BET Network Interns pose for a group photo.
BET Networks Interns. Photo via Courtney LaShawn Howard (Howard University)

It can be tempting to slip back into a summer job at the store or office where you worked during high school, but your undergraduate summers are the ideal time to make professional connections and to gain valuable work experience. The right internship can help you land that dream job after graduation, so this summer consider investing in your future with an internship.

While it’s easy to get distracted and focus on the here-and-now, this is also the time to start planning how you’ll spend your time off during the summer. To help, we've compiled an internship list for you to get started.

Internship Opportunities to Consider

The AAAS Minority Science Writers Internship

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Pitts Family Foundation offers a paid 10-week summer internship program for minority students interested in journalism as a career and who want to learn about science writing. The internship is located at the AAAS Washington, D.C. headquarters.

» Get more information on the AAAS Minority Science Writers Internship

BET Networks Internship Program

BET Networks Internship program is available year-round to many colleges, universities, and external partner organizations, representing diverse communities nationwide. This 10-week internship paid and completed in a variety of settings including locations in CA, DC, IL, GA and NY. The internships are open to college juniors and seniors though some departments also accept graduate students and law school students. The program includes general, production, legal, design and technology internship options.

» Get more information on the BET Networks Internship Program

ED Design Studio Internship Program (The U.S. Department of Education)

Are you passionate about using your design talent to make the world a better place? The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is on the lookout for talented students to be part of the ED Design Studio Internship Program. The unpaid position works closely with the Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO), the Office of the Undersecretary (OUS), and the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE). Students who are members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

» Get more information on the ED Design Studio Internship Program

Department of Education Internships

The Department of Education (ED) offers unpaid internships for students interested in seeking valuable work experience in government and federal education policy and administration. Volunteers have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the Department's mission to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. ED offers internships in the fall, winter/spring, and summer. Typically interns are with the Department for eight to ten weeks (some can stay shorter or longer depending on circumstances).

» Get more information on the Department of Education Internships

Essence Communications Summer Internship Program

Essence Communications Inc. hosts summer interns through the Time Inc. Summer Internship Program. The program is a 9-week paid learning experience where you'll receive on-the-job training that will enhance your education and prepare you for a future career in the media industry. You must have an interest in media and issues related to African-American women to intern at ESSENCE. The program is available to current undergraduate or graduate students.

» Get more information on the Essence Communications Summer Internship

Explore Microsoft Internship Program

Explore Microsoft is a 12-week summer internship program specifically designed for college underclassmen (freshmen and sophomores) and offers a rotational experience that enables you to gain experience in our different software engineering roles. This program is designed to give you hands-on experience with various tools and programming languages in the field of software development, and encourage you to pursue degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or related technical disciplines.

» Get more information on the Explore Microsoft Internship

Minority Access National Internship Program

The Minority Access National Internship Program is designed to allow talented undergraduate and graduate students experience the diversity and scope of career opportunities available in the federal government and other participating entities. The paid internship that provides students with the opportunity to merge academic theory with practical application in the workplace. The program offers pre-employment training, expert counseling on career choices, financial management, and professional development, and recognition for fulfilling the requirements of the program.

» Get more information on the Minority Access National Internship

Multicultural Advertising Intern Program from 4A's

In addition to a full-time paid internship, MAIP interns participate in a series of agency sponsored professional development workshops and seminars, which provide a deeper dive into the various advertising and media disciplines. The workshops also grant interns the opportunity to learn more about the host agency’s culture through networking with agency professionals post-workshop and agency tours.

» Get more information on the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program

NCAA Division III Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship Grant Program

The Division III Ethnic Minority and Women’s Internship Grant is a two-year grant program that provides funding for entry-level administrative positions at NCAA Division III schools and conference offices to encourage access, recruitment, selection and the long-term success of ethnic minorities and women. During each year of grant funding, the NCAA provides $20,100 to support the salary of the hired intern and $3,000 in professional development funding. Recipients are required to provide a $3,700 minimum in-kind gift for each year of the grant.

» Get more information on the NCAA Division III Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship

The Opportunity Finance Network Internship

The Opportunity Finance Network offers several paid internships across the organization for graduate and undergraduate students. The summer-long experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about the CDFI industry and to sink your teeth into meaningful projects that help transform low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged communities. The program is available for freshman, sophomore, juniors, and seniors. Certain internships are also available for graduate students.

» Get more information on the Opportunity Finance Network Internship

TV One Internship Program

TV One offers an academic credit internship program for college and university sophomore, junior, senior undergraduate students. Internships are available for the following departments and locations: Ad Sales Intern (NY and IL), Affiliate Sales Intern (MD), Finance Intern (MD, Human Resource Intern (MD), Legal Intern (MD), Marketing Intern (MD), Network Operations Intern (MD), Programming Intern ( MD, NY, and CA)and Digital Media Producer Intern (MD). Each department has different requirements and responsibilities. Be sure to read through TV One Internship Application Packet thoroughly before submitting.

» Get more information on the TV One Internship

White House Internship Program

This select group of young men and women from across the country dedicate their time, talents, energy, and service to better the White House, the community, and the nation. These committed citizens become a part of the White House team. The assignments given to an intern on any given day could include conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, writing memos, and staffing events. Most importantly, the internship experience includes an emphasis on service and interns participate in regularly scheduled service projects at schools and non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C.

» Get more information on the White House Internship Program

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