20+ Best Paid Internships for Students in 2026

An internship is a short-term work opportunity at a company or organization that allows students to get entry-level work experience in a specific field. Students oftentimes seek out winter break or summer internships. Some students even work during the semester, gaining both work experience and academic credit. Internships are available to high school, college, and graduate students. Though the main objective is to get work experience, many students may find a paid opportunity that helps to generate income or pay for college. That's a real win-win for any student.

20+ Best Paid Internships for Students in 2026

Because internships are considered to be educational, many are unpaid. Instead, the payment comes in the form of the experience students receive. However, there are paid internship opportunities across the country that compensate students for their work. These paid internship programs are a win-win for students looking to earn money while building their resumes.

AMEX Strategy and Analytics Credit Fraud Risk Internship

The AMEX Strategy and Analytics Credit Fraud Risk Internship is open to upper-division undergraduate students who possess strong analytical, decision making, multi-tasking, communication, and Microsoft Office skills. Applicants should have a passion for improving end-to-end customer experience, innovation and customer first thinking as well as a strong interest in digital space and ability to collaborate with technology and product partners. Additionally, they should have a demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively in high pressure situations. Knowledge of SQL, SAS, Java, Hive, Yellow Brick, or Python is a plus. Interns will support making the right credit and fraud risk decisions that uphold operational excellence, drive growth, and accelerate innovation across American Express. The CFR division combines technology and infrastructure with new computing techniques to make better risk decisions and provide real-time customer communications and fraud servicing. This internship is offered in Phoenix, AZ, and New York, NY, as a hybrid role.

WBD Sports Marketing and Social Media Internship

The WBD Sports Marketing and Social Media Internship is open to rising junior and senior-level undergraduate students 18 years of age and older with a 3.0 GPA. To be considered for this role, you should have extensive knowledge and an extreme passion for internet sports culture, a background or interest in growth or email marketing, and a strong passion for television content and pop culture. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and good communication skills are necessary. As an intern, you will support B/R storytelling's team of producers to develop and produce sport-specific content including but not limited to NBA, NFL, College Sports, MLB, Soccer, Combat Sports and more. You will join brainstorms and pitch ideas for short-form storytelling content to live across Bleacher Report social platforms and will compile notes, images and footage to guide post production. You will also write scripts for short-form content executions, assist in preparing assets for long-form content, work closely with the team in the development and execution of email and in-app marketing strategy, assist in creating copy and inspiring ideas for new campaigns and executions, learn to develop regular performance reports and manage metrics tracking documentation, and support the creation of deeplinks and manage implementation across multiple platforms. This internship is offered in Atlanta, GA, during the fall.

Vineyard Vines Supply Chain/Logistics Fall Internship

The Vineyard Vines Supply Chain/Logistics Fall Internship is open to students pursuing a bachelor's degree who have an interest in supply chain. To be considered for this role, you should have great communication, teamwork, problem solving, and Microsoft Office skills. As an intern, you will focus on Personalization Screenprint Competitive Analysis. Specifically, you will determine who is offering service, among a select group of competitors, and further analyze their assortment, production order minimums, pricing, production methods and turnarounds. This internship is offered in Stamford, CT, during the fall.

Jacksonville Jaguars Social Media Internship

The Jacksonville Jaguars Social Media Internship is available to current students and recent graduates who are majoring in communications, marketing, and related fields. To be considered for this role, you should have experience capturing and producing social-first content in various forms. You should have one plus years of social media experience, including copywriting and publishing across platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and TikTok, as well as with Adobe software, specifically Photoshop and Premiere. You should also have knowledge in interpreting social media analytics to gauge campaign success and inform strategy decisions. As an intern, you will gain an all-encompassing understanding of social media marketing and will understand the front-office side of football by helping to plan campaigns to reach wider audiences, sell tickets, promote events, and drive revenue. This internship is offered in Jacksonville, FL.

Disney College Program Internship

The Disney College Program is open to students aged 18 and older. Interns will work at world-renowned theme parks and resorts while gaining hands-on, real-world experience in their field of study and valuable professional experience. A non-refundable program fee of $467 is required for all Disney Programs participants.

Oklahoma City Thunder Video Production and ThunderVision Internship

The Oklahoma City Thunder Video Production and ThunderVision Internship is open to students pursuing a degree in broadcasting, video production, marketing, or motion graphics. To be considered for this opportunity, you should possess strong communication and listening skills with the ability to adapt content across multiple platforms, including print, web, audio, and video. You should also be proficient in Microsoft Office programs. Preference will be given to applicants with camera experience (Sony, Canon, and Panasonic), knowledge of control room equipment (Ross XPression, Click FX, and Evertz DreamCatcher), and familiarity with Avid, Adobe Premiere, After Effects, or Photoshop. As an intern, you will work alongside a team of creative professionals, learning about filming, editing, and live production. This internship is designed to help students build their skills and prepare for future careers in sports, media, or entertainment, and is offered in Oklahoma City, OK.

Walker Sands Content Remote Internship

The Walker Sands Content Remote Internship is available to undergraduate and graduate students with coursework in journalism, public relations, marketing communications, English, or business. To be considered for this internship, you should be passionate about writing and strengthening your editorial skills, including strong grammar and AP writing style. Additionally, you should be eager to work in a collaborative environment, be able to prioritize, and be detail-oriented. As an intern, you will help develop blog posts, contribute articles, tip sheets, and other content assets. You will learn the ins and outs of creating high-impact copy, and you will gain a deeper understanding of how important creative content can be. This internship is offered remotely year-round and runs for 12 weeks.

SiriusXM Internship

The SiriusXM Internship is available to upper-division undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates. Internships are offered in: finance, marketing, human resources, programming (music, talk, and sports), talent relations, public relations, ad sales, product, client services, promotions, technology, software engineering, video programming, and podcast. As an intern, you will have an in-depth look into the world of entertainment and technology, where you will make valuable contributions to the company, experience hands-on opportunities, and gain valuable skills to leverage in your future career. Internships are offered during the summer, fall, and spring.

Tesla Federal Policy Internship

The Tesla Federal Policy Internship is open to highly motivated students who possess strong analytical skills, are excellent communicators, and can make rational, logical decisions. Applicants should also have the capacity to create written reports, proposals, processes, and presentations. Prior related work experience is desired, including co-op or internship programs focused on government, policy, supply chain, or business. During the initial phase of the internship, interns will rotate through key areas of the Federal Policy Team's work, such as legislative tracking, regulatory analysis, and stakeholder engagement, to gain a comprehensive understanding of federal policy and advocacy. The second phase will focus on a specific policy area or project related to federal issues. A capstone deliverable, such as a presentation, research report, or policy brief, will be presented at the completion of the internship, culminating the experiences gained and lessons learned. This internship is located in Washington, DC.

New York Islanders Public and Media Relations Internship

The New York Islanders Public and Media Relations Internship is open to students studying public relations, communications, journalism, and related fields. To be considered for this role, you should be organized, detail-oriented, punctual, and hard-working. You should also be familiar with AP style. Proficiency in Adobe suites (including Photoshop and InDesign) is preferred. As an intern, you will assist with preparing and distributing credentials, managing the press box, contributing to game notes, conducting statistical research, and more, all the while working with New York sports media. Game Day staff will assist with duties during all Islanders preseason, regular season, and playoff home games throughout the season. This internship is offered in the Elmont, NY, area.

Lowe's Internship

The Lowe's Internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. To be considered for an internship, you should be driven and dynamic, willing to take on new challenges, and possess excellent collaboration skills. As an intern, you will enhance your understanding of the retail business world through valuable, hands-on experience with a FORTUNE® 50 company. You will gain broad learning experience, organizational knowledge, and business acumen.

Starbucks Internship

The Starbucks Internship is available to upper-division undergraduate students and to first-year graduate students. Internships are offered in technology, supply chain, business, data analytics, engineering, manufacturing management, transportation, finance, accounting, economics, global business services, licensed store business development, human resources, and other fields. Throughout this 10-12-week program, you will work full-time on meaningful projects, participate in round tables with executives and leadership, and access professional development workshops. This internship is offered in Seattle, WA; relocation support is available.

James Patterson Publishing Internship

The James Patterson Publishing Internship is open to applicants who are passionate about books and reading and have a strong interest in and thorough familiarity with popular culture. To be considered for this role, you should possess excellent writing and Microsoft Office skills and be highly organized, detail-oriented, articulate, culture-savvy, creative, and personable. Relevant prior work experience is preferred, but above all, the candidate should be confident and possess a natural aptitude for problem-solving. As an intern, you will assist with all aspects of author support including editorial schedule management, advertising, trade marketing, social media, and publicity. Tasks include drafting book copy and online content, assisting with social media outreach, reading reports, tracking data, maintaining spreadsheets, and serving as a liaison between the publisher and outside entertainment industry contacts. This internship is offered in New York, NY.

TikTok Software Engineering Internship

The TikTok Software Engineering Internship is available to students pursuing an undergraduate or master's degree in software development, computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline. To be considered for this opportunity, you should have prior experience working with languages like Go/Python/PHP/C++/C/Java, possess excellent communication and teamwork skills, and have strong experience with data structures and algorithms. As an intern, you will gain valuable, hands-on experience and focus on the backend, testing, algorithm, or other area of the engineering team. This internship is offered in various locations.

Amazon Internship

The Amazon Internship is available to students currently enrolled in undergraduate, MBA, or equivalent master’s level programs. You must be committed to learning new things, taking ownership, and getting things done to be considered for this internship. As an intern, you will roll up your sleeves to complete a high-priority project that will significantly impact the business.

iRobot Global Design Internship

The iRobot Global Design Internship is open to students pursuing a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field. To be considered for this role, you should have strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud (PSD, InD, Ai, XD), Figma, Canva, Microsoft Office suite, and video editing (Premiere Pro or After Effects). You should possess strong knowledge and understanding of typography and other basic design principles, as well as an understanding of various file types, image resolutions, and basics of creating and saving multiple asset types (.psd, .mp4, .gif, .jpg, .eps, .png, .ae, etc.) for both digital and print. As an intern, you will assist in the creation and adaptation of large campaigns as well as derivative works of digital assets, image resizes, video editing, email and web marketing assets, supporting the creation of new assets as necessary, and more for the global marketing organization. Responsibilities also include using and managing iRobot’s Digital Asset Management (DAM) system to ensure the successful delivery of these assets to stakeholders. This internship is offered in Bedford, MA.

Tesla Internship

The Tesla Internship is available to undergraduate and graduate students. Internships are available in autopilot and robotics, charging, construction and facilities, design, energy (solar and storage), engineering and information technology, environmental health and safety, external relations and employee experience, finance, human resources, legal and government affairs, manufacturing, operations and business support, sales and customer support, supply chain, vehicle service, and vehicle software. As an intern, you will perform meaningful work from day one and will be challenged to take on high-impact projects, expand your technical skills, and exceed your own expectations. Interns experience one-on-one mentorship, interactive networking events, and weekly seminars within the Tesla community of experts. Internships are offered in various locations in the U.S.

Alexis Gregory Fellowship for European Decorative Arts

The Alexis Gregory Fellowship for European Decorative Arts is available to outstanding candidates with a master’s degree or pursuing a Ph.D. in art history who wish to pursue a curatorial career in an art museum, particularly in decorative arts. As a fellow, you will have opportunities to work with members of the Frick’s Curatorial Department on research for permanent collection displays and special exhibitions. The fellow will engage in various duties, including but not limited to supporting projects managed by the Associate Curator of Decorative Arts, conducting research for exhibitions, writing texts for Frick publications, leading tours and gallery talks, contributing to educational programming, and assisting with daily administrative tasks. The fellow will have access to the collections and library, as well as introductions to New York City museums and libraries. Frick curators and conservation staff in the Sherman Fairchild Center for Art Conservation will be available for consultation on the dissertation (if applicable). This one-year fellowship is offered in New York, NY, from September to August. You will learn about managing a multi-million-dollar project, the innovative technology used for planning, scheduling, and design, and the wide range of professional roles needed to build great buildings. Internships are offered in various locations in the U.S.

Shell Internship

The Shell Internship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who have a minimum GPA of 3.2. After completing the internship program, you must have at least one semester left to be considered. Additionally, you should enjoy being challenged, be innovative, be good at absorbing information, be driven, and possess excellent analytical skills. As an intern, you will get to know Shell from the inside and immerse yourself in the energy industry by joining a project team and working alongside employees who are all professionals in their fields. You'll have full day-to-day involvement in real projects tailored to your interests and abilities. A supervisor and mentor will support you directly, and you'll undertake regular assessments throughout your internship to ensure you get the most from the experience. Internships are typically offered in Texas, Louisiana, California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Principal Financial Services Internship

The Principal Financial Services Internship is available to undergraduate and graduate students. Internships are offered in accounting, actuarial, investments, marketing and communications, technology and engineering, and other related areas. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience with real responsibilities, have access to executives, work in a great environment, and participate in lunch-and-learns, team outings, personal finance seminars, and networking events. Internships are offered in Des Moines, IA.

Animal Care Specialist 1 -- Marine Mammal Pinniped Department Internship

The Animal Care Specialist 1-Marine Mammal Pinniped Department Internship is available to applicants 18 years of age and older who have an associate's degree in biology, psychology, zoology or related field, or equivalent of two years of relevant experience. You must possess strong swimming skills (SCUBA certification preferred), be willing and able to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, possess quick reflexes and be able to react to changing animal situations and be willing to work in and around cold saltwater in order to be considered for this internship. Intern duties may include preparing daily rations, feeds animals, and stores food, cleaning and sanitizing animal enclosures, monitoring and recording animal behavior, provide animal enrichment and husbandry training maintenance, and additional duties as needed. This internship is located in Vallejo, CA.

Marriott/Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Culinary Internship

The Marriott/Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Culinary Internship is open to culinary students. As an intern, you will gain immersive, hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. This full-time internship is offered in Nashville, TN, and runs for eight-ten weeks.

Miami Heat Video Control Room Internship

The Miami Heat Video Control Room Internship is open to students working towards a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree and/or technical certificate in broadcasting, television production, media production, or broadcast engineering. To be considered for this role, you must have a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. You must also be able to attend all home Heat games and events and be comfortable to work in a fast paced, high-pressure environment. Editing knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite Programs is a plus as is familiarity with operating live control room equipment. As an intern, you will assist in all stages of production from the conception of production. elements to execution of the live production. Your functions may include crafting motion graphics, gripping, engineering, camera operation, content management, general maintenance and gameday production. This season-long internship is offered in Miami, FL.

Mississippi Museum of Art Marketing Internship

The Mississippi Museum of Art Marketing Internship is open to sophomore-level and above college students who possess strong writing and editing skills across email, press materials, and marketing copy. Applicants should have a proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate needs, maintain a sense of calm, and be able to remain organized in a fast-paced environment. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience and will support the marketing team across digital and print communications, event promotion, and marketing operations. This internship is offered during the fall in Jackson, MS.

Lenovo Customer Quality Engineering Internship

The Lenovo Customer Quality Engineering Internship is open to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science. To be considered for this role, you should be motivated and possess strong communication and organizational skills. A hobbyist or professional experience with PC assembly/repair preferred. As an intern, you will support the Commercial Customer Quality Management team. This is a hands-on position working on a variety of PC platforms, including ThinkPad, Desktop, Workstation, Visuals, ThinkEdge, and Accessories. In this role, you will expand your understanding of PC hardware, subsystems, monitors/accessories/options, as well as the Windows OS and drivers. In addition, you will work with a global team of technology experts at one of the world's leading technology firms. This hardware-based opportunity does not involve software development or software debugging, but having an understanding of programming languages, tools, and methods is useful in the role. This internship is offered in Morrisville, NC.

Why Are Paid Internships Important?

Nowadays, it's imperative that students have some type of intern experience on their resume. A strong internship will enable you to stand out from the competition as well as provide some real-world scenarios to talk through during job interviews.

Exposure to Real Life

Paid internships for students are oftentimes a student's first foray into the real working world. While they may have held part-time jobs in the past, an internship is their first glimpse into the career or field to which they hope to enter after graduation. Interns will be able to see how to perform a job and conduct themselves in the workplace. They will gain experience by observing basic workplace etiquette, such as showing up on time and reporting to a manager.

An Opportunity to Learn

In addition to learning how to perform a specific job or role, interns will gain a variety of real-life lessons during their internship. They'll observe and practice balancing multiple projects, presenting in meetings, and integrating into a team. Interns shouldn't just perform the tasks at hand. They should utilize this time to observe, ask questions, and absorb everything happening around them.

Develop Professional Skills

Interns' learning opportunities aren't limited to how to do a specific job or role. Rather, they're learning how to be an employee who can transition into any field or setting. Invaluable skills learned during an internship include communication, teamwork, professionalism, and so much more. The only way to learn many of these is through hands-on experience.

Networking and Relationship Building

Finally, interns benefit from meeting a variety of people in their field of interest during their time working. These relationships can serve as stepping stones after graduation – and throughout the rest of their career. It's imperative that interns make a good impression with everyone that they work with, and to set up meetings throughout their internship to build relationships across a variety of departments.

How to Choose the Right Paid Internship for You

When it comes to finding the best paid internships, students need to be strategic about where they work. While any internship is a great experience, you'll benefit more from an opportunity that aligns with your career goals.

Make sure the student internship is in your field of study.

Internships are the initial stepping stone to one's career. It is more worthwhile to choose an internship that is within a student's field of study and their hoped-for career after graduation. Employers will choose a graduate with experience in the field over one without. A simple choice in college could make a huge impact on the future.

Does it fit your degree requirements?

Many students are able to forgo classes for a semester to complete an internship. However, the internship must meet their degree requirements. Work closely with your college's career center or internship office to ensure that their internship will count for credit, all while staying on track to graduate. Furthermore, students who complete a summer internship may be able to parley that into college credit as well.

Will the hours fit your academic schedule?

If students do plan to complete an internship while attending classes, they must make it work within their academic schedule. What good is an internship if it hurts a student's GPA and delays their graduation? When taking on internships, students must work with their employer and their college to ensure the opportunity benefits them in both spheres.

Consider location.

Finally, students should consider the internship's location. It may be beneficial to stay close to campus. However, if they hope to move to a different city after college – say, New York or Los Angeles – it may be in their best interest to secure an internship there. Not only will students have the experience of working in that city, but they will also be able to make personal connections with people living and working there that could help them after graduation.