15 Summer Internships for History Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
Summer internships give undergraduates the chance to connect what they’ve learned in the classroom with practical experience. For history undergraduates, there is a range of internships that allow you to engage with the subject and prepare for careers in academia and beyond. Whether it’s working in archives, supporting museum curation, or contributing to research projects, history internships help you build skills like historical analysis, organization, and communication. They also offer a look into professional settings where historians, researchers, and cultural workers operate, making the experience a valuable addition to your resume.
Why should I participate in an internship as a history undergraduate?
These opportunities provide access to mentorship from historians and other professionals, exposure to workplace standards, and the chance to contribute to ongoing historical projects that matter to communities. Even internships beyond the traditional scope of history, such as those in marketing, communications, or finance, can be rewarding, allowing you to apply your research, writing, and analytical skills in broader professional contexts. Doing an internship can put you in a good position to apply to jobs or graduate school in the field.
We’ve carefully selected 15 summer internships for history undergraduates that stand out for their academic rigor, professional depth, and opportunities to connect with leading scholars, curators, and researchers.
15 Summer Internships for History Undergraduates
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid schedule)
Cost/Stipend: $6,000 gross stipend. ABF covers reasonable out-of-state travel and local commuting expenses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 to July 31
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Currently enrolled at a U.S. accredited college or university and completed at least two years of undergraduate study
The ABF Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program is an eight-week experience designed for students interested in sociolegal research and pursuing graduate study in the social sciences. Fellows are paired with ABF Research Professors, contributing to ongoing projects through tasks like archival research, literature reviews, and qualitative data coding, or developing their own independent projects with mentor support. Weekly seminars led by faculty, along with guest speakers and site visits, introduce students to the intersections of law, social science, and legal practice. The fellowship emphasizes mentorship, intellectual curiosity, and active engagement, culminating in a final research presentation to the ABF community.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students able to commit 10 to 20 hours per week for 8 to 12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program connects undergraduates and young professionals with startups and established companies across industries like technology, healthcare, sustainability, and finance. Over eight weeks, you’ll work on real-world projects, ranging from market research and business strategy to machine learning applications, while receiving guidance from both a company supervisor and a dedicated Ladder Coach. This dual mentorship model ensures you gain technical experience as well as professional development support. Interns build a portfolio of meaningful work, expand their networks, and conclude the program by presenting their projects. Selective and fully virtual, the program provides a structured pathway to explore fast-growing industries and strengthen your career readiness.
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Full-time: $24 per hour plus $1,500 for housing/travel. Part-time: $24 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 2 to August 7
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Current undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Check more details here.
The Met offers 10-week summer internships for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, to gain hands-on experience in museum work. Full-time interns participate in The Museum Seminar (MuSe) series, where they learn how different departments collaborate to support one of the world’s largest museums. These sessions provide valuable insight into museum operations, curation, and cultural management while fostering professional connections with staff and fellows. Part-time internships (14 hours per week) offer a more flexible schedule for students taking summer classes, though they do not include participation in the MuSe series.
Location: Archives of American Art Offices, Washington, DC or New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: February 25
Eligibility: Students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs
The Archives of American Art Internship gives you the chance to explore careers in archival science, museum studies, art history, and related fields while working with professionals at the Smithsonian. Offered in spring, summer, and fall, the program provides placements in areas such as curatorial research, digital projects, development, oral history, and reference services. Summer interns receive a $7,000 stipend for a full-time, ten-week commitment, while part-time options are available during the academic year. Undergraduates may focus on opportunities with the Archives of American Art Journal, contributing to fact-checking, image research, and editorial support. This internship provides valuable professional experience while exposing you to the practical and scholarly sides of cultural heritage work.
Location: Washington, DC or Chantilly, VA
Cost/Stipend: Paid, $7,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 to August 8
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school graduates currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited undergraduate or graduate program. International students may apply
The National Air and Space Museum Internship offers a 10-week summer experience in Washington, DC, where students work alongside scholars, professionals, and historic artifacts. You can pursue roles in aviation or space history, exhibit and graphic design, education, or digital experience, gaining exposure to different aspects of museum work. The program combines hands-on projects with structured enrichment activities and professional development opportunities. As a participant, you will receive mentorship from experts and a close look at the processes behind curation, research, and public engagement. Open to undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates, the internship provides both an introduction to museum careers and a way to deepen prior experience.
Location: CITYarts Inc., New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $15 per 8 hours of work
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students familiar with Google Suite and willing to learn Trello. Additional requirements listed on the website
The PR and Marketing Internship at CITYarts gives you experience in promoting a nonprofit that empowers youth through murals, mosaics, and other public art projects. You’ll design and produce print and digital materials, manage social media platforms, and assist with creating videos that highlight CITYarts’ mission. Working under the Project Coordinator, you’ll also take part in outreach campaigns and research potential partnerships to expand the organization’s community impact. The internship provides valuable training in nonprofit PR, fundraising strategy, and content development, while giving you a portfolio of real-world projects. If you’re interested in combining communications and the arts, this role offers a practical way to build both creative and professional skills.
Location: Columbia University Campus, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 to $3,500 per month
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 1 to July 31 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising junior or senior undergraduates in good academic standing, enrolled in a U.S. university or college. Additional criteria on the website
The Columbia Business School Summer Research Internship is a highly selective program during which you collaborate with faculty on projects in finance, economics, marketing, management, operations, accounting, or data analytics. Depending on the project, your work may include literature reviews, data collection and cleaning, web scraping, or statistical analysis, with some projects requiring skills in advanced analytics, machine learning, or natural language processing. You’ll also engage in behavioral research through coding data, running experiments, and contributing to multiple faculty projects. Beyond research, you’ll join weekly seminars with faculty and PhD students, gaining exposure to diverse methodologies and disciplines. The internship concludes with a presentation of your findings to the CBS research community.
Location: Hybrid options in New York City, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Palo Alto, and Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks from June to August for U.S. internships
Application Deadline: August to September of the previous year
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors in their fall semester
The American Express Undergraduate Internship is a 10-week program designed to give you real-world experience at a Fortune 100 company. Open to students entering their final year of college, the program places you on high-impact projects across areas like Marketing, Technology, and Finance, where your contributions make a tangible difference. You’ll receive personalized mentorship, professional development opportunities, and exposure to industry-leading practices that shape the future of global business. Beyond project work, you’ll connect with peers and leaders across the company, building a strong professional network. Successful interns are often considered for full-time offers, making this internship a possible direct pathway to launching your career with American Express.
Location: World Bank Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid on a short-term temporary contract. $26.20/hour for U.S. citizens, $21.80/hour for non-U.S. citizens
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 students
Dates: May 26 to August 3
Application Deadline: Typically opens in August
Eligibility: Undergraduates in the penultimate year of a four-year degree program
The World Bank Treasury Summer Internship is a highly selective 10-week program in Washington, DC, designed exclusively for college students with a strong interest in finance. Each summer, around 16 interns rotate across three Treasury teams, gaining exposure to areas such as sovereign debt management, sustainable finance, reserves management, and risk analytics. You will work on real projects, present to Treasury teams, and complete a final capstone presentation for senior leadership. The program also features weekly career talks, mentorship from economists and directors, and direct access to Treasury’s global network of professionals. Interns receive tailored onboarding and training, along with structured rotations that match their skills and interests. Strong performers may progress into the Junior Analyst program, a two-year role within the Treasury following graduation.
Location: Federal Reserve Board, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Stipend varies based on credit hours completed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students
Dates: 10 to 12 weeks in summer, from late May or early June through August
Application Deadline: Posted each September for the following summer. Interviews conducted in fall. Offers finalized by December
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students at accredited universities. Must be U.S. citizens returning to studies after the internship
The Federal Reserve Board’s Summer Internship Program is a highly competitive opportunity for undergraduates and graduates interested in economics, finance, policy, and related fields. Each year, about 100 interns work alongside PhD economists and policy experts on projects that inform monetary policy, financial stability, banking supervision, and economic research. Depending on placement, interns may conduct econometric analysis, assist with policy briefs, or contribute to reports that guide Federal Reserve decisions. The program spans divisions such as Research & Statistics, Monetary Affairs, International Finance, and Consumer & Community Affairs, offering a broad view of the institution’s work. In addition to hands-on research, you will gain mentorship, professional development, and exposure to one of the most influential policy environments in the world.
Location: Varies each year
Cost/Stipend: Registration and accommodation fees covered. Travel stipends for non-residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Internship typically runs in June
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in April
Eligibility: Current college students or recent graduates aged 21 or older
The Event & Venue Marketing Conference (EVMC) College Internship gives you hands-on experience in live entertainment marketing while working behind the scenes at a major industry event. You’ll assist with conference setup, registration, and social media campaigns, gaining insight into how professionals engage audiences and build brands. The internship connects you directly with top event and venue marketers, offering a valuable chance to expand your professional network. With opportunities to explore digital marketing, event planning, and branding, you’ll build practical skills that can translate into future roles in the entertainment industry. Many past interns have gone on to work with leading venues, promoters, and tours.
Location: City of Madison, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Current undergraduates from accredited universities, two-year colleges, or community partner training programs. Recent graduates within two years also eligible
The City of Madison’s AASPIRE Internship is an 8-10 week paid summer program that places students in departments such as Planning, Finance, Housing, and Community & Economic Development. You will work on management-level projects involving policy evaluation, urban planning, and economic development while gaining experience in research and data analysis. City managers provide mentorship, offering insight into how municipal governments address economic and social challenges. The program is open to current college students, recent graduates, and participants from partner training programs, with a focus on supporting underrepresented groups. Beyond valuable public service experience, interns become eligible to apply for city positions for up to six months after the program.
Location: Various locations globally
Cost/Stipend: No cost to participate. Stipend provided depending on the role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks in summer. Exact dates vary by position
Application Deadline: Depends on the position
Eligibility: Students in their penultimate year of study or recent graduates
The HSBC Internship and Work Placement Programmes give you a chance to explore career paths at one of the world’s leading international banks. These placements combine induction training, technical skills development, and project work to help you grow professionally. You’ll also benefit from speaker sessions with industry experts and networking opportunities with interns, graduates, and senior staff across the bank. Depending on your interests, you can gain experience in areas such as investment banking, relationship management, transaction banking, retail banking analysis, or other related areas. Strong performance can even lead to an offer to join the bank’s graduate programme.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $5,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 1 to August 1
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Princeton undergraduates who are sophomores or juniors
The eLab Summer Associate Internship at Princeton gives undergraduates a nine-week, hands-on introduction to the world of startups. As an associate, you’ll shadow student venture teams in the eLab Summer Accelerator, gaining exposure to every aspect of building a business. You’ll also participate in workshops, lectures, and networking events to further develop your entrepreneurial skills. You’ll attend milestone meetings, engage with Keller Center faculty and mentors, and see projects develop from early ideas to Demo Day presentations. The internship is designed for students interested in entrepreneurship but not yet ready to launch their own ventures, offering a chance to learn startup culture in a collaborative, immersive environment. Along the way, you’ll develop practical skills, expand your network, and get a realistic look at what it takes to grow an entrepreneurial idea.
Location: Various locations depending on host companies
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to eight students per semester
Dates: Rolling applications
Application Deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: Juniors, seniors, or graduate students in good academic standing enrolled at Syracuse University
The D’Aniello Entrepreneurial Internship Program at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management provides undergraduate and graduate students with direct experience working in entrepreneurial settings. You will serve as a high-level consultant to startups and small businesses, tackling projects that support business development and growth. Because host companies change each semester, no two internships are alike, offering a wide range of experiences and challenges. The program is best suited for students who are entrepreneurial-minded, adaptable, and ready to take on diverse responsibilities. Applicants must submit a resume, complete an application, and participate in an interview. The program offers valuable preparation for future roles in startups, consulting, and business management.
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 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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