Are you a student or recent graduate looking to gain valuable experience and kickstart your career?
With summer just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about your internship options for 2023. With so many opportunities out there, it can be tough to narrow down your choices.
That's why we've compiled a list of the top six summer internships for 2023. These options offer exciting projects, mentorship opportunities, and career growth potential.
We’ve covered a variety of roles, including in-person, on-site internships and remote internships. We’ve also listed a mix of part-time and full-time positions so you can find the best internship opportunity for you.
So, get ready to make the most of your summer and take a step toward your dream career with one of these highly coveted internships.
1. Engineering
Engineering internships offer undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers to tackle real-world challenges.
From designing and testing products to analyzing data and developing solutions, engineering internships provide a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build your professional network.
Students majoring in engineering or related fields like mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering are typically the best candidates for these internships.
Future career opportunities
The types of jobs and salaries you can obtain with an engineer internship experience can vary widely depending on your engineering discipline, level of education, and work experience.
In general, engineering internships provide valuable skills and experiences that can lead to lucrative careers in engineering-related fields.
For example, a mechanical engineering intern may gain experience designing and testing mechanical systems, leading to job opportunities as a mechanical engineer, product engineer, or design engineer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for mechanical engineers is $96,310.
Skills needed
- Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Knowledge of programming languages, such as Python or C++
- Understanding of engineering principles and concepts
- Experience with data analysis and statistical software
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
- Time management and organization skills
2. Social media
During a social media internship program, you’ll typically work with a team to create and manage social media campaigns across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Interns may be responsible for developing content calendars, creating social media posts, analyzing metrics and data, and implementing marketing strategies to increase engagement and reach.
This internship program best suits college students or recent graduates pursuing degrees in marketing, communication, public relations, journalism, or related fields.
<Future career opportunities
Interning in social media can provide valuable skills and experiences that can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in marketing, public relations, and communications.
After completing a social media internship, candidates may qualify for positions like social media coordinator, social media specialist, digital marketing coordinator, content marketing coordinator, or digital marketing analyst.
The average annual salary for a social media coordinator in the U.S. is just over $43,000.
Skills needed
- Familiarity with social media platforms
- Experience with social media management tools like Hootsuite and Sprout Social
- Knowledge of analytics tools like Google Analytics
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Creativity and outside-the-box thinking
3. Computer science
A computer science internship usually involves working with a team of developers to design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. Interns may be responsible for a range of tasks, including programming, debugging, troubleshooting, and contributing to the development of new software features.
This internship program best suits graduate or undergraduate students pursuing degrees in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or related fields.
Eligibility criteria may include basic knowledge of programming languages, algorithms and data structures, and computer networks.
Future career opportunities
Candidates who complete a computer science internship may qualify for positions like software engineer, software developer, web developer, database administrator, systems analyst, or network architect.
The average yearly pay for a software engineer in the U.S. can be over $100,000.
Skills needed</h3>
- Knowledge of programming languages, including Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript
- Understanding of algorithms and data structures
- Familiarity with operating systems like Windows, Linux, or macOS
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
4. Human resources
A human resources (HR) internship consists of working with an HR team to support various functions related to employee recruitment, onboarding, training, and benefits administration.
Student interns may assist with tasks like job postings, resume screening, scheduling interviews, conducting background checks, and coordinating new hire orientations.
This internship program best suits college students pursuing degrees in fields like human resources, business administration, and organizational psychology.
Future career opportunities
An HR internship can provide real-world experience and knowledge, helping you land job opportunities within the field of human resources. As an HR development intern, you’ll pick up key skills, build professional relationships, and establish rapport with employees and colleagues.
Potential job titles for someone with HR internship experience include an HR coordinator, a talent acquisition specialist, and an HR manager.
The average base salary for an HR manager in the United States is just over $145,000 per year.
Skills needed</h3>
- Familiarity with HR policies, procedures, and regulations, including labor laws and compliance requirements
- Strong communication skills, including written and verbal communication
- Time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
- The ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion
5. Financial services
A financial services internship involves working in various industry areas like investment banking, corporate finance, wealth management, or financial planning.
Such programs aim to provide hands-on experience in various financial services roles to develop essential skills required in the industry.
This internship best suits college students majoring in finance, accounting, economics, or related fields of study.
Future career opportunities
The financial services industry offers a wide range of career opportunities with varying salaries. One may be able to secure a job as an investment banking analyst, a financial analyst, or a wealth management adviser after completing a financial services internship.
The average salary for a financial analyst is over $95,000 per year in the U.S.
Skills needed
- Basic knowledge of accounting and finance principles
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or other financial software programs
- Understanding of financial statements and data analysis
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
6. Marketing
As a marketing intern, you’ll help with tasks related to promoting and selling products or services. You may also conduct market research, develop marketing strategies, create advertising campaigns, manage social media accounts, and analyze consumer behavior.
This internship best suits college students or recent graduates majoring in marketing, advertising, public relations, or a related field.
It may also be open to students with a strong interest in marketing or relevant coursework, even if their major is not directly related. Keep this in mind when looking for roles that might suit you.
Future career opportunities
Individuals with marketing internship experience may pursue roles like marketing coordinator, digital marketing specialist, or marketing analyst.
A marketing manager in the U.S. can typically earn over $158,000 per year.
Skills needed
- Proficiency in digital marketing platforms and tools like Google Analytics, SEO optimization, and social media management
- Creativity and an eye for design to create visually appealing marketing materials
- Analytical skills to evaluate marketing data and make data-driven decisions
- Project management skills to manage multiple marketing campaigns simultaneously