15 Internships for College Students in South Dakota
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you are in college and want to be better prepared for jobs after graduation, gaining work experience early can make a difference. Internships offer a way to build that experience while you are still studying.
South Dakota offers a range of internship opportunities for college students through local industries, universities, and public sector organizations. These roles give you exposure to real tasks, team environments, and daily workflows, helping you understand how different careers operate.
Why should I do an internship in college?
By participating in an internship, you gain skills like organization, communication, and structured thinking. You also learn how to adapt to professional expectations and manage responsibilities. Choosing local internships within South Dakota can make the process more practical by reducing extra costs. At the same time, this experience strengthens your resume and gives you solid examples to share in interviews.
To help you get started, here are 15 internships for college students in South Dakota! If you are looking for even more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Internships for College Students in South Dakota
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!
Location: Sanford Underground Research Facility, Lead, SD
Cost: None; Paid internship (Typically $20/hr)
Dates: May 18 – August 7
Application Deadline: Feb 17
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores or juniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher
This internship at the Sanford Underground Research Facility places you inside a large-scale engineering project tied to deep underground construction. You spend your time documenting excavation progress, supporting procurement work, and observing how drilling and blasting operations are carried out. A lot of the learning comes from being around engineers managing ground support systems, ventilation, and structural stability in real conditions. You also get involved in construction-related tasks like shotcrete and concrete work, which are part of preparing the site for physics experiments.
Location: South Dakota State Capitol, Pierre, SD
Cost: No cost; Stipend totals approximately $7,215
Dates: January 13 – March 12. Veto Day on March 30
Application Deadline: October 17
Eligibility: Enrolled college students of any major
The South Dakota Legislative Internship places you inside the state Capitol during the active session, where most of your day revolves around tracking legislation and supporting lawmakers. You work with legislators by researching bills, preparing background material, and helping manage schedules or constituent meetings. A good part of your time is spent inside committee hearings, where you follow how discussions shape policy decisions. You also assist with coordinating testimony and keeping records updated. The placement is matched based on political preference, which affects the kind of work you handle. Over a couple of months, you begin to understand how decisions move from discussion to law.
Location: Various locations including Aberdeen, Vermillion, and Webster, SD
Cost: No cost; Paid internship with 401k benefits
Dates: 10 weeks starting in late May or early June
Application Deadline: Rolling admission; contact Sanford Health for current cycle
Eligibility: Nursing students within 1 or 2 semesters of graduation
This 10-week clinical intensive allows nursing students to experience the daily responsibilities of a Registered Nurse within a major healthcare system. Under the guidance of an experienced nurse preceptor, you will expand your technical nursing skills and clinical judgment while providing direct patient care. You will gain confidence through professional development sessions and networking opportunities with peers from across the region. Interns are treated as PRN employees, gaining access to workers’ compensation and Sanford’s extensive training resources. Successful completion often leads to an extended internship through the school year, significantly accelerating the transition into independent practice after graduation.
Location: Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, SD
Cost: No cost; Housing, uniforms, and living allowance provided
Dates: Summer months (13-week commitment requirement)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current college students interested in environmental education
Located in the Black Hills, this internship focuses on the research and delivery of interpretive programs for the general public. You will learn to develop your own cave tours and wildlife programs while staffing the visitor center information desk for thousands of annual tourists. You will gain professional public speaking skills and experience in environmental education through orientation services in informal settings like parking lots and terraces. The program covers all housing costs in shared, furnished apartments located just minutes from the work site. This is a good opportunity for students pursuing careers in forestry, biology, or communications to work in the 6th-longest cave in the world.
Location: South Dakota Farmers Union, Huron, SD
Cost: No cost; Paid position with travel expenses covered
Dates: mid-May – late August
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: College students interested in agriculture or education
The South Dakota Farmers Union hires energetic students to facilitate youth camps that emphasize cooperative philosophy and agricultural stewardship. You will organize and lead games, crafts, and educational lessons for nearly 2,000 youth participants across the state. You will gain experience in marketing and event promotion while traveling statewide in a company-provided vehicle. The role involves performing various office duties in Huron necessary to manage the Youth Camping Program under the supervision of an Education Specialist. This position is particularly beneficial for students majoring in child development or agricultural education who wish to work with volunteers and community leaders.
Location: Rapid City or Sioux Falls, SD
Cost: No cost; Stipend provided
Dates: May – August (Flexible start/end dates)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: College students of all majors
This internship places you in one of Senator Mike Rounds’ state offices, where you handle a mix of research, communication, and outreach work. You respond to constituent inquiries, draft written replies, and help organize information for the office. You also attend local events or meetings, depending on what is scheduled during your term. The work shifts based on current issues, so you might focus on areas like agriculture or veterans’ affairs. You spend a lot of time understanding how federal offices stay connected to people at the state level. The role builds around daily office responsibilities rather than fixed projects.
Location: Aberdeen, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls, SD
Cost: No cost; Stipend provided
Dates: Mid-May – August (Split into two summer sessions)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Enrolled college students
Senator John Thune's state-based internship program provides students the opportunity to learn the internal operations of a high-level federal office. You will participate in state outreach activities and support staff in managing regional issues that affect South Dakotans. You will gain office management skills and the ability to work directly with constituents on a variety of federal concerns. The summer program is divided into two distinct sessions to accommodate different university schedules, with the first session starting in mid-May. Students are encouraged to develop their research and writing abilities through daily tasks and legislative tracking.
Location: South Dakota Discovery Center, Pierre, SD
Cost: No cost; Stipend of $15-$17 per hour
Dates: May 20 – August 9
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: College students; preference for education or science majors
This internship focuses on hands-on STEM programming for youth from preschool through middle school. You will help plan and lead science activities at the Discovery Center and other locations statewide as part of traveling outreach programs. You will gain training in various STEM curricula and learn how to manage dynamic, informal learning settings for large groups of children. The role also supports the Living Lab and garden areas, requiring a willingness to work outdoors and assist with program set-up. Interns can expect a 30-to-40-hour work week, and the center assists in finding local housing if required.
Location: Various locations across South Dakota
Cost: No cost; Paid internship
Dates: Varies by position
Application Deadline: Varies by the specific opening
Eligibility: College and technical school students
The State of South Dakota Intern Program provides students with first-hand knowledge of outdoor heritage management and wildlife services. You can apply for specialized roles in Park Management, Fisheries, Law Enforcement, or Wildlife Habitat Management. You will work alongside conservation professionals to maintain state parks, conduct fisheries research, or manage private lands via GIS mapping. You will gain practical field experience that is essential for a career in environmental science or natural resource management.
Location: Various South Dakota offices (e.g., Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City)
Cost: No cost; Paid internship
Dates: Summer months
Application Deadline: Contact the regional office for specific dates
Eligibility: College students interested in agribusiness or finance
This program combines on-the-job training with group projects to prepare students for careers in agricultural lending and risk management. You will work as part of a team serving farmers and ranchers across the state, gaining insight into the financial side of South Dakota’s agricultural industry. You will gain mentorship from experienced loan officers and financial analysts who help you navigate complex agribusiness scenarios. Many interns in this program transition into full-time employment with Farm Credit Services after graduation. The organization offers a hybrid and flexible work environment, emphasizing a people-first culture and professional development.
Location: Various partner companies in South Dakota
Cost: No cost; Stipend varies by employer
Dates: Flexible (Summer, Fall, or Spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by employer
Eligibility: Students enrolled in the Ness School of Management and Economics
This program is specifically designed to help management and economics students apply their coursework in professional settings. You will identify a suitable internship opportunity and work with an internship coordinator to ensure the role meets rigorous academic learning goals. You will gain hands-on experience in business analysis, marketing, or financial management while building a professional network within the state. The process requires students to submit a midterm report and a final oral presentation to the school to secure academic credit.
Location: School of Communication and Journalism, Brookings/Statewide, SD
Cost: No cost; Stipend varies by employer
Dates: Varies by term
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Enrolled college students in communication fields
The COJO program fosters the development of communicators who wish to become industry leaders in journalism, marketing, or public relations. You will apply your skills in a variety of settings, such as writing for the Avera Balance Blog or attending video shoots with professional media teams. You will gain experience in social media performance analytics, internal communications, and event-based content creation. The program uses a field-based learning model where students work in external organizations to earn university credit. Students are required to coordinate closely with professional advisors to ensure their tasks align with the innovative COJO curriculum.
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Cost: No cost; Paid positions vary by employer
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: College students of all skill levels
INTERN Sioux Falls is a centralized hub connecting students with top-notch employers like Eide Bailly, Northwestern Mutual, and Click Rain. You can explore roles in accounting, digital marketing, event planning, or financial advice within South Dakota’s largest city. You will work on real-world projects, such as designing social media campaigns or assisting with groundbreakings and community events. You will also gain professional connections and on-site training through mentorship-driven programs like "Ad Camp" at Lawrence & Schiller.
Location: Various engineering firms and research labs in South Dakota
Cost: No cost; A stipend is provided
Dates: Summer or Co-op sessions
Application Deadline: Early spring or late fall
Eligibility: Engineering college students (Freshman through Junior)
South Dakota Mines connects students with over 220 employers to bridge classroom learning with high-level technical experience. You will apply your engineering knowledge to projects in civil, mechanical, mining, or electrical engineering, depending on your major. You will gain access to resume workshops and interview prep through SD Mines career services to maximize your placement success. Students who complete these internships enjoy a near 100% job placement rate after graduation. The program also offers co-op opportunities for deeper industry engagement, often leading directly to full-time engineering roles in the state's growing industrial sector.
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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