universities, two-year colleges, or community partner training programs; recent graduates within two years are also eligible

AASPIRE is an 8–10 week summer program where you work in Madison’s city government. You’ll be placed in departments like Planning & Community & Economic Development, Finance, or Housing, applying economic skills to policy evaluation, urban planning, and development projects. You receive mentorship from city managers, gain hands-on experience in research and data analysis, and learn how municipal governments handle economic and social issues. The program is paid and also makes you eligible for city jobs for up to six months after completion, giving a strong foundation for careers in public policy, urban economics, or government service.

5. INROADS Internship Program

Location: Nationwide (placements with 200+ employer partners; roles vary by city and remote)

Cost: No program fee; internships are paid

Program Dates: Year-round placements with summer roles running from June–August

Application Deadline: Rolling (summer recruiting typically opens in fall) 

Eligibility: Current college students; minimum 2.8 GPA; must maintain good academic standing. Many roles require U.S. work authorization without employer sponsorship.

INROADS gives you a structured internship experience with career-readiness training, leadership development, and paid placements at top employers in finance, consulting, analytics, and other industries. You work on real-world economics projects, including market and financial analysis, business strategy development, risk and operations analytics, and client-facing problem solving, like reports, presentations, and recommendations. Each intern is paired with an INROADS Advisor for guidance and receives feedback from both corporate managers and mentors. You also get networking opportunities with executives, alumni, and peers. 

6. Capital One – Summer Internship Programs (Economics-Aligned Tracks)

Cost: Free to participate; students are paid a competitive compensation

Location: U.S. hubs including McLean, VA; New York, NY; Dallas, TX; Richmond, VA; San Francisco, CA; and others

Dates: 10-week summer internship (June–August)

Application Deadline: Rolling; applications typically open in the Fall and close once positions are filled

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates graduating by August next year; Economics majors are strongly encouraged (also open to Business, Finance, Math, Engineering, and related majors)

Capital One’s internship program offers undergraduates the chance to spend ten weeks on high-impact projects that combine quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and leadership development. You can pursue tracks in Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Finance, Commercial Banking, Investment Banking, or Management. You’ll learn to build models, analyze financial portfolios, conduct forecasting, and translate data into actionable business insights, while also developing consulting, leadership, and presentation skills. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship, career coaching, and the opportunity to network with professionals across business and tech teams.

7. Federal Communications Commission – Office of Economics & Analytics (OEA) Internship

Location: Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C.

Cost: Paid (Pathways Summer Internship, GS-4 grade level); unpaid options also available

Program Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Summer internships typically 10–15 weeks, full-time)

Application Deadline: March 11 for paid Pathways Summer Internship; March 15 (Summer), July 1 (Fall), October 15 (Spring) for unpaid internships

Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in undergrad or grad programs in economics, data science, public policy, or related fields

At the FCC’s Office of Economics & Analytics, you work with economists and policy experts on applied research and regulatory analysis. You may run cost-benefit studies, evaluate industry data, and use tools like Stata, R, Python, or SAS. Projects focus on broadband, communications, and media policy, often supporting active FCC proceedings. Summer Pathways interns are paid and present their work at the end of the term, while unpaid interns can join for semester-based roles. You gain quantitative training, insight into federal policymaking, and opportunities to grow your professional network in Washington, D.C.

8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – ECON 298: Internship in Economics

Cost: Standard tuition/fees apply. Check the exact fee here.

Location: Flexible (internship site; course is fully online)

Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters (asynchronous course)

Application Deadline: Rolling (must apply once internship is secured)

Eligibility: Current UIUC undergraduates and graduate economics students who have secured a professional economics- or business-related internship

ECON 298 at the University of Illinois is an online internship course where you can earn academic credit while working in data analysis, finance, policy, or business strategy. The course helps you reflect on your internship through structured assignments and faculty guidance. You can take it for 0 credits, mainly for CPT or transcript documentation, or for 3 credits, which includes reflection papers, a final project, and weekly check-ins. Grading is Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory. 

9. Truman State University – Economics Internships

Cost: Tuition may apply if taken for credit; internships themselves vary (some are paid)

Location: Kirksville, MO (placements nationwide, e.g., Washington, D.C., Kansas City, St. Louis, Sacramento)

Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer; dependent on employer placement

Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by employer

Eligibility: Open to Truman State University economics majors; juniors and seniors strongly encouraged

Truman State University’s economics internship program connects classroom learning with real-world experience in economics, finance, and policy. You can intern at places like the U.S. Treasury, FDIC, Federal Reserve Bank, H&R Block, or the National Credit Union Association. The program is credit-bearing through ECON 471, which includes on-the-job training and a structured application process. You can also enroll in ECON 472 for additional evaluation and analysis. Through the internship, you develop skills in policy analysis, regulatory economics, financial systems, market research, and applied economic modeling.

10. Ball State University – Economics Internship Program

Cost: Tuition may apply if taken for credit; internships themselves vary (some are paid)

Location: Muncie, IN (placements across Indiana and beyond)

Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer; part-time (10–30 hrs/week) or full-time (40 hrs/week) depending on semester

Application Deadline: Rolling; students encouraged to plan several months in advance

Eligibility: Open to Ball State University economics majors and minors; juniors and seniors strongly encouraged

Ball State University’s Department of Economics encourages students to pursue multiple internships as part of their academic journey, helping them connect classroom learning with professional practice. Past placements include First Farmers Bank & Trust, SMS Finance, Banker’s Life & Casualty, EUSA, and Open Door Health Services, giving you exposure to industries ranging from banking and finance to health care. Faculty coordinators support students in aligning internships with academic requirements, while the university’s Career Center offers resume review, interview preparation, and job search assistance. 

11. EY Service Line Internship

Location: Various EY offices across the United States

Cost: Paid internship; no program fees

Program Dates: Summer (8–10 weeks); some winter internships also available

Application Deadline: Applications typically open in early fall and are reviewed on a rolling basis

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates; economics, finance, accounting, and related majors encouraged to apply

EY’s Service Line Internship provides undergraduates with direct exposure to global business and professional services. You will join project teams working on engagements such as internal control reviews for audits, tax planning analysis, or even building automation tools to improve efficiency. You’ll gain hands-on experience applying data-driven problem-solving to finance and business challenges while also honing professional communication and client-facing skills. Mentorship is a key part of the internship, with EY professionals providing coaching, feedback, and guidance throughout.

12. Federal Reserve Board – Summer Internship Program

Location: Federal Reserve Board, Washington, D.C.

Cost: Paid internship; no program fees; competitive compensation based on academic year completed

Program Dates: 10–12 weeks in summer (late May or early June through August)

Application Deadline: Applications are posted each September for the following summer; interviews are conducted through the fall semester; offers finalized by December

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at accredited universities; must be U.S. citizens returning to studies after an internship; selection based on scholastic achievement, recommendations, and relevant coursework.

The Federal Reserve Board hires about 100 summer interns each year, offering one of the most competitive economics and finance internships for undergraduates. You work with PhD economists and policy experts on projects that support monetary policy, financial stability, banking supervision, and economic research. You will be placed in divisions like Research & Statistics, Monetary Affairs, International Finance, Financial Stability, and Consumer & Community Affairs. Your work may include econometric analysis, policy research, and contributing to reports that guide Federal Reserve decisions. Many interns go on to full-time analyst roles or graduate study in economics.

13. Congressional Budget Office – Summer Internship Program

Location: Congressional Budget Office, Washington, D.C.

Cost: Paid internship (10-week program); no fees

Program Dates: Late May through early August (typically May 27 – August 1; 10 weeks)

Application Deadline: Applications typically due late February (check CBO careers page for exact dates)

Eligibility: Open to current graduate students, students who completed undergraduate education in the prior academic year, or students expecting to complete undergraduate education in the current academic year; undergraduate majors in economics, data science, public policy, mathematics, computer science, or related fields; U.S. citizens and permanent residents eligible

The Congressional Budget Office summer internship gives you the chance to work on federal budget and economic policy analysis at one of the most influential agencies in Washington. Around 50 interns are selected each summer to help evaluate legislative proposals on topics such as healthcare costs, defense spending, tax reform, and environmental policy. You apply quantitative methods using tools like Stata, R, or Python, building skills in econometrics, forecasting, and policy evaluation that feed directly into Congressional decision-making. The program includes educational briefings on the budget process, policy seminars, and networking opportunities with professionals across government.

14. Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Economics Internship (ECON 493)

Location: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA (placements locally, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and beyond)

Cost: Standard tuition applies if taken for credit. $7,994/year for in-state undergraduates; $11,592/year for out-of-state students; additional fees and room/board may apply. Many placements are paid.

Program Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms (arranged by semester)

Application Deadline: Rolling; placements approved by the department

Eligibility: Junior/senior economics majors with at least 12 completed economics credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA in the major and overall; departmental approval required

ECON 493 Economics Internship at Indiana University of Pennsylvania gives you a structured, credit-bearing way to combine economics work with academic reflection. You take placements in policy, analytics, finance, or nonprofit settings, sometimes with organizations like the Federal Reserve or the Washington Center. Alongside your work, you complete readings on economic theory, reflective writing connecting your experience to class concepts, and research papers analyzing issues from your internship. Credits range from 2 to 12, with a maximum of 6 counting toward your economics major. 

15. University of Wisconsin–Parkside – Economics Internship (ECON 494)

Location: University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Kenosha, WI (placements across Wisconsin; some remote options possible)

Cost: Standard tuition if taken for credit; many placements are paid

Program Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms (arranged by semester)

Application Deadline: Rolling, subject to faculty approval and placement availability

Eligibility: Open to UW-Parkside economics undergraduates with at least a 2.5 GPA and departmental approval

The Economics Internship (ECON 494) at UW-Parkside integrates classroom learning with real-world economics experience through supervised placements in the public or private sector. You will work on applied projects such as market research, financial analysis, policy evaluation, or data-driven decision-making, depending on your host organization. You will also gain professional exposure while receiving academic oversight, making the experience both career-oriented and academically rigorous. Many placements are paid, and you can also earn course credit, which may count toward graduation. 

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.

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 Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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