This Just In: These Are The Best US-Based Internship Programs

If you're a college student looking to launch your career, securing the right work experience can make all the difference. Whether you're aiming for a competitive internship at a top company, or an impactful externship in a fast-growing field, this guide will help you find the best programs that provide real-world experience, career-building skills, and industry connections.

‍

The Best Companies for Internships

‍

For college students navigating the realm of internship opportunities, pinpointing the "best" internship can feel like a daunting task. However, determining what makes an internship program truly exceptional doesn't have to be complex. Here's a straightforward guide to help you identify top-notch internship opportunities without fixating on specific companies.

‍

‍

‍

‍

What Makes an Internship Program Truly Great?

‍

Securing the right internship for your career growth is vital. Before diving into the list, let's break down what sets top internship programs apart: 

‍

• Industry Alignment – The internship should match your career goals and provide relevant experience.
• Hands-on Experience – You should work on meaningful projects, not just coffee runs.
• Technical Upskilling – Gaining proficiency with industry-standard tools is crucial to being employable, and this is not something you can easily get in the classroom. That’s why interning somewhere that gives you access and practice is very valuable.
• Mentorship & Support – Access to professionals who can guide your career is key.
• Networking Opportunities – Internships that connect you with industry leaders boost your future job prospects.
• Compensation & Perks – While not all internships are paid, most competitive ones are compensated or have stipends and valuable learning benefits attached.
• Career Growth Potential – Internships that lead to full-time job offers or prestigious references are the gold standard.

‍

What are the Best Work Experience Opportunities for College Students?

‍

Finding the right early career experience can be a game-changer for college students. But not all programs are built the same. Internships, externships, and co-ops each offer unique benefits.

‍

Understanding the Difference: Internships vs. Externships

‍

While internships are the traditional way for college students to transition from school to career, getting hired at an internship often requires prior work experience. That’s why many students opt for flexible, remote programs like externships to explore careers, build job-ready skills and impress recruiters with real experience on their resumes when it’s internship-hiring season.

‍

‍

‍

Externship: Flexible, remote and available all year round, externships are short-term projects ranging from 8-12 weeks where students from all backgrounds can upskill on real company projects, while receiving training and mentorship, plus networking benefits.

‍

Internship: While internship opportunities vary, most big brand summer internship programs recruit at fixed times during the year and offer highly competitive in-person experiences for top students. Internships are also typically designed to convert employees into full-time hires.

‍

Understanding the Difference: Co-op vs. Internship

‍

While the terms "co-op" and "internship" are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing. "Co-op" stands for "cooperative education," a dynamic approach to learning that seamlessly blends classroom education with paid on-the-job experience. It's designed to provide students with valuable professional exposure in their chosen field of study and anticipated career path. Here's a quick breakdown:

‍

Co-op: Typically paid, full-time positions lasting 3-6 months, directly related to a student's major. Students doing co-ops often earn academic credit, and no tuition is charged during the program.

‍

Internship: Can be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, and may not always be directly related to a student's major. May or may not earn academic credit, and tuition is usually charged.

‍

Internship Programs FAQs

‍

What type of internships pay the most?

‍

Internships in fields such as finance, engineering, and technology tend to offer higher compensation compared to internships in other industries. Additionally, internships at prestigious companies or those located in major cities often come with higher pay due to increased competition and cost of living.

‍

Which company internship is best?

‍

The "best" company for an internship varies depending on individual preferences, career goals, and industry interests. Highly regarded companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs often offer valuable internship experiences with access to top-notch resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. However, the best internship is ultimately the one that aligns most closely with your personal and professional objectives.

‍

‍

How do I land an internship?

‍

To secure an internship, start by researching companies in your field of interest and networking with professionals through platforms like LinkedIn. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences, and apply to internship postings online. Additionally, consider reaching out directly to companies or individuals in your network to inquire about internship opportunities or informational interviews. For resume tips and interview questions, check out our guide to landing an internship.

‍

Now, let’s explore some of the best internship programs, co-ops and externships that provide real-world skills, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.

‍

The 10 Best Internship Programs for College Students (2025)

‍

1. McKinsey & Company Sophomore Summer Business Analyst (Consulting & Strategy)

‍

• Best For: Second-year undergraduates at U.S. or Canadian universities studying business, finance, data analytics, or strategy majors
• Key Experience: You’ll get to work at one of McKinsey’s North America locations for 10 weeks in the summer, gaining real-world consulting experience that includes data collection and analysis, formulating and testing hypotheses, and developing and communicating recommendations. 
• Networking & Career Impact: High conversion rate to full-time consulting roles at McKinsey and other top firms

‍

2. Meta University Internship (Software Engineering, AI & AR/VR)

‍

• Best For: First or second-year college students in the U.S., Canada or Mexico studying Computer Science, AI, UX, or data science
• Key Experience: Meta University is an immersive ten week paid internship program that enables students with a range of backgrounds to work on cutting-edge AI, VR, data analytics, product design and engineering projects 
• Networking & Career Impact: Interns get to meet a variety of leaders at Meta, receive mentorship from senior engineers, and top performers often land return offers.
• ‍

3. Beats by Dre Data Analytics Externship (Data Analytics, Marketing, Consumer Insights) 

‍

• Best For: All students, irrespective of major or previous experience
• Key Experience: Learn to transform raw data into meaningful findings that customer-oriented companies like Beats by Dre use to drive business decisions and develop transferable skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and presenting insights—valuable for careers in marketing, consulting, strategy and data analytics.
• Networking & Career Impact: Gain hands-on experience with a top brand without needing prior internships—a great portfolio booster.

‍

‍

4. Nike Global Internship Program (Marketing, Product Design & Business)

‍

• Best For: Marketing, design, business, or supply chain students
• Key Experience: Offers exposure to a wide range of career paths including technology, finance, merchandising, marketing and manufacturing. Work on product launches, brand marketing, supply chain analytics or digital advertising campaigns for Nike.
• Networking & Career Impact: Interns gain VIP access to Nike mentors and priority consideration for full-time roles. Perks include a speaker series with Nike's top leaders, training sessions, access to fitness trainers and events.

‍

5. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program (Finance, Investment Banking & Data Analytics)

‍

• Best For: Undergraudate and postgraduate students in finance, economics, or business
• Key Experience: 8-10 week summer internship where you’ll learn investment banking fundamentals, work on live financial models, and analyze market trends
• Networking & Career Impact: Interns get access to senior executives, and top interns receive return offers

‍

‍

6. Adobe Digital Marketing & Creative Internship (Design, UX & Marketing)

‍

• Best For: Graphic design, UX/UI, digital marketing, or branding students
• Key Experience: Adobe offers positions year-round in multiple North American locations including San Jose, Los Angeles, Denver, New York City, and Toronto. Interns get to build expertise in Adobe’s creative products, assist in global marketing campaigns, and develop UX strategies
• Networking & Career Impact: Work alongside industry-leading designers and marketers to build digital experience solutions that are the critical foundation of most Fortune 500 companies.

‍

7. GE Aviation Internships + Co-ops (Mechanical & Aerospace)

‍

• Best For: Engineering students, but open to all backgrounds

• Key Experience: GE offers a diverse range of 10-12 week opportunities in customer-facing areas like sales and marketing to technical roles in finance, legal, supply chain, and of course engineering work in design & analysis, testing, materials, and engineering systems
• Networking & Career Impact: Opportunities to network with peers, employees, and leaders around the world and receive relocation and stipends.

‍

‍

8. HP Tech Ventures Deal Sourcing & Startup Analysis Externship (Venture Capital, Finance, Entrepreneurship) 

‍

• Best For: Students from all majors keen for a remote opportunity to explore venture capital as a career 

• Key Experience: Immerse yourself in the VC and startup world by learning how to research and evaluate startups in fields like 3D printing, edge computing, hybrid work, sustainability, and generative AI and make recommendations on whether they merit investment.
• Networking & Career Impact: Opportunities to build job-ready skills in VC and finance, network with peers and work with a top brand without needing prior experience.

‍

9. Southwest Internship Program (Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance) 

‍

• Best For: Sophomore and above from all majors 

• Key Experience: Southwest offers both Spring and Summer internship programs and options that range from fully onsite to virtual or hybrid models. Positions are available in departments like Flight Operations, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain and more.
• Networking & Career Impact: Aside from building experience at one of America’s best-known brands, and receiving mentorship and facetime with seniori leaders, college interns famously receive fun perks like eligibility for free travel to any domestic location where Southwest flies!

‍

10. Johnson & Johnson Co-op Program (Healthcare, STEM, & Engineering)

‍

• Best For: STEM and engineering undergraduate students 
• Key Experience: J&J’s co-op is learning and professional experience rolled into six months of full-time work: perfect for gaining insight into key functions like R&D, Customer Development, Engineering and more.
• Networking & Career Impact: Many interns transition into full-time research and development roles

‍

By prioritizing factors such as relevance, mentorship, networking, and personal fit, you can identify opportunities that align with your career aspirations and goals. 

‍

Good luck on your job hunt!‍

‍

_______________________

If you liked this article, join 150k+ readers receiving The Edge by Extern - our weekly newsletter featuring the hottest new externships, insider tips and tricks + everything you need to know to land your dream job… and how to keep it.

‍