If you’re planning to start looking for an internship and you are curious about the best companies out there to nurture your experience, you came to the right place! In this article, you’ll learn about the best companies to intern for. Landing the right summer internship can provide career exposure, allow you to apply what you've learned in the classroom, grow your professional network, and potentially lead to a full-time job offer down the road. But, keep in mind that your overall experience and happiness in your internship plays a major role too! That’s why we prioritized companies that offer great internship perks and benefits like a housing and/or relocation stipend, compensation, mentorship opportunities, workplace perks, and a friendly culture because let’s be honest – the world is moving away from the uptight corporate culture. Let’s dive into the top companies to intern for in 2024!
- Google - The tech giant is consistently ranked as one of the top companies for internships. Google interns receive competitive pay that ranges from $5K-$10K a month according to Glassdoor, plus a housing stipend that could be as much as $9K in San Francisco and the Bay Area reported by Try Exponent. Interns get to work on meaningful projects, and being a tech company, they heavily seek out computer science and business and marketing interns. Often, interns receive full-time offers upon graduation. Google has some incredible perks too on-site at their Googleplex like 24 cafes that feature a variety of cuisines, multiple gyms so you can keep a fit and active lifestyle, and a wellness center as reported in an article by Business Insider. All of this, plus Google's engaging culture and casual dress code don't hurt either.
- Microsoft - Another major tech player, Microsoft offers well-regarded internship programs across its product teams, research groups, and business divisions. Microsoft Interns have a competitive salary of about $7K-$8K a month, plus a housing stipend of $2,500 for the Seattle location, and returning interns get a $5K bonus according to Inc. Interns in these roles can expect challenging work, personalized mentoring, and the chance to experience Microsoft's innovative and collaborative environment first-hand. Some workplace perks include a health club membership, software discounts, and subsidized car rental or bike purchase plan, as reported by Job Monkey. To find housing for your Microsoft internship, explore housing options in Seattle or other metros where you may need to relocate for.
- Goldman Sachs - For students pursuing careers in finance and banking, a summer internship at Goldman Sachs carries major prestige. Goldman interns get hands-on training, are staffed on real projects, receive coaching from senior professionals, and have a track record of securing full-time analyst roles. Goldman Sachs pays on average $8K-$9K a month, plus about $5K as a housing stipend and $750 for relocation for New York City and Dallas, TX located internships according to Levels.fyi. These roles often lead to full-time employment with the company. There are cool perks with this company as well, like office fitness centers, health centers, and an employee assistance program as reported by Fortune. All of these perks are great, but be aware of the long hours in the financial banking world.
- Walt Disney Company - With internships available across divisions like entertainment, media networks, parks and resorts, and more, Disney is an excellent option for students interested in creative fields. Disney interns gain insight into the magic behind the brand through both educational and hands-on opportunities as well as opportunities to meet leaders, build connections, and learn from career and professional development programs according to an article by Business Insider. Glassdoor reports the pay for Disney interns averages at about $4.5K per month. Disney also offers housing for interns, which costs $114-$205 per week and is taken out of the intern’s paycheck. This cost includes utilities and amenities as reported by Disney Careers. Perks include complimentary admission into Disney Parks as well as behind-the-scenes tours of different exhibits in the parks. To find housing for your Disney internship, explore housing options in Los Angeles or other metros where you may need to relocate for.
- Nationwide - The insurance and financial services company recruits interns across its core business areas as well as IT, marketing, sales, finance, and other corporate functions. Nationwide's internships are well-regarded for providing meaningful work, extensive training, potential pathways to entry-level roles after graduation, and benefits like free housing. Glassdoor reports a median monthly income as $5K. To accommodate intern’s housing needs, Nationwide Insurance partnered with the nearby Grand View University for interns to have safe and convenient housing available to apply for and live in. To find housing for your Nationwide internship, explore housing options in Columbus, OH or other metros where you may need to relocate for.
If you need a resource to help find housing, there is a platform called Intern Housing Hub that specializes in helping interns find safe and convenient housing. The site offers various college and university housing options in metropolitan and suburb areas across the U.S. and Canada for interns just like you to easily search and apply for housing for your summer internship.
These are just a few examples of the many outstanding companies that offer exceptional summer internship experiences packed with career development, mentorship, meaningful work...and out-of-the-box perks too! When evaluating opportunities, be sure to consider aspects like compensation packages, housing and relocation stipends, workplace perks, company culture, and of course alignment with your interests and career goals.
Ultimately, a great summer internship can be invaluable for developing professional skills, clarifying your future direction, and gaining a competitive edge for full-time employment. With some research into not just the role but the internship experience and perks, you'll be well on your way to an impactful internship this summer.