14 Internships for College Students in Phoenix, AZ
- Stephen Turban
- 3 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Internships can be an important step for college students looking to gain experience outside the classroom. Through internships, you can apply what you learn in your courses, develop professional skills, and better understand how different industries operate. These experiences can also help you explore potential career paths and strengthen your resume before graduating.
Why should you attend an internship in Phoenix?
Phoenix is home to major universities, healthcare institutions, government agencies, and growing technology and business sectors, offering a wide range of internship opportunities. Many organizations in the city provide structured internship programs where you can work with professionals, contribute to ongoing projects, and learn about different career fields. Whether you are interested in research, public service, business, or healthcare, Phoenix offers a variety of internships across industries.
To help you get started, we have curated 14 internships for college students in Phoenix, Arizona.
If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
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.
Location: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: $4,000
Dates: June 2 – August 7
Application deadline: January 18
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
The Flinn Summer Internship will give you the opportunity to conduct hands-on biomedical science research. During the 10-week program, you will work in an interdisciplinary lab under the mentorship of a biomedical scientist, developing a hypothesis and conducting experiments. You will build and refine critical thinking, scientific analysis, technical laboratory skills, and clinical techniques. The program also includes weekly Lunch and Learn sessions with physician-scientists, college leadership, and medical students, giving you insight into translating lab findings into patient-focused health solutions.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Stipend: $18 per hour Stipend
Dates: October through June
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited university
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s FY’26 Internship Cohort gives you the chance to work directly with teams driving Arizona’s innovation and economic development efforts. Throughout the program, you’ll take on real projects across research, business development, marketing, policy, and technology, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge in meaningful ways. You’ll gain hands-on experience, develop practical workplace skills, and build valuable connections with industry leaders and state partners.
Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: Arizona's minimum wage per hour
Dates: June 4– August 14
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students at least 18 years old
The Barrow Neurological Institute Summer Undergraduate Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time research experience for undergraduates seeking to immerse themselves in neuroscience. During the program, you’ll work directly in Barrow research labs, using advanced tools and techniques while being mentored by leading scientists in the field. You’ll have the chance to explore areas like translational neuroscience, neuroimaging, spine research, neuro-rehabilitation, neuroscience publishing, innovation, and even marketing. Alongside your lab work, you’ll take part in weekly research seminars and career development sessions that help you understand the broader landscape of neuroscience research and related professions.
Location: Arizona State Legislature, the Governor’s Office, or the Arizona Supreme Court.
Stipend: No cost; $6,000 Stipend
Dates: January 5-May 8
Application Deadline: September 19
Eligibility: Must be a full-time ASU student at the time of application and during the internship.
The Arizona Legislative & Government Internship Program gives you a valuable opportunity to work full-time in major government offices, including the state Legislature and the Governor’s Office. Throughout the spring semester, you’ll take on real responsibilities like researching bills, writing summaries, attending hearings, and helping staff with daily tasks. This internship helps you understand how the state government works while building useful skills in writing, communication, and analysis. You’ll also get mentorship from professionals, join career development activities, and earn academic credit, making it a strong opportunity to explore careers in government, law, and public policy.
Location: Companies located across Arizona, including Phoenix
Stipend: $20 per hour
Dates: January 19-May 22
Application Deadline: January 4
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in at least 9 academic units per semester from an eligible school
The Arizona Space Grant Consortium Industry Internship allows you the opportunity to work directly with Arizona-based space industry companies, gaining hands-on experience in real-world STEM projects. During the Spring semester, you’ll contribute to technical and research tasks, applying skills in areas like engineering, data analysis, and aerospace technology, while collaborating with professionals in the field. The program enables you to develop practical workplace skills, expand your professional network, and engage with the operations of space-related companies. Alongside your internship work, you’ll attend the AZSGC Statewide Student Research Symposium to present your project, receive mentorship from industry experts, and earn a stipend.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Cost: Free
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Law students with demonstrated interest through ASU’s clinical program.
The City of Phoenix’s Appeals Bureau Internship gives you an opportunity to step directly into the work of the Prosecutor’s Office and build real legal skills. You’ll work on legal research and write pleadings that contribute to actual appellate cases, letting you experience how the appeals process functions inside a major city government. Through this role, you get a close look at public-sector legal work, learn how attorneys prepare arguments, and strengthen your research and writing abilities, skills that are essential if you plan to pursue law. You also gain professional exposure to prosecutors, legal staff, and the structure of a municipal legal office, making it a strong addition to your academic and career path.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Cost: No cost. $20.02 per hour Stipend
Dates: 18-month internship program
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or be currently pursuing one in airport or aviation management, aeronautical science, aeronautics, air traffic management, public administration, business administration, finance, communications, or a related field.
Through the City of Phoenix Aviation Department Internship, you will spend 18 months working directly with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and its partner airports, gaining hands-on experience across operations, administration, and airport-management functions. You get to prepare meeting materials for the Aviation Advisory Board, help draft reports and presentations, work on customer-service and community-engagement projects, and assist with survey research and operational studies that support day-to-day airport decisions. The internship is designed to help you understand how a major airport system operates from the inside, while building skills in communication, analysis, and aviation management.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Cost: No cost. Paid position
Dates: Opens twice a year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Social Work via the Arizona State University (ASU) School of Social Work
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) Caseworker Internship gives you hands-on experience in crisis response, social work practice, and community support across the City of Phoenix. You work two 8–10-hour shifts each week, assisting with real-time crisis calls, follow-ups, and community outreach while learning how city services help residents facing behavioral-health, housing, safety, and emergency challenges. Throughout the internship, you’re trained by CAP staff, gain experience with professional communication and case documentation, and develop the ability to support individuals during moments of need. The program is designed for you if you want practical, field-based social work experience in a fast-paced community service environment.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Cost: No cost.
Dates: Exact start and end dates depend on the semester placement.
Application Deadline: June and July for the upcoming semester
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Social Work via the Arizona State University (ASU) School of Social Work
The City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center Internship will give you hands-on experience supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes. You will assist with advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, referrals, and case management while working closely with city agencies, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. The internship will provide real-world, trauma-informed social work experience and exposure to the full range of victim services, including legal, emotional, and community support. It is a competitive program with limited slots, typically one intern per semester, and requires a minimum of 240 hours.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at an accredited college/university. Acceptable majors include Finance, Accountancy, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Public Service / Public Policy, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Business Management, Sustainability, or other majors, depending on internship requirements.
The City of Phoenix Finance Summer Internship will give you hands-on experience in the Finance Department, where you will develop skills in accounting, budgeting, auditing, and financial analysis. You will work on real projects, learn about municipal finance operations, and collaborate with finance professionals on tasks like data analysis and process improvement. This paid summer program lasts 12 weeks, with interns typically working up to 20 hours per week, and is open to students pursuing degrees in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related fields.
Location: City of Phoenix Law Department, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost: No cost
Dates: Spring externships: September, with interviews in October. Summer/fall externships: January, with interviews in February
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at an accredited college/university. Acceptable majors include Finance, Accountancy, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Public Service / Public Policy, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Business Management, Sustainability, or other majors, depending on internship requirements.
The City of Phoenix Law Department Student Externship Program will give you hands-on experience working within the City’s legal offices, either in the Civil Division or the Prosecutor’s Office. You will assist with legal research, writing, analysis, and observation of real-world lawyering tasks, gaining exposure to municipal legal processes, case management, and courtroom procedures. This program provides an opportunity to develop practical skills in legal analysis, client communication, and professional writing while working under the supervision of experienced attorneys. The program is competitive, with a limited number of externs selected each semester, and it allows you to gain valuable insight into public-sector law and prepare for future careers in legal practice or public service.
Location: Phoenix City Hall, Phoenix, AZ
Cost: No cost. $23.74 per hour Stipend
Dates: 3 to 6 months
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a college or university (or have recently graduated) in a relevant discipline. Relevant fields include data management, urban planning, geographical information science (GIS), business/public administration, sustainability, water resources, or related areas.
The City of Phoenix Water Research Internship will give you hands-on experience working with the Water Economics, Research, and Forecasting (WERF) team. You will work on projects such as converting LIDAR data for land-use analysis, mapping multifamily housing parcels using GIS, conducting surveys and on-site water-efficiency assessments, compiling data, and assisting with water-demand forecasting and analysis. This internship allows you to develop skills in GIS, data analysis, statistical and spreadsheet management, report writing, and municipal water-resource planning. It is ideal for students studying urban planning, sustainability, public administration, water resources, or related fields, and provides valuable real-world experience in municipal water management while offering both paid and unpaid options depending on your selection.
Location: Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 15 weeks
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in an ACLP-endorsed degree program (Bachelor's or Master's) OR have completed 10 courses in content areas specified by the ACLP before internship start date; applicants must meet practicum criteria and have CPR certification from any certifying organization
This 15-week internship will give you hands-on experience preparing for a career as a child life specialist. During the program, you will complete three rotations in inpatient and outpatient units under the supervision of experienced Certified Child Life Specialists. You will develop critical thinking and clinical skills through reflective activities, case studies, projects, and educational sessions, all designed to help you prepare for the Child Life Certification Exam. The internship requires a total commitment of 600 hours and provides in-depth, practical experience in pediatric care and child life support.
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 where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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