15 Internships for First-Year College Students
- Lydia Park
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Starting college often means trying to understand how your academic interests might eventually turn into work you enjoy. Internships are one way to explore the work opportunities out there. You can take on professional responsibilities, learn how teams carry a project forward, and meet mentors who can offer guidance as you choose your career path. It’s one of the easiest ways to build experience while you’re still figuring out your interests.
What internships are available for first-year college students?
First-year students have access to opportunities across communication, research, community organizations, tech, business, and campus-based programs. These roles are built for students who want to get exposure early and learn by watching and doing. You get a look at how professionals think through day-to-day challenges and how your skills might fit into that environment.
With that, here are 15 internships for first-year college students! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
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 places you in a selective, virtual internship with startups and nonprofits from around the world, making it a great summer internship for college students looking for flexible, meaningful work. You’ll take on a project that the organization genuinely needs - whether that’s in education, tech, marketing, or social impact - and work closely with your manager to see it through. By the end of the term, you’ll present your work to stakeholders, gaining practical project management, collaboration, and communication skills. Because the internship is remote, it fits easily into a summer schedule while offering global exposure and professional connections.
Location: Various NASA centers across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Paid (rate varies by position and location)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; highly competitive
Dates: Spring session; multi-semester positions
Application Deadline: September 26
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; at least 16 years old; enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution; pursuing a degree or certificate; minimum 2.9 GPA; must complete at least 480 work hours before graduation
The NASA Pathways Internship Program offers multi-semester, paid internships tailored to students interested in long-term careers with NASA. You'll gain experience aligned with your academic path and participate in developing an individualized plan that supports your goals. The program emphasizes mission-critical skills and provides a potential direct path to full-time employment after graduation. Opportunities span across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, physical sciences, IT, communications, and more, and are available at multiple NASA centers nationwide. Applicants must apply through USAJobs.gov during the official application window.
Location: New York, NY (hybrid format)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (exact amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application Deadline: November 3
Eligibility: Open to students in degree programs, bootcamps, associate programs, and recent graduates
This 10-week summer internship places you with one of several non-editorial teams at The New York Times, including Technology, Advertising, Marketing, Product and Design, and Data. You'll work in a hybrid format from the Times’ New York office and participate in speaker sessions with senior leaders across the company. The program encourages applicants from diverse academic and career backgrounds, including those in non-traditional pathways. Interns are expected to apply early, as application windows are only open for a short time and roles are competitive.
Location: United States (in-person or hybrid format varies by year)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; selective
Dates: 12-week summer program
Application Deadline: Not specified; typically opens in early fall
Eligibility: First- or second-year college students pursuing a technical degree such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, or Cybersecurity
Explore Microsoft is a 12-week internship program designed for early college students interested in gaining hands-on experience in software development. You’ll rotate through core tech roles like software engineering and program management while working in pods alongside other interns. The experience includes exposure to Microsoft’s product development cycle, structured mentorship, and regular community-building activities. Applicants don’t need to have declared a major, but must show interest in a technical field.
Location: Based in New York City, with domestic and international internships
Cost/Stipend: Up to $7,500 (Year 1), $9,000 (Year 2), $10,000 (Year 3) plus a $2,000 Discovery Fund
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Approximately 15 fellows per cohort (based on most recent class listings)
Dates: Three consecutive summers; each internship is 8–10 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Second-semester freshmen or sophomores at one of 12 NYC partner colleges; must be under 21 years old at the time of application; U.S. citizen or green card holder; pursuing a liberal arts major; must have four semesters of full-time coursework remaining.
The Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship is a three-year, cohort-based program offering paid summer internships, cultural events, seminars, and individualized mentoring. If selected, you’ll complete three summer internships, including at least one international experience, in nonprofit, government, or private sectors. The fellowship emphasizes personal, professional, and cultural growth, and supports additional exploration through a Discovery Fund. As a Watson Fellow, you’ll be part of a close-knit group and receive ongoing mentorship and reflective support. You must be nominated by one of 12 New York City partner institutions to apply.
Location: Various U.S. sites, including NJ, PA, MA, NC, VA, and CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid (rate aligns with market averages)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 10–12 week summer internships; co-op roles are 4–6 months and offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications open early September and remain open until filled
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program and plan to return to school post-internship (unless required for graduation); U.S. work authorization required
The Merck Future Talent Program offers summer internships and co-op roles across a range of business and technical areas, including R&D, marketing, regulatory affairs, digital analytics, IT, HR, and more. You will typically work full-time for 10–12 weeks, while co-ops last longer and are available year-round. Most positions are based in Merck’s New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices, but other U.S. locations are also available. You’ll engage in impactful projects that support Merck’s mission to improve global health, while also gaining exposure to industry professionals and leadership. Interns and co-ops are paid, though they are not eligible for additional employee benefits.
Location: Nationwide (placements vary by employer partner)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount varies by employer)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; competitive
Dates: Varies by employer; typically summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students with at least one summer remaining before graduation; minimum 3.0 GPA; majors in Business, STEM, or Liberal Arts
The INROADS Internship Program connects you with paid, multi-year internship opportunities at over 200 partner companies across various industries. As an intern, you’ll receive personalized mentorship, professional coaching, and career readiness training to help you succeed in corporate settings. The program supports underrepresented students and builds a pipeline to full-time careers after graduation. Interns also benefit from networking with peers, executives, and alumni, along with access to leadership development events. While many participants earn paid internships, internships are not always guaranteed.
Location: Various U.S. Department of State offices nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid (based on GS pay scale)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; positions posted year-round
Dates: Varies by position; includes both part-time and full-time internships
Application Deadline: Rolling; each posting closes upon reaching a set application limit or by the listed closing date
Eligibility: U.S. citizens at least 16 years old; enrolled at least half-time in an accredited institution; minimum 2.0 GPA; able to obtain a security clearance; drug testing required
The U.S. Department of State offers two types of internships under its Pathways program: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). IEP provides multi-semester placements with potential benefits and promotional opportunities, while ITEP is more short-term and suited for seasonal or holiday breaks. Both tracks provide exposure to federal careers, and certain internships may lead to noncompetitive conversion into full-time federal roles. You’ll need to apply through USAJobs.gov, and positions can close quickly due to applicant limits, so early submission is advised.
Location: Various U.S. locations; headquarters in Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Paid; housing assistance available for eligible interns
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications open on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program; minimum 3.0 GPA; must be authorized to work in the U.S.
AAM’s Summer Internship Program offers opportunities in engineering, accounting, procurement, quality, sales, and supply chain management. You’ll contribute to projects and participate in professional development workshops focused on communication, leadership, and industry knowledge. The program also features networking events, plant tours, and community engagement activities. Interns benefit from exposure to real-world automotive technologies and gain insights into career paths within the industry.
Location: Multiple U.S. locations, including Midland, MI; Freeport, TX; Carrollton, KY; Collegeville, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; highly competitive
Dates: Typically summer; 10–12 weeks (exact dates vary by site)
Application Deadline: Rolling; recruitment starts in the fall and continues into early spring
Eligibility: Undergraduate or master’s students in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Computer Science, or Data Science; minimum age 18; U.S. work authorization required
Dow’s Campus Internship Program in Research & Development places you on collaborative project teams to work on real-world scientific and engineering challenges. You’ll support one or two projects under the guidance of senior scientists, contributing to product or process research or application development. The internship emphasizes technical growth, problem-solving, innovation, and a strong safety culture. You’ll also gain exposure to Dow’s global operations and sustainability goals while building skills for industrial research. Interns must be available full-time and should have a minimum 3.0 GPA for consideration.
Location: New York City, NY (in-person only)
Cost/Stipend: $12,500 scholarship; housing, travel, meals, and activities covered
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; selective
Dates: Mid-June to mid-August
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: First- or second-year undergraduate students who intend to complete introductory CS coursework by the following June; must have faced barriers to opportunity in computer science; U.S. work authorization required
The Jane Street Immersion Program is a multi-week summer experience for early undergraduates who want to build strong programming skills but have had limited access to advanced computer science opportunities. You learn functional programming through OCaml, work on collaborative software engineering projects, and explore core CS ideas in a fast but supportive environment where teamwork is central. Alongside the technical work, you receive mentorship, career preparation, and chances to meet full-time engineers who talk about their paths and daily work. Jane Street also provides a scholarship and covers all program costs so that financial limitations do not affect your ability to participate.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $4,776 (Summer), $5,400 (Fall); housing, transportation, insurance, and metro stipend included
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; competitive
Dates: Summer Session: May 20 – July 31; Fall Session: August 19 – November 13
Application Deadline: December 1 (Summer), March 1 (Fall)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students or recent graduates; must be enrolled full-time in the academic term before the program; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, asylees, or individuals with lawful work authorization
The Congressional Internship Program by CHCI provides Latino students and recent graduates with an immersive experience on Capitol Hill. Over 10 to 12 weeks, you’ll intern in a congressional office while participating in weekly leadership development sessions focused on identity, public service, and policy impact. The program includes cultural and networking events, community service, and structured mentorship. CHCI covers all major expenses and offers a monthly stipend, making it accessible to students from diverse financial backgrounds.
Location: Multiple U.S. sites (e.g., Hawthorne, Cape Canaveral, Redmond, Starbase)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; housing and relocation not specified
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; highly competitive
Dates: Spring (January–April), Summer (May–August), Fall (September–December); 12-week minimum commitment
Application Deadline: Rolling; positions fill months in advance
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or protected individuals; enrolled in a 4-year accredited university (undergrad or grad)
SpaceX’s internship program places you inside mission-focused engineering, software, or business teams where you work on hardware and problems tied to launches and spacecraft development. You take on tasks that support vehicles, propulsion, manufacturing, avionics, or flight software, depending on your placement, and you learn how tight timelines and high stakes shape technical decisions. The program is highly selective and looks for strong technical ability along with evidence of initiative, such as robotics work, rocketry projects, or other engineering extracurriculars.
Location: Multiple U.S. locations (tech hubs nationwide)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (competitive rate varies by location and position)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; highly selective
Dates: 12-week summer program; May–August or June–September
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; opens fall, typically closes in early spring
Eligibility: First- or second-year undergraduate students; pursuing Computer Science or related technical field; proficiency in at least one programming language (Java, Python, or C++); fluent in English; must return to university after internship; full-time availability required
Google’s Student Training in Engineering Program is a paid twelve-week internship for first and second-year students who want early experience in software development. You work on engineering projects with support from mentors who guide your technical growth and help you understand how Google builds and maintains large-scale systems. The program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom coursework and professional engineering, so you spend most of your time writing code, solving problems, and contributing to projects that support core products and infrastructure. The environment is collaborative and gives you steady feedback on your work.
Location: Multiple U.S. offices; Deloitte University plus various client sites nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid (benefits and exact amount vary by location)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified; competitive
Dates: 8–10 week summer program; typically June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; typically May 1 for summer programs (varies annually)
Eligibility: First- or second-year students in a four-year undergraduate program, pursuing business, accounting, economics, STEM, or related fields; excellent communication and problem-solving skills
The Deloitte Discovery Internship is an eight to ten-week program for early-stage college students who want a broad introduction to consulting, audit, tax, and advisory work. You spend part of the summer at Deloitte University for training and then join client teams where you assist with project tasks and learn how professional services firms operate. Mentors and coaches guide you through daily responsibilities and help you build technical, communication, and leadership skills. You also take part in networking events, lunch and learn sessions, and other development activities that show you the range of careers inside Deloitte.
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Lydia is an alum from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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