Top College Summer Internships in 2024

If you are eager to become an intern this year, then you should better modify your schedule. It is better to dedicate 15-30 minutes every day. If you skip this, then imagine researching during the summer internship season. You will be your chance of becoming a summer intern. So, start researching companies and ranking them according to your preference. If you have already finalized a company then, look at their application process. Do not panic if you haven't prepared yourself for the gruesome task of finding appropriate internships. Skipping the training must not be on your table. This is an opportunity that you must never miss out on. It is only through these experiences that you will make connections. The corporate world also teaches you the much-needed soft and hard skills that cannot be learned in a classroom.

How Can You Find Summer Internships?

When you start the journey of searching the internships, it's better to begin by looking at the websites. Keyword research can prove to be very beneficial in this case. Shortlist the opportunities that are present in the city that you are currently living in. There is a multitude of remote jobs as well! If you are occupied with an extra course, then definitely go for this option. The virtual experience is not that bad. Apart from the job search websites, check out LinkedIn as well. For this purpose, try to make your LinkedIn ID as professional as you can. College students can find opportunities that can improve their professional development. Just go through the eligibility criteria. If there is a specific skill required, then try to learn it before the application date starts. When it comes to internships, schools are very competitive as they want to improve their public image. So, you can go to the head of career development at your school and get a list of the top internships from them.

Best Summer Internships for 2024

Landing a summer internship is a rite of passage for many college students and recent graduates. More than a resume booster, internships offer invaluable hands-on experience, a chance to test-drive careers, and opportunities to build hard and soft skills.

With thousands of options out there, deciding where to apply can be daunting. To help, here’s an inside look at the best bets for summer interning.

List of Summer Internships

With over a million students vying for summer experiences each year at leading companies, identifying the programs that kickstart careers and passions is invaluable. From nonprofit ventures cultivating global citizenship to STEM explorations solving real-world problems, transformational internships take many forms. We have combined the list of the best summer internship programs for college students to jumpstart your purpose and talents based on the company, location, dates and if it’s paid or not.

Tech Startup Internships

Imagine an internship where you’re challenged to build innovations that shape the digital landscape of sounds. Well, that’s the type of hands-on creating, collaborating and problem-solving experienced at hot tech startups.

Known for quick growth, bleeding-edge tech and digital disruptions, Silicon Valley and the New York tech corridor are hubs bursting with internship potential. And thanks to remote work upgrades, you can now dive into startup life from anywhere.

Airbnb

Focused on belonging anywhere, Airbnb offers programs in data science, software engineering, trust and safety, payments, and design. Perks include mentor matching, prototype development, intern hackathons and community building events. Areas like Airbnb Experiences allow you to flex creative marketing and partnership skills too.

Where: US, Remote

Dates: May 20, 2024 – August 9, 2024

Pay range: ≈ $40/h

More info: https://careers.airbnb.com/university/

Dropbox

Known for simplifying work across collaboration, editing and storage, Dropbox builds intuitive tools for creatives and businesses. Dropbox gigs give interns visibility and ownership through special product development programs. Rotations support areas like machine learning, analytics engineering, marketing and design. Perks include equity, mentor bonding events, and the joyful culture.

Where: US, Canada, Ireland, Remote

Dates: May – August or June – September 2024

Pay range: ≈ $5,000/month

More info: https://jobs.dropbox.com/en-us/teams/emerging-talent#open-positions

Robinhood

Democratizing finance for all, Robinhood interns craft innovations powering informed investing. Both Menlo Park and NYC opportunities focus on disciplines like data, engineering and design thinking. Scoping user tests, developing new features like Dividends and assessing risks, interns get invaluable industry exposure and high impact scope.

Where: USA

Dates: June – September 2024

Pay range: ≈ $20/h

More info: https://earlytalent.robinhood.com/

Epic Games

The creator of global sensation Fortnite, Epic Games elevates gaming and interactive arts. Interns join cross-functional teams alongside world-class developers, artists and designers to prototype industry leading concepts and user experiences. With concepts shaping the metaverse and future of entertainment, creativity and passion shine here.

Where: Canada, US, UK

Dates: Flexible start date

Pay range: N/A

More info: https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/earlycareers

Best Internship Programs for College Students in Healthcare/Medicine

With U.S. healthcare comprising nearly 18% of GDP and medical school admissions highly competitive, healthcare summer experiences are coveted. Both clinical and research gigs allow invaluable patient interaction and advocacy.

Johns Hopkins Hospital

As a world leader in patient care and research, Johns Hopkins Medicine offers clinical and research internships across nearly every medical department. From neurology to critical care, students gain exposure to cutting edge practices, innovations and technologies. Perks include case study learning, skill workshops, and one-on-one mentoring.

Where: US

Dates: May 26 – August 3, 2024

Pay range: ≈ $3000-$5500

More info: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/pathway/sip

Pfizer

From drug discovery to rare disease advancement, Pfizer interns work on programs bettering patient lives. STEM students aide global clinical trials, analyze real-world data outcomes and prototype digital tools for providers. Perks include networking with scientists, lab immersion and visiting production plants.

Where: US

Dates: May – August 2024

Pay range: ≈ $25-$29/hr

More info: https://www.pfizer.com/en/about/careers/pfizer-summer-growth-experience

Optum

As a health tech innovator, Optum internships focus on systems improving care access, insurance and modernizing processes. Data analytics and engineering interns work on AI, machine learning and automation to optimize performance for partners like UnitedHealthcare. Rotations support strategy, consulting and product improvement across their suite of solutions.

Where: US

Dates: June 3 – August 9, 2024

Pay range: N/A

More info: https://www.optum.com/careers.html?selectedTab=Internships

Cleveland Clinic

Translating clinician ideas into solutions transforming care, CCI internships focus on concepts like wearables, digital therapeutics and surgical robotics. Biomedical engineering students help prototype, software interns code solutions and legal track members assess IP issues to advance promising solutions to market and patient impact.

Where: US

Dates: June 3, 2024 – August 2, 2024

Pay range: N/A

More info: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/education/center-for-youth-and-college-education/internships

Best Internships in Government/Non-Profit Organizations

Whether fueled by policy passions or greater good goals, government and non-profit internships deliver purpose-driven summer opportunities. Positioned on the front lines of civic and social change, they test talents through a mix of office admin and field work.

Based in iconic hubs like D.C. and Geneva, there are invaluable networking perks too. Brushing shoulders with diplomats, activists and changemakers while soaking in the vibrant culture is common.

UNICEF

As a humanitarian champion for global youth, UNICEF offers policy, research and community partnerships advancing human rights and social innovation. Positions are available across 190 countries focusing on issues like education access, leadership Activation and emergency response. Perks include field work, language program access and visiting iconic offices like Geneva and Nairobi.

Where: Jordan, Haiti, Malaysia, Cameroon, Turkey, Thailand

Dates: Summer 2024

Pay range: ≈ $1,700/m

More info: https://www.unicef.org/careers/internships

Smithsonian

America’s museum complex and research epicenter, the Smithsonian welcomes over 30 million annual visitors across 20+ venues. Summer teaching interns bring exhibit content to life through creation interactive tours and school programs exploring air and space, African art, biodiversity and more. Scientific programming supports conservation, genetics and Earth observatory projects collaborating with partners like NASA too.

Where: US, Remote, Hybrid

Dates: June 6, 2024 – August 16, 2024

Pay range: ≈ $400-$700/w

More info: https://internships.si.edu/opportunities

Environmental Defense Fund

As one of the world’s top environmental action organizations, EDF welcomes those passionate about sustainability stewardship. EDF internships empower students to support legal, policy research, science partnerships and community initiatives helping curb climate change. Positions help track toxins threatening ecosystems, analyze green infrastructure options and rally waste reduction efforts while honing writing and eco-data skills.

Where: US, Remote, Hybrid

Dates: June – August 2024

Pay range: ≈ $20/h

More info: https://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships

Best College Internships in Marketing and Communications Agencies

If creating sizzling social campaigns, promoting new talent or events planning fuels your fire, communications and marketing agency internships deliver. Known for open creative spaces led by innovative teams, the collaborative energy and passion is palpable.

Ogilvy

Known for iconic advertising creative fueling leading brands, Ogilvy offers internships in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles and more. Rising strategists help shape research-driven branding campaigns, media planners prototype cutting edge partnerships, and creative track members ideate for clients like IBM across digital, video and experiential channels. Enjoy networking fireside chats and team workshop days too.

Where: US

Dates: June – August 2024

Pay range: ≈ $17-$22/h

More info: https://www.ogilvy.com/careers/4341613005

Pandora

As a streaming audio titan reinventing radio, Pandora interns join innovative marketing squads aligned to music maker partnerships and subscription growth. Own projects like building campus brand ambassador programs and supporting new format launches like Pandora Stories. Entry level analysts also get hands-on with social media community engagement and curating artist partnerships too.

Where: Italy, Spain, France

Dates: June – August 2024

Pay range: ≈ $20/h

More info: https://careers.pandoragroup.com/go/View-All-Jobs-Internships-Apprenticeships/8892701/

Edelman

One of the world’s largest communications firms known for award-winning campaigns, Edelman offers media relations, crisis management and strategic planning internships. Whether placed on accounts like Unilever or Adidas, expect to flex writing, research and content creation skills for client deliverables while soaking up mentor workshops, networking happy hours and more.

Where: China, Thailand, France, Singapore, South Korea, Remote

Dates: June – August 2024

Pay range: ≈ $25/h

More info: https://www.edelman.com/careers

Corporate Internship Programs

When it comes to enviable top internship programs, few rival those initiatives offered by giants like JPMorgan, Procter & Gamble, Deloitte, Microsoft and Uber. Designed to develop future talent and loyalty, they invest heavily in intern learning through training, high-profile assignments and networking.

JPMorgan

A financial services powerhouse, JPMorgan Chase offers internships aligned to corporate banking, asset management, technology and quantitative research. Perks include access to Insider Forum speaker events, leadership lunches for networking, innovation challenges and community service opportunities. The Path Forward program promotes underrepresented groups in finance roles, too.

Where: US, Europe, Asia

Dates: June – August 2024

Pay range: ≈ $40/h

More info: https://careers.jpmorgan.com/us/en/students/programs?search=&tags=location__Americas__UnitedStatesofAmerica

Procter & Gamble

Pursuing 'what if' ideas driving leading household and beauty brands, P&G offers marketing assistant and brand building internships where you'll help shape consumer research and innovation strategy. Noteworthy perks include an executive mentor, $8,660 in compensation, and opportunities to interact with senior leaders.

Where: US, Europe, Asia

Dates: June – August 2024

Pay range: ≈ $5,000/m

More info: https://www.pgcareers.com/global/en/internships

Deloitte

One of the largest professional consultancies helping clients navigate digital transformation and complexity, Deloitte internships offer hands-on client projects supporting strategy around tax, audit, risk analysis and financial advisory services. You're paired with mentors plus networking opportunities through community impact work too.

Where: US

Dates: June – August 2024

Pay range: ≈ $40/h

More info: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-internships.html

Microsoft

Empowering people with era-defining software solutions, Microsoft offers technical and PM summer programs helping enhance products like Office 365, LinkedIn, Xbox and Windows. Tailored college prep training are signature perks, along with mentor connections and employee hackathons to showcase innovations.

Where: US, Europe, Africa

Dates: May 20, 2024 – August 9, 2024; June 17, 2024 – September 6, 2024

Pay range: ≈ $5,000/m

More info: https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/universityinternship

Uber

Internships at ride-sharing and delivery disrupted Uber focus on both regional operation gigs around driver logistics and high-tech product development around self-driving AI. Hands-on learning through mini intern hackathons are a perk, along with inclusion initiatives like Women of Uber global events and Intern Q&A sessions.

Where: US, Bulgaria, India

Dates: June – September 2024

Pay range: ≈ $45/h

More info: https://www.uber.com/us/en/careers/uberstar/

When Should the Hunt for the Best Internships for College Students Begin?

With summer internships ultra competitive, when you start searching and applying makes a difference. Though some programs recruit a full year out, January through March is prime season for students, freshmen and employers.

Starting the hunt as early as sophomore year helps secure leads, target the best companies for internship of your interest, and nail the application timing they prefer. Juniors should have resumes updated, and online applications prepped by December.

Seniors and Master's students have the benefit of leveraging professors, advisors and campus career centers early too. These influencers advocate for exclusive opportunities or help polish and prioritize promising applications.

Some niche industries like policy or scientific research funding even determine cycles a year ahead. So leveraging school break to research and request informational interviews is advised to stay tuned in to target internship deadlines or hiring windows.

How to find the top summer internships for college students?

With endless listings between job boards, LinkedIn feeds and campus resources, finding summer internships can get overwhelming. Here are pro tips to focus the hunt:

• Start by targeting industry leaders or companies you admire in your desired field of interest. Follow their social feeds for best summer internships search or Life at Company spotlights featuring interns. Attend any industry conferences, showcases or info sessions visiting your campus too.
• Check niche sites like Idealist.org for non-profit and cause-related gigs instead of just the big boards. Look for diversity, inclusion or community partnership departments too for special summer programs.
• Set Google alerts for keyword phrases like "XYZ Company summer internship" to receive automated listings right in your inbox. Or try leveraging review sites like Glassdoor and Comparably to research top-rated internship programs by industry.
• Turn to your personal and professional networks for leads. Ask professors, club advisors and even extended family if they have any employer relationships or internship contacts they’d be willing to share or recommend you for. The potential for exclusive opportunities is powerful when leveraged.

How do You Land Yourself in Your Dream Summer Internship Program?

To get most of the internship experience, you should go for the positions that will contribute to your overall career. Now, to get these jobs, you must have a well-written resume and a cover letter. Try to check what the company values and take information from the job posting.

How to Prepare a Resume for an Internship?

When designing a great resume, the first step is to look for the keywords present in the job description. This is the number one trick that job seekers use. Once you have gone through the responsibilities and requirements, the next task is to go through the website. See what the company values the most. Once you have completed this research, you must now start with the writing process. List your past experiences. Try to mold each gig of yours suited to the job. You have to show the hiring manager that you are the one they have been looking for. Here is a list of sections that you should keep in your one-pager:

• Objective;
• Work Experience;
• Education;
• Skills;
• Achievements;
• Personal Projects;
• Contact Information.

What should You Include in Your Cover Letter?

Apart from writing a good resume, your next task is to design a cover letter. If you wonder what difference a cover letter will make, consider it as your chance to market yourself for the job. After all, you are a brand and will have to sell yourself to the company. Whether it is New York, Washington, DC, or the United States, you will need a cover letter.

Here are the three critical points that you must never skip while writing the cover letter. Keep in view that the human resources team will read this, and they are the ones who will be hiring. So, keep it professional!

1. Give a preview of past experiences;
2. Talk about why you are interested in working with the company;
3. Put stress on your role. Tell them that how you will be adding value to their company and overall mission.

Now that you have gone through all of the points, start planning and updating your journal. Think about how you will write the cover letter. Bookmark the websites of the companies mentioned so that you don't miss out on any deadlines!

Mapping Your Own Adventure

When charted thoughtfully, an internship journey introduces careers, mentors and personal growth in equal measure. While highlighted industries offer fertile training grounds, assess your values, skills and interests as a guide. Finding alignment with organizational missions and teams breeds engagement, most likely to ignite passion while propelling wherever you hope to land next.