Top Internships for Business Majors: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right internship is a crucial step for business majors looking to gain practical experience and boost their career prospects. Internships provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop valuable skills, and build professional networks. This guide explores various internship options, focusing on programs that offer significant learning experiences and career advancement potential, with a special look at opportunities for both college and high school students.

Internship Opportunities for College Students

For college students pursuing business-related degrees, internships are invaluable for career preparation. These programs not only enhance resumes but also provide a clearer understanding of different career paths within the business world.

Capital One Internships

Capital One offers a range of 10-week internship programs designed to provide students with challenging projects that have a real impact on the business. These paid internships are open to students earning a bachelor’s degree by August 2027.

Data Analyst Internship

This internship focuses on accelerating careers in data analysis. Interns work on hypothesis-driven strategy analysis and build valuation models or data products using SQL, Python, and Spark on AWS infrastructure. This role is ideal for students looking to level up their skills in business and problem-solving.

Internal Consulting Internship

This program allows interns to join a team of internal consultants who make important business decisions. It’s an opportunity to develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills while gaining world-class consulting experience.

Finance Internship

Finance internships at Capital One provide the opportunity to own key finance projects from start to finish. Interns gain project experience and the tools needed to dive into commercial banking.

Investment Banking Internship

Interns in this area immerse themselves in meaningful projects while gaining insight into investment banking best practices. Opportunities are available within Capital One’s lines of business, including Derivatives, Financing, M&A, KippsDeSanto, or TripleTree.

Project, Process, and Risk Management Internship

This internship teaches students how to deliver complex, cross-functional initiatives that drive business forward through roles in Project, Process, or Risk Management.

Preferred Majors: Economics, Information Systems, Engineering, Business Information, Finance, Supply Chain, Accounting, or Marketing. However, all majors are welcome.

Software Engineering Internship

This program allows interns to grow as software engineers by developing world-class technical skills and a comprehensive understanding of Capital One's tech and business.

Read also: High School Diploma Jobs

Preferred Majors: Computer Science, Computer Engineering.

Tech Internship

Interns will be at the heart of new product launches and innovations that improve the customer experience.

Preferred Majors: Computer Science, Management Information Systems.

Cyber Security Internship

This internship provides the opportunity to learn from best-in-class cyber security professionals.

Note: Requirements may vary based on the specific program.

CSULB College of Business Internships

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) College of Business students have the option to participate in internships, and while not mandatory, these can be highly beneficial.

CBA-493 Business Internship Course

CBA-493 is a variable one to three unit, pass/fail course offered in the fall and spring. It allows students to earn academic credit for their internship experience. Domestic students typically register for three units, while international students may register for one unit unless they plan to substitute the course for a Marketing or International Business elective, in which case they must register for three units.

Eligibility: Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and a concurrent or recent internship. Attendance is required, and homework must be satisfactorily completed to pass the course.

International Student Considerations

International students should coordinate with the Center for International Education and Global Engagement (CIE) regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) requirements and internship eligibility. Once an internship offer is secured, international students must provide the CBA-493 course instructor with the completed CPT packet obtained through CIE and a copy of the internship offer letter on the company’s letterhead, with the employer’s signature.

High School Internships in Los Angeles

High school internships offer a unique opportunity for young students to explore their interests, gain professional experience, and enhance their college applications. According to PRISM, a consultancy, 70% of students attending a US News top 50 University have completed at least one internship while in high school.

Benefits of High School Internships

Distinguish Yourself: Internships demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to career exploration.
Clarify Career Goals: Experience different professional environments to identify your passions and interests.
Improve College Recruitment: Internships make it easier to recruit into college internships and pre-professional organizations.

Finding Business Internships

Online Search Tools: Utilize resources like the StandOutSearch database, which lists almost every internship program for the high school age group. MIT Admissions also provides a helpful list of High School Internships.
Cold Outreach Strategy: Prepare a cold outreach strategy to connect with companies directly.

Internship Programs for High School Students in Los Angeles

StandOut Connect

Ages: 15-19
Location: Virtual
Timeline: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter
Deadline: Various Deadlines

StandOut Connect matches gifted high school students with online internships in various sectors, including finance, STEM, medicine, law, and arts.

Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Ages: 16-18
Location: LA, California
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: Not announced yet

As a Student Leader, participants engage in an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization. They learn about community needs and develop civic, social, and business leadership skills. Each Student Leader attends the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.

Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Career Technical Education (CTE) Internship Program

Ages: 14-18
Location: LA, California
Timeline: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Deadline: Rolling

The CTE internship program provides technical assistance, curriculum/professional development, and monitoring/documentation/reporting services to school districts. It focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills required for career training, post-secondary education, and the workforce. Duties can vary from clerical assignments to manual labor.

Junior Achievement's Job Shadow Blended Internship Program

Ages: 14-18
Location: LA, California
Timeline: Fall, Winter, Spring
Deadline: Not announced yet

This program helps high school students identify their career interests and goals through blended and self-guided activities. It includes a career assessment survey, informational interviews with professionals, a workplace site visit, and a multi-hour job-shadowing experience.

Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Internship

Ages: 17-18
Location: Locations across the US, California
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: Early January

The EBF Internship supports students interested in careers in media or tech, including roles as producers, journalists, web developers, engineers, business executives, PR agents, and sales representatives.

Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program

The Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program includes the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). These programs offer opportunities to explore Federal careers while being paid for the work performed.

Cold Outreach Strategy for High School Internships

If established programs don’t provide a suitable fit, a cold outreach strategy can be effective.

Identify Target Companies: Focus on smaller companies that may need more hands on deck.
Find Personal Connections: Look for commonalities with professionals, such as shared hometowns or interests.
Craft a Personalized Email:
- Express interest in the company and the professional's work.
- Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
- Include a resume (one page).

Template for Cold Outreach

Subject: Student Reaching Out

Dear [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a rising [Grade] at [Your School]. For context, [briefly state how the company relates to your interests or experience]. I was wondering if you might be looking for interns. I know I would have a great deal to learn from working with you, and I would love to contribute in any way I can. I have included my resume here.

Thanks so much!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template for Finding a Research Position