College and University Blog

Landing an awesome internship is a step in the right direction for current college students and recent college graduates hoping to gain full-time employment. Vault.com, a popular career media company that focuses on providing professionals and students with up-to-date employer information and industry news, has just released its 10 best internships for 2011.

10 Best Companies to Intern for in 2011

Factors considered include mentorship availability, career advancement opportunities, intern involvement and capacity for learning, compensation, perks, industry clout and work culture. With those benchmarks, Vault editors evaluated hundreds of internships and selected 10 from a pool of over 800 programs.

1. Capital Fellows Programs

The Capital Fellows Programs are public policy fellowships in California State government administered by the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento. The Center administers four fellowship programs: Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship, Executive Fellowship, Judicial Administration Fellowship and California Senate Fellows. The 18 Assembly Fellows, 18 Senate Fellows, 18 Executive Fellows and 10 Judicial Administration Fellows receive an outstanding opportunity to engage in public service and prepare for future careers, while actively contributing to the development and implementation of public policy in California. Many fellows are offered positions within the California state government upon completion of the program.

The program is open to college graduates with a BA or higher, from recent grads to mid-career professionals. Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the start of the fellowship. Applicants must submit an application, college transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a policy statement on a topic outlined in the application and a personal statement. A personal interview is also required.

More information: Capital Fellows Programs

2. Deloitte

Deloitte serves its customers in four key business areas: audit, financial advisory, tax and consulting. Deloitte summer internships last eight to ten weeks and during the school year, internships last one semester. Interns work as part of a client service team in one of the Deloitte businesses: Deloitte & Touche LLP (Audit and Enterprise Risk Services), Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, or Deloitte Tax LLP. Approximately 75% of interns are offered full-time employment after graduating.

College juniors with a GPA of at least 3.2 are eligible, and Deloitte looks for applicants with proven leadership skills, the ability to work in a team and strong analytical and communication skills. Applicants should submit a resume, transcript and an online application.

More information: Deloitte Internships

3. Garmin

Garmin International is a member of the Garmin Ltd. group of companies that designs, manufactures, and markets navigation and communications equipment for the aviation and consumer markets. Interns participate in hands-on projects that enhance the firm’s product development and business processes. In addition to their assignments, Garmin’s interns enjoy a variety of activities, such as a team-building excursion with their intern group and managers at an area camp. About 90% of interns are offered full-time employment upon graduation.

Internship candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, or computer, electrical, aerospace or mechanical engineering, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4. Applicants should submit an online application, resume and transcript. There is no particular deadline for internships, but the company prefers to hire summer interns as early as possible.

More information: Garmin Internships

4. Google, Inc.

Known primarily as the world’s largest search engine, Google is constantly expanding and covering everything from email and blogs to online books and videos. Google interns from computer engineering backgrounds work on everything from creating logos to conducting research to coding. Google also offers internships to undergrads, grad students and MBA candidates in sales, marketing, advertising, product management, and finance and business operations. Google interns receive a variety of perks such as weekly company lectures known as TechTalks, a mentor or host, intern events such as a night at the theater, rock-climbing or bowling, and continuous training during their stay at the “Googleplex.”

Interested students should check Google Student Jobs for information on open positions and the application.

5. J.P. Morgan’s Investment Bank

J.P. Morgan is one of the world’s leading investment banks. J. P. Morgan interns go through three to five days of orientation and formal training before they receive on-the-job training and experience by working on projects similar to those done by full-time analysts and associates. Interns are assigned both a junior and senior mentor to guide them throughout the internship, and the program also provides networking opportunities with senior management through social events and other functions. A majority of J.P. Morgan interns are hired as full-time analysts and associates.

College sophomores, juniors and seniors are hired for the summer analyst program while first-year MBAs and PhDs are hired for the summer associate program. Candidates from all majors are welcome to apply. If J.P. Morgan does not visit your school, you can apply online from December 15th to January 15th. An interview is required.

More information: J.P. Morgan Internships

6. NASA

NASA has been a leader in scientific and technological research and space exploration since 1958. In addition to being responsible for placing the first people on the moon, it has launched scientific probes and conducts ongoing aerodynamics research. The NASA Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholar (LARSS) program is designed to train students interested in the sciences and engineering and encourage them to attend graduate school. Interns work directly with NASA scientists and engineers on research projects and gain hands-on experience designing spaceflight hardware and software, and may even support real-time mission activities. Graduates seeking entry-level jobs at NASA may choose from the federal career internship program, the presidential management internship and other employment options.

College freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors as well as recent graduates and graduate students in the fields of government and technology can apply for internships and fellowships. Eligible students can access a portfolio of NASA internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities through a single portal and a single application. Applicants must also submit a transcript and recommendations.

More information: NASA Internships

7. Nickelodeon Animation Studios

Nickelodeon, the kid and family division of MTV Networks, is basic cable’s number 1 network. Nickelodeon Animation Studios creates, develops and produces various cartoons including Spongebob Squarepants, The Fairly OddParents, Dora the Explorer and more. Interns act as production assistants and gain hands-on experience in different departments such as TV production, post-production, casting, animation and live action development, writing and more. Nickelodeon interns also participate in speaker series, executive lunches, field trips, studio events, film festivals and studio animation tests. Over one-third of interns are offered full-time positions with the company within one year of completing their internship.

College students entering their junior and senior year, law students who are able to receive academic credit, and recent graduates are eligible to apply for internships. A resume and cover letter indicating the semester and departments in which you want to work is required.

More information: Nickelodeon Animation Studio Internships

8. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network provides personalized financial services and solutions for individuals’ insurance and financial needs. The Northwestern Mutual internship program began in 1967 to provide students with an opportunity to work as independent financial representatives while still in school. They receive substantive training on learning how to identify target markets, pursue and attain clients, and maintain client relationships while they become familiar with Northwestern Mutual’s products, sales methods, policies and procedures. All interns must prepare for and pass a state licensing exam. About 33% of interns are offered full-time positions upon graduation.

Current college students can apply online or contact a recruiter for details.

More information: Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative Internships

9. Smithsonian Institution

Established in 1846 when English scientist James Smithson left his fortune to the people of the United States to found an organization to “increase the diffusion of knowledge among men,” the Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum complex. The Smithsonian offers almost sixty different internship programs, which are designed to fit to the individual intern’s academic and professional goals. Opportunities include work in the curatorial, archival, science research and culture departments.

Qualifications vary by position, but college seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students in the fine and performing arts, education, financial services, government, and graphic arts and design industries may apply.

More information: Smithsonian Institution Internships

10. The Boston Consulting Group

Comprised of about 4,500 consultants working in 68 offices in 39 countries, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is an international strategy and general management firm that works with individuals and organizations. BCG summer associates become part of a consulting team under the direction of a consultant sponsor, which gives interns access to BCG employees. Interns gain experience on client cases, work with other summer interns and full-time associates, and network at BCG events. About 90% of interns are offered full-time positions.

Associate positions are open to college juniors and consultant positions are open to first-year MBA students. Potential applicants are advised to undergo practice case studies located on the BCG website as interview preparation.

More information: Boston Consulting Group Internships

Posted on 14 Mar

Melissa Rhone+

Melissa Rhone earned her Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Tampa. She resides in the Tampa Bay area and enjoys writing about college, pop culture, and epilepsy awareness.