The Best Internships of 2025 for Students and Recent Grads

Looking to land a top internship but unsure where to begin?

We found the best internships for 2025 in five key fields that offer great pay, hands-on experience, and the chance to work with leading companies:

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The Best Internships of 2025

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Technology and engineering

Looking for a fulfilling tech internship? Here are the five best companies to intern for according to our research:

Salesforce

• Median monthly pay: $8,333
• Glassdoor rating: 4.1

Salesforce is a cloud-based software company that provides customer relationship management software and applications focusing on sales, customer service, e-commerce, and more.

According to Glassdoor, 99% of former interns would recommend this company to their friends. Internships at Salesforce are managed through Year-Up and Ada Developer Academy, and they’re offering Summer 2025 internships for software, systems, and enterprise security engineers, among others.

ServiceNow

• Median monthly pay: $7,000
• Glassdoor rating: 4.4

ServiceNow is a cloud computing platform that helps companies manage digital workflows for enterprise operations.

Their Summer 2025 internships include internships for product managers, software engineers, and software quality engineers for both undergraduate and post-graduate students.

Nvidia

• Median monthly pay: $8,333
• Glassdoor rating: 4.6

Nvidia is a world leader in artificial intelligence hardware and software, known for its cutting-edge graphics processing units (GPUs) and deep learning technologies.

The company recruits graduate students with excellent programming skills for intern positions in the areas of robotics, machine learning. Also, summer internships often lead to publishable research and work that can be used in doctoral dissertations.

GE Appliances

• Median monthly pay: $6,364
• Glassdoor rating: 3.8

GE Appliances, now owned by Haier, is a household name in home appliances, known for kitchen and laundry products.

Their Summer 2025 Digital Technology Internship lasts 10–12 weeks and is open to students currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer engineering, computer science, and other related fields.

Micron Technology

• Median monthly pay: $8,660
• Glassdoor rating: 3.8

Micron is a global leader in memory and storage solutions, producing some of the world’s most advanced semiconductors.

Most summer internships at Micron are full-time for a minimum of 12 weeks, and range from engineering and IT to business, logistics, and planning.

Banking and finance

If you’re interested in getting your foot in the door of the finance world, these five internships stand out as the best opportunities for aspiring finance professionals.

Harris Williams

• Median monthly pay: $11,333
• Glassdoor rating: 4.1

Harris Williams is a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, known for its expertise in the middle market.

Their internships are the highest-paying on this list, and also rank highly for best employment prospects after graduation. Summer Associate Internships are open to BA and BS seniors, as well as MBA students looking for experience in investment banking.

In addition, they offer an intensive two-week M&A Boot Camp internship in Richmond, Virginia designed to stimulate the fast-paced environment of a full-time analyst.

J.P. Morgan

• Median monthly pay: $8,833
• Glassdoor rating: 4.1

J.P. Morgan is a global leader in financial services, offering solutions to the world’s most important corporations, governments, and institutions.

Their internship programs are currently recruiting for three business sections: corporate (including accounting, HR, operations, and legal), asset management (including investment management), and corporate and investment bank (including investor services, public finance, and treasury services).

In addition to being one of the most prestigious companies to intern for, they also hire most of their full-time analysts and associates from their intern class, so there’s a high chance that interns will return to school with a full-time job offer once they graduate.

PKF O’Connor Davies

• Median monthly pay: $7,090
• Glassdoor rating: 3.9

PKF O’Connor Davies is a leading accounting and advisory firm, providing a wide range of services to domestic and international clients.

The firm’s Summer Audit Internship allows students to work directly with partners, principals, managers, and professional staff members as they explore a career in public accounting. The program lasts for 8 weeks from mid-June through mid-August and is full-time.

CBRE

• Median monthly pay: $5,025
• Glassdoor rating: 3.9

CBRE is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, offering a broad range of integrated services. They ranked #135 on the Fortune 500 in 2023, and were named one of Fortune’s “Most Loved Companies” in the real estate sector for nine years in a row.

They offer summer internships for MBA students with commercial real estate experience between their first and second years. And, their digital and technology internship is open to undergrad and graduate students in technology programs who can apply for one of the following tracks: software engineering, data science, product management, UX design, and cybersecurity.

Synchrony Financial

• Median monthly pay: $6,880
• Glassdoor rating: 4.2

Synchrony is a premier consumer financial services company delivering customized financing programs across key industries.

Their internships are presented in three different programs: the Business Leadership Program is a full-time program for students who are graduating soon, which offers healthcare and retirement benefits. The BLP summer internship focuses on one business track, and offers fully paid housing, and the BLP Sophomore Externship, which is designed for undergrads with an anticipated graduation date between winter 2026 and summer 2027.

Synchrony Business Leadership Program internships are divided into 10 tracks: analytics and strategy in credit, data analytics, finance, HR, internal audit, marketing, risk management, operations, sales & relationship management, and technology.

Management and consulting

Interested in sharpening your leadership skills and strategic thinking? Check out these top five consulting internships that can help you grow in the field.

Keiter CPAs

• Median monthly pay: $5,875
• Glassdoor rating: 4.7

Keiter CPAs is a comprehensive accounting and consulting firm based in Virginia, providing a wide array of services to businesses and their owners. Their interns work directly with firm leadership and clients, gaining practical experience, professional development, and training in both technical and soft skills.

Keiter CPAs’ summer internship seeks students with intermediate-level accounting class experience who are interested in taking the CPA exam. They offer in-person, hybrid, and fully virtual internships, though all participants are asked to attend the first two weeks of the internship in person.

McKinsey & Company

• Median monthly pay: $9,967
• Glassdoor rating: 4.1

McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm, advising on strategic management to corporations, governments, and other organizations.

Their Associate Internship and Sophomore Summer Business Analyst Internship are offered in locations worldwide, and last from 6 to 10 weeks in the summer. Accepted applicants work in small teams to learn every aspect of consulting and may receive full-time job offers at the conclusion of the program.

Bates White

• Median monthly pay: $6,755
• Glassdoor rating: 4.2

Bates White is an economic consulting firm based in Washington DC that offers services to law firms, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies.

Their Summer Consultant Program is open to students pursuing an undergraduate degree, is targeted towards those with a technical background, and was ranked the #1 best consulting internship by Vault.

Bain & Company

• Median monthly pay: $6,822
• Glassdoor rating: 4.3

Bain & Company is a leading management consulting firm, working with top executives to help them make better decisions and convert those decisions into actions.

They recruit MBA and advanced degree students (such as JD, MD, and PhD students) to apply for their Summer Associate Internships and learn more about being a strategy consultant. Successful participants are offered full-time consultant jobs without the need to test or interview.

Kearney & Company

• Median monthly pay: $8,140
• Glassdoor rating: 4.4

Kearney is a global management consulting firm known for its expertise in strategic and operational CEO-agenda concerns.

Students pursuing a BA/BS degree in accounting, information systems, computer science, information technology, or business administration with a concentration in accounting can apply for their summer internship program. It places students into either the accounting track or the IT audit track, and can open the door to full-time employment after graduation. The program also features an intern-led community service project. And, it’s hybrid, so interns can work remotely or on-site.

Renewable energy and sustainable development

Ready to make a difference in the future of sustainability? Here are five impactful internships that offer hands-on experience in renewable energy.

Eaton

• Median monthly pay: $5,848
• Glassdoor rating: 3.9

Eaton is a power management company providing energy-efficient solutions that help customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power.

They offer paid internships through their Early Talent program, which last for 12 weeks in the summer and are divided among 7 fields: technical sales, information technology, engineering services, operations management, engineering and technology, HR, and finance and accounting. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8, but 3.2 or higher is preferred, as are second language skills.

Oxy

• Median monthly pay: $7,500
• Glassdoor rating: 4

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy) is a global energy company that focuses on carbon management and sustainable technology solutions.

Oxy summer internships allow participants to assist with strategic projects and develop their professional skills. Students with educational backgrounds in engineering (petroleum, mechanical, chemical, petrochemical, and electrical), geophysics and geology, land management, and health safety and environment (HSE) can apply to internships in multiple locations for 10-12 weeks over the summer.

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

• Median monthly pay: $5,174
• Glassdoor rating: 4.2

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to implementing projects for the UN System, international financial institutions, governments and other partners around the world.

They offer internship opportunities in many countries around the world for current undergrad and graduate degree program students, as well as those who have completed a degree within the past 3 years.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• Median monthly pay: $6,536
• Glassdoor rating: 4

NOAA is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.

Their Pathways Internship allows current undergrad and graduate students to work part- or full-time paid internships. Participants are eligible to be converted to full-time federal employees upon successful completion of their degree or certificate in the following fields: computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management.

Doctors Without Borders

• Median monthly pay: $4,300
• Glassdoor rating: 4.1

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) is an independent, global movement providing medical aid where it’s needed most.

Their highly competitive internship program is offered three times a year in the fields of advocacy, marketing, finance, and research, and interns are paid hourly.

Media and entertainment

Dreaming of a career in media? We’ve identified the five best internships to help you break into the exciting world of entertainment.

Paramount Global

• Median monthly pay: $5,160
• Glassdoor rating: 3.8

Paramount Global is a multinational mass media conglomerate, home to CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, and many more.

Their summer internship allows participants unique networking opportunities, resume and interview workshops, and a speaker series with industry experts. College juniors and seniors, as well as master’s students, are eligible to apply for this full-time, paid summer program.

DreamWorks Animation

• Median monthly pay: $4,083
• Glassdoor rating: 4.1

DreamWorks Animation is a world-class animation studio creating acclaimed animated feature films, television series, and live entertainment.

They offer three internships a year in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, which are paid, 10 weeks long, and offered remotely or hybrid. Departments include visual development, image finaling, story, animation production, business affairs/legal, development, HR, music, software engineering, and more.

NFL Internship Program

• Median monthly pay: $3,833
• Glassdoor rating: 4

The NFL (National Football League) is the top professional football league in the U.S. It’s not just a sports league—it’s a cultural phenomenon, with millions of Americans tuning in every week to watch teams battle for a chance at the Super Bowl, the biggest sports event of the year.

The NFL Summer Internship Program is open to undergraduate juniors, master’s degree students, and law school students who want to work in NFL offices in New York, New Jersey, and California. Applications open in early December each year.

Disney Animation Studios

• Median monthly pay: $3,956
• Glassdoor rating: 3.8

Walt Disney Animation Studios is the animation studio responsible for creating the animated feature films, short films, and television specials that are famous the world over.

They offer internships for current students in post-high school programs (including community college, university, grad school, trade school, and online school) who want to immerse themselves in the art and technology behind animated films. Their 12-week summer internships are fully paid, and split among three teams: production, technology, and studio.

NBA

• Median monthly pay: $4,000
• Glassdoor rating: 3.8

The professional basketball league brings together incredible talent and passionate fans from all corners of the globe. Interning with the NBA lets you dive into the heart of the sports industry, where you can be part of a vibrant team that blends entertainment, marketing, and strategy in a thrilling atmosphere.

Their summer internship program is a 10-week full-time paid internship that allows undergrads and grad students to develop skills in the business of basketball across a range of departments in the NBA.

4 tips for applying to internships

The internship search process can be competitive, and rejections are common — but don’t let that discourage you.

Stay positive and follow the 4 tips below to find the best internship for you:

1. Maximize campus resources early

If you’re looking to boost your chances of landing a great internship, it’s key to start tapping into your university’s resources right away. For instance, many schools offer career services like counseling, mock interviews, and resume reviews — all designed to help you level up your application materials.

Also, check whether your school gives you access to internship portals or has partnerships with bigger companies. These platforms often feature exclusive opportunities tailored just for students, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for them.

Plus, make sure you attend any on-campus recruiting events and info sessions that you can. They’re a great way to meet recruiters directly and get inside info on the application process, which will help set you up to succeed when you decide to apply.

2. Actively research across multiple online platforms

One thing that’s useful to know is that many companies keep their internship listings exclusive to their own career pages, so it’s important to check their websites regularly for updates, in addition to traditional job boards.

Also, don’t overlook government websites like USAJobs or your local/state government’s career pages. They often offer internships in a variety of fields — everything from policy to engineering — sometimes with stipends or other perks.

And you’ll definitely want to join industry-specific forums, Reddit threads, or Discord channels where people share internship leads. These spaces are full of insider tips and first-hand testimonials that you can’t find anywhere else.

3. Tailor your resume and include your school projects

When applying for internships, it’s worth taking the time to tailor your resume for each position. Focus on the skills and experiences that match what the internship posting is asking for.

If you don’t have a ton of professional experience yet, that’s not a problem. You can emphasize your relevant academic projects instead. Be sure to mention what each project was about, what tools or methods you used, and any results you achieved. It’s a great way to show your skills in action, especially if you can tie them into the internship you’re after.

And don’t forget to highlight any leadership roles or big responsibilities you’ve taken on in student groups, clubs, or volunteer work. Even if it’s not directly tied to your field, it still shows off soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and initiative—all of which employers love to see.

4. Track application deadlines and requirements

To stay on top of things, set up calendar reminders to track your internship deadlines and any specific requirements, like transcripts or recommendation letters. Staying organized will save you from last-minute stress and help you make sure every box is checked before submitting your application.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when searching for internships, especially with everything else going on in your busy school year. Try setting aside specific times to focus on networking, researching opportunities, and applying to internships so you can balance it all with school and personal stuff. Having a plan will make the process smoother and set you up for early career success.

Methodology

Our research team selected internship programs for this analysis from various award and ranking websites, including Vault, Yello, Fast & Company, and Human Rights Careers. Our career experts assessed market demands and determined the five industries presented above. From there, we analyzed each company on the list and sorted them into their prospective industries.

Our primary objective was to find the best internship programs within each industry, as determined by pay, accolade, career opportunity, and employee satisfaction. Compensation was evaluated using average salary data of the company’s internship positions from Glassdoor and Indeed. Accolade and career opportunities were measured by awards or ratings in the ranking sites listed above, while employee satisfaction was assessed by Glassdoor ratings.

To ensure statistical accuracy, we only included internship programs from companies with a Glassdoor rating of 3.8 or higher and those featured in the internship program lists on the websites mentioned earlier. We also filtered out companies featured in this year’s (2024) Fortune 100 list to highlight lesser-known companies and provide job seekers with a broader range of options and insights. We then assigned a numerical score to each criterion (pay, recognition, career opportunities, and employee satisfaction), ranked the programs in descending order, and identified the top five highest-rated internships for further analysis.

Primary sources

• Fast Company, “Get an Internship at One of These 25 Companies in 2024 If You Want High Pay and a Good Career Path”
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Human Rights Careers, “10 Paid Internships in Human Rights, Humanitarian Aid and Development”
• Vault, “Most Prestigious Internships”
• Yello, “Announcing the Top 100 Internship Programs of 2024”

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