10 Best Companies to Intern for During College

March 31, 2025

If you’re a college student looking to land an awesome internship, you’ll want to check out the best companies to intern for. These opportunities can really set you up for success, giving you hands-on experience and valuable insights into your field.

In this blog, we’ll be sharing the best companies to intern for during college. These companies are known for their top-notch intern programs, offering mentorship, challenging projects, and often paving the way for full-time work after graduation. So, don’t hesitate to explore what these companies have to offer—it could be your ticket to a great career start!

What Are the Best Companies that Offer Internships for College Students?
How Important Is an Internship During College?
Frequently Asked Questions
Takeaways

What Are the Best Companies that Offer Internships for College Students?

An internship is a short-term opportunity that gives you hands-on experience in a specific industry or field. It’s your chance to take what you’ve learned in class and apply it to real-world situations—while also getting an inside look at how a company or organization actually operates.

Internships come in all shapes and sizes. Some last just a few weeks, while others stretch across months or even a full year. They can be part-time, full-time, paid, or unpaid, and they’re available in industries like business, marketing, finance, government, and tech. No matter your major, there’s likely an internship out there that fits your goals.

Many companies have top-notch internship programs available for students interested in a wide range of fields. Check them out below:

1. Google

Google is no longer just about searching the web. They offer a wide array of internships across various fields. They’re known for their innovative projects and supportive environment, perfect for diving deep into cutting-edge technologies. Google currently offers internships for the following:

Software Engineering
Software Development
Student Researcher, PhD
Student Researcher, BS/MS
Research Scientist

Google interns receive competitive pay that ranges from $5K to $10K a month.

Often, interns receive full-time offers upon graduation. Google also offers incredible on-site perks at the Googleplex, including 24 cafes featuring a variety of cuisines and multiple gyms to help you maintain a fit and active lifestyle. All of this—plus Google’s engaging culture and casual dress code—doesn’t hurt either.

2. Goldman Sachs

If you’re looking to break into finance and banking, an internship at Goldman Sachs is one of the most prestigious opportunities out there. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work on real projects, and receive mentorship from senior professionals—all of which can significantly boost your chances of landing a full-time analyst role.

Goldman Sachs currently offers the following internship programs for US-based students:

2025 Summer Associate Program
2025 Summer Analyst Program
Experienced Professional Hiring

Goldman Sachs internships are also highly lucrative, with interns earning an average of $8,000–$9,000 per month, plus around $5,000 for housing and $750 for relocation in cities like New York and Dallas. Many interns transition into full-time positions, making this program a powerful stepping stone in your career.

Beyond the financial incentives, Goldman Sachs offers some impressive perks, including on-site fitness centers, health services, and an employee assistance program. While these benefits add to the appeal, keep in mind that the finance world is known for its demanding hours—so be prepared to work hard and make the most of this valuable experience.

3. Deloitte

If you’re into consulting and professional services, Deloitte has a lot to offer. They provide internships in audit & assurance, consulting, tax services, and risk management. Currently, Deloitte offers the following internships:

A Deloitte internship offers a competitive salary along with valuable professional experiences. Interns can expect attractive compensation, with general interns earning an average of $30.66 per hour, which is 55% above the national average.

4. Proctor and Gamble

Interested in consumer goods and marketing? P&G is a giant in the industry, offering internships in brand management, sales, supply chain, and research & development. You’ll get to work on global brands and innovative products, gaining insights into how a household name like P&G stays ahead in a competitive market.

P&G offers the following internships for both undergraduate and graduate students:

P&G’s program is all about developing strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills, making it perfect for students aiming for careers in business management. Plus, the pay is solid—interns earn an average of $25 per hour. On top of that, P&G offers great perks like professional mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to senior leaders.

5. Microsoft

As one of the biggest names in tech, Microsoft offers highly regarded internships across its product teams, research groups, and business divisions. They offer internships in software engineering, product management, AI research, and marketing.

In particular, Microsoft offers the following internship programs:

And the pay? It’s pretty sweet. Interns earn an average of around $17 per hour. Microsoft also goes the extra mile with perks like a health club membership, software discounts, and even subsidized car rentals or bike purchase plans.

6. Nike

If you’re dreaming of crafting the next Air Jordan or revolutionizing athlete performance with cutting-edge technology, Nike gives you a front-row seat to how a global powerhouse operates. Nike offers internships in product design, global marketing, supply chain management, and even data analytics.

Interns earn an average base salary of $42,000 per year, with total compensation around $57,000 annually. Beyond the paycheck, Nike provides employee discounts, comprehensive health insurance options, and generous vacation policies, making it an attractive place to grow professionally.

7. Coca-Cola

You know the brand, but do you know the magic behind it? A Coca-Cola internship takes you deep into the world of marketing, business strategy, sustainability, and even food science. If you’re drawn to global branding, supply chain logistics, or innovative product development, Coca-Cola’s internships give you hands-on experience with some of the world’s most iconic beverages.

Coca-Cola usually offers internships for the following positions:

Marketing intern
Publicity and communications intern
Business operations

Interns at Coca-Cola earn approximately $23 per hour, which is 16% higher from the national average. While specific perks may vary, interns often benefit from networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and firsthand experience in large-scale marketing initiatives.

8. Adobe

If creativity is your thing, Adobe is where you want to be. Adobe’s internships put you at the heart of the tech behind Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. Adobe is a leader in digital experiences, so you’ll get a chance to work on cutting-edge projects in cloud computing, AI, and marketing analytics.

Adobe offers the following internship programs:

Adobe is known for offering competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including health coverage, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities. Interns gain valuable experience in digital marketing strategies and product promotions.

9. IBM

Think IBM is just about old-school computing? Think again. With IBM internships spanning artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, and quantum computing, IBM is at the forefront of next-generation technology. IBM also offers opportunities in consulting, business strategy, and UX research.

Interns often receive mentorship, access to extensive learning resources, and the opportunity to work on innovative projects that impact various industries.

IBM currently has a Software Developer position open for internship applications.

10. American Express

Internships at American Express range from financial analysis and risk management to marketing, product development, and even machine learning. It’s a perfect fit if you want to dive into the world of fintech, global business strategy, or customer loyalty programs.

AMEX has the following internships available for applicants:

Campus Undergraduate – 2025 Global Servicing & Business Strategy Summer Internship Sunrise
Campus Undergraduate – 2025 Global Servicing & Business Strategy Summer Internship Phoenix
Campus Graduate – General Counsel’s Organization Summer Internship New York

Additionally, interns in New York City may earn approximately $40.66 per hour, equating to $7,048 per month, with a $5,000 sign-on bonus.

How Important Is an Internship During College?

Internships are a game-changer when it comes to launching your career. Here’s why internships matter and how they can give you a head start in your professional journey:

1. Gain real-world experience

Classroom learning is great, but nothing beats real-world experience. An internship lets you apply what you’ve learned in a professional setting, helping you understand how things actually work beyond textbooks and lectures.

2. Build a competitive resume

Employers love candidates with experience. When you intern at one of the best companies to intern for like Google, P&G, and Nike, you stand out from the crowd. A strong internship on your resume signals that you have the skills and work ethic to succeed in your industry.

3. Develop in-demand skills

Internships help you sharpen both technical and soft skills. From mastering industry tools to improving communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, you’ll grow in ways that make you more valuable to future employers.

4. Expand your professional network

It’s not just about what you know—it’s also about who you know. Internships introduce you to professionals in your field, and those connections can lead to mentorship, job recommendations, and even full-time job offers down the road.

5. Test-drive your career path

Not sure if a certain industry or role is the right fit? An internship is the perfect way to explore different career options before making a long-term commitment. You’ll get firsthand insight into the day-to-day responsibilities and decide if it’s something you truly enjoy.

6. Increase your chances of landing a full-time job

Many companies hire their top interns for full-time positions. If you prove yourself during your internship, you could walk away with a job offer before you even graduate. Some of the best companies to intern for, like Google, Goldman Sachs, and Deloitte, have high intern-to-employee conversion rates.

7. Earn while you learn

Many internships offer competitive pay, so you’re not just gaining experience—you’re also making money. Companies like Microsoft, P&G, and American Express pay their interns well, with some earning upwards of $7,000 per month!

8. Boost your confidence

There’s nothing like working on real projects and seeing the impact of your contributions. Internships help build confidence by allowing you to take on challenges, make decisions, and see how your work fits into the bigger picture.

9. Gain exclusive perks

Beyond just experience and pay, many top internships come with incredible perks. Think free meals, fitness memberships, travel opportunities, and more. Companies like Nike and Adobe offer awesome benefits to their interns, making the experience even more rewarding.

10. Set yourself up for success

At the end of the day, internships give you an edge. They provide the experience, skills, and connections you need to step into the workforce with confidence. If you’re serious about your career, landing an internship at one of the best companies to intern for is a smart move.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which company has the best internship program in the US?

Based on the results of the 2024 Internship Survey, the NASA OSTEM Internship is ranked 1st.

NASA’s OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) internship program offers students the chance to work directly with NASA engineers, research scientists, and others to grow their STEM skills.

2. What are the best companies to intern for in business?

In finance, firms like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley provide elite internships in investment banking, wealth management, and risk analysis.

If you’re interested in consumer goods and marketing, Procter & Gamble, Nike, and Coca-Cola offer brand management and supply chain roles. The financial services sector, including American Express, Visa, and Mastercard, provides fintech and business strategy internships.

In tech, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon provide business internships in sales, product management, and operations.

3. How can I apply for an internship at these top companies?

Most companies post internship opportunities on their careers page or platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, and Glassdoor. Here are some tips:

Start researching and applying 6-12 months in advance.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing/business experience.
Network with employees through LinkedIn or career fairs to get referrals.
Prepare for interviews by practicing case studies, behavioral questions, and marketing strategy discussions.
Stay updated on company internship deadlines, as they vary throughout the year.

Takeaways

Some of the best companies to intern for during college include Google, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Proctor and Gamble, Microsoft, Nike, Coca-Cola, Adobe, and IBM.
When thinking about an internship, it’s important to examine the organization and its internship program to make sure it complements your interests and professional objectives.
Our college admissions experts can help you regarding different internship programs and how to effectively prepare for them.