15 Paid Business Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you are in college, internships are one of the most effective ways to build professional experience while still in school. They give you a chance to understand how organizations function, collaborate across departments, and contribute to ongoing projects that build both technical and interpersonal skills. Depending on the internship, you might analyze business data, assist in marketing campaigns, manage client accounts, or work on strategic initiatives that shape company outcomes. Beyond professional learning, internships also help you expand your network and clarify your long-term goals, preparing you for future opportunities.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of 15 paid business internships for college students.
If you are looking for online paid internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid opportunities available
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors from any major
The Fidelity Intern Program is a 10-week paid summer internship designed to give you exposure to one of the largest financial services organizations in the U.S. You’ll spend the summer working on real business projects, meeting Fidelity associates across teams, and participating in structured learning, networking events, and professional development sessions. Fidelity allows you to be considered across eight internship focus areas, which include actuarial science, audit and compliance, client relations, corporate services, HR, finance, operations, and technology. Recruiters help match you to the area that best aligns with your strengths and interests.
Location: Varies, depending on the role you opt for
Stipend: Paid, varies based on the role applied for
Dates: 12–14 weeks
Application Deadline: Depends on the role applied for
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students; qualifications vary by location. Check internship options here.
Google’s Business Internship program offers you the chance to work on real projects from day one, contributing directly to teams that drive business strategy, operations, people development, and user-focused initiatives. You’ll collaborate across teams and help solve meaningful problems while experiencing Google’s culture and work environment. The program is open to students worldwide, and eligibility requirements differ depending on the role and location. You can indicate location preferences, though final placement depends on business needs and available roles.
Location: Richmond, VA; Baltimore, MD; Charlotte, NC
Stipend: Paid opportunities available
Dates: 10–12 weeks for summer internships; co-op roles may last up to one year
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: College sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students
The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Internship Program allows you to work in a mission-driven environment while gaining hands-on experience across core business areas. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects, support the Bank’s public service mission, and participate in community service, professional development workshops, and team-building activities. The program provides exposure to functions such as Human Resources, Supervision and Regulation, and Information Technology Systems, with projects designed to help you understand how these functions support the Federal Reserve’s broader operations. You’ll work on-site and become part of a professional community dedicated to strengthening the economy and the Fifth District.
Location: Global
Stipend: All internships are paid, varying based on the internship applied for
Dates: Programs range from two days to up to one year; internships, such as the Associate Consultant Internship, run 10 weeks (full-time)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Varies by program; open to undergraduates, MBAs, advanced degree candidates, and experienced professionals; some programs limited to US/Canada
Bain’s internships and programs give you direct exposure to the consulting industry and a clear view into the firm’s culture, work, and problem-solving approach. The company offers short exploratory programs and longer internships that help you build skills you can apply throughout your career. Opportunities span North America, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, with several programs specifically designed for the US and Canada.
Location: Multiple US locations, including Anaheim, Burbank/Glendale, Bristol, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Seattle, and Remote
Stipend: Paid opportunities available
Dates: Varies by role, typically three to six months; can extend up to one year
Application Deadline: Varies based on role
Eligibility: Undergraduates
Disney Internships provides you with a hands-on exposure to real projects across Corporate, Disney Entertainment, Disney Experiences, and ESPN. You can contribute to award-winning shows, support creative production, work on stories that reach global audiences, or help craft experiences for guests across Disney’s parks and media networks. Roles span a wide range of disciplines, including broadcast, journalism, communications, finance, marketing, technology, and other business-related tracks. You also receive a variety of perks, including complimentary theme park admission, merchandise and dining discounts, personal wellness resources, and access to intern-specific programming.
Location: Multiple locations
Stipend: Paid opportunities available
Dates: 10-week summer programs
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate students earning a bachelor’s degree by August of the upcoming year
Capital One offers a suite of 10-week paid internship programs designed to give you hands-on experience with projects that influence real business decisions. Each track focuses on a different business function, from analytics and strategy to finance and commercial banking. You’ll work closely with collaborative teams and receive guidance from mentors committed to helping you build confidence and capability. Programs are open to a wide range of majors, depending on the track, and each pathway provides structured learning, exposure to senior leaders, and projects that mirror real industry challenges. You’ll also gain access to peer networks and cross-functional teams, making this a strong foundation for those interested in business-focused career paths.
Location: New York City, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Palo Alto, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June–August, 10-week program
Application Deadline: August–September
Eligibility: Juniors in their fall semester.
American Express offers a structured 10-week Undergraduate Internship that places you directly into high-impact projects across the company. You are encouraged to bring your perspective, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to decisions that influence a globally respected brand. The experience combines mentorship, hands-on learning, and real responsibility, helping you build both confidence and career readiness. The internship follows a hybrid work model across multiple U.S. locations, giving you exposure to both in-office culture and flexible work rhythms.
Location: New Orleans, LA, and South Metro Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 1 - July 24
Application Deadline: November 16
Eligibility: Juniors, seniors, or master’s students must be 18+ and cannot graduate before May of the following year.
Coca-Cola UNITED’s Pay It Forward Student Internship Program is an intensive, rotational experience designed to give you exposure to the full scope of the business. Over eight weeks, you’ll rotate through core functions including manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, communications, and more before spending dedicated time in your specific field of study. The program blends real project work with mentorship, job shadowing, networking opportunities, and structured professional development. You’ll also complete a capstone project and present your work to executive leadership at the end of the program. This program is designed for those who want to develop practical business acumen, collaborate with peers, and gain hands-on insight into how a major consumer brand operates.
Location: Global program with U.S. opportunities
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Current undergraduates graduating by August from any majors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (U.S./APAC)
BNY’s 10-week Internship Program gives you a structured entry into the financial services world, with real project ownership and access to senior leaders. You’ll work on business challenges, participate in development workshops, receive mentorship, and gain exposure to teams across the firm. Throughout the internship, you’ll build core professional and analytical skills that prepare you for full-time roles.
The program includes a multi-step application process that involves submitting a resumé, skill assessments, and interviews with the BNY team. High-performing interns are considered for BNY’s full-time analyst program.
Location: Multiple locations
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10 weeks
Application Deadline: October 8
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in Business or Economics
The Lauder Summer Internship Program offers you hands-on experience supporting projects central to the organization’s financial strategy. You’ll work closely with experienced leaders and explore how finance shapes business priorities through cross-functional partnerships and exposure to multiple departments. Roles span core areas such as brand and regional finance, corporate FP&A, value creation, e-commerce finance, R&D finance, supply chain finance, and investor relations. The program also offers networking opportunities, planned development activities, and a structured learning environment that builds financial and strategic skill sets.
Location: Multiple sites across the U.S., including St. Louis, Mesa, Philadelphia, Southern California, and more
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 12-week summer program
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: College students
This 12-week Business Internship provides a strong launchpad for those interested in building a career across core business functions. You’ll work on high-impact projects guided by mentors, leaders, and peers, gaining hands-on experience that directly contributes to business outcomes. Throughout the internship, you’ll engage in networking sessions, development seminars, executive interactions, and community outreach activities, helping you build both professional skills and long-term industry relationships. The program offers broad exposure to large-scale business operations while supporting career development in a structured, growth-focused environment.
Location: Woodcliff Lake, NJ; Hilliard, OH; Salt Lake City, UT
Stipend: Paid Internship
Dates: 6 months
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program, or graduates within the last 12 months
BMW Financial Services offers a six-month internship designed to help you explore your strengths while gaining practical experience in a professional, fast-paced business environment. You’ll work on real projects, contribute to active teams, and take on responsibilities that develop both technical and professional skills. The program includes mentorship throughout the internship, exposure to various teams, and opportunities to experience BMW’s work culture firsthand. You’ll also receive access to a flexible schedule, medical benefits, and structured networking with team members across the organization.
Location: Multiple locations
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: College students
Amazon’s University Operations Internship Program is a structured 10-week experience designed to build future leaders by immersing you in the fast-paced environment of Amazon fulfillment centers. You’ll work on a site-specific project from day one and take full ownership of it, culminating in a written Amazon-style narrative and a leadership presentation showcasing your results and insights. Beyond day-to-day project work, the program includes targeted training in data analysis, problem solving, writing, and customer service. You’ll also access workshops and affinity groups to expand your professional networks. Furthermore, you’ll be paired with a manager for mentorship, feedback, and ongoing development, making this a strong paid business-focused internship for those looking to grow into operational and leadership roles.
Location: Louisville, KY; Decatur, AL; Lafayette, GA; Selmer, TN; and Camden, SC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Typically 4–6 months
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a bachelor's engineering, supply chain, or related program.
GE Appliances’ Supply Chain Co-op Program gives you a hands-on, high-impact experience inside one of the country’s most recognized manufacturing organizations. You’ll have exposure to real operational teams, apply classroom concepts to day-to-day challenges, and build technical, analytical, and leadership capability. You’re paired with a dedicated leader who provides mentorship, coaching, and exposure to cross-functional work. Beyond core responsibilities, you’ll gain access to professional development, networking sessions, and visibility with senior leadership, making this a strong pathway into full-time roles.
Location: Various locations
Stipend: Paid summer internship
Dates: 10-week program during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies, check out the details here
Eligibility: Undergraduate students entering their final year.
The U.S. Bank Summer Internship Program is structured to help you gain meaningful exposure to core business functions while working on projects that contribute directly to the organization. Over ten weeks, you’ll explore different career paths, sharpen business fundamentals, and build a strong professional network. The program is designed to give you clear insight into how a major financial institution operates and prepare you for full-time development programs. Alongside project work, you’ll participate in workshops, mentoring sessions, and community engagement events that deepen your understanding of the business and strengthen leadership skills.
Bonus Option - Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type. Financial aid is available
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply here.
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 the internship, you will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup you are working with, and present your work at the end of your internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup.
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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