Welcome to the land of lakes, forests, and boundless opportunities! As the summer sun begins to cast its warm glow over Minnesota, it's not just the weather that's heating up — it's also internship season!
Whether you're a college student eager to dive into real-world experiences or a professional looking to pivot your career path, finding the right summer internship can be a game-changer.
Minnesota, with its vibrant cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud, offers a dynamic landscape for internships across industries. From bustling corporate headquarters to innovative startups and everything in between, this state has something for everyone.
In this guide, we'll navigate the waters of internship hunting together, uncovering hidden gems, exploring key industries, and sharing insider tips to help you land that dream internship.
So, grab your iced coffee or refresher, and let's embark on this summer adventure toward professional growth and unforgettable experiences.
Great Summer Internships in Minnesota
Mortenson
Mortenson was named a 2024 top workplace by the Star Tribune.
The company offers several internship opportunities in areas like engineering, information technology (IT), field operations, project management, and more. They have offices across the country, and their internships often turn into full-time careers.
UPS
UPS, with locations across the country, has a diverse range of internship opportunities including positions in finance, accounting, airline operations, and technology. Their FlightPath Internship is particularly notable for those interested in aviation careers.
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy is a Fortune 500 company with a ton of exciting opportunities for students looking for summer internships. Most internships relate to a specific department, but you’ll learn about the business as a whole. Plus, internships are paid, often come with paid time off, can lead to full-time positions, and have some level of benefits, like a 401(k).
Magnifi Financial Credit Union
Magnifi is a member-owned credit union with 24 locations and over 300 employees.
They have finance internships open, but you’ll learn a lot about their sales process and build great communication skills.
Park Industries
Park Industries has a number of great opportunities for students and new grads in manufacturing. The steel and stone fabrication machinery company is located in St. Cloud and has nearly 300 employees on staff.
They offer internships year-round, so if you’re looking for a part-time position during the school year, Park Industries may have an opportunity for you.
Microbiologics
Microbiologics is a leader in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and virology. They’re headquartered in St. Cloud.
Microbiologics offers a paid internship program each summer. You’ll gain hands-on experience working on internal projects alongside professionals in the field.
Departments that offer internships include research and development, marketing, human resources, IT, business systems, and operations.
Marco Technologies
Marco has 47 locations and nearly 1,000 employees. They offer a wide range of summer internships for students. Not only that, but they have a good record for creating and fostering rewarding careers.
Northmarq
Northmarq, named one of CRE’s Best Places to Work of 2024, is a comprehensive commercial real estate capital markets firm. They offer several types of summer internships in their Minneapolis office, from human resources internships to marketing and communications internships.
How to Choose the Right Internship
When choosing the right internship, consider the following:
- Find alignment with your interests and major
- Be open to new possibilities
- Look for cross-training and hands-on experience
- Consider schedule flexibility
- Seek growth and long-term employment opportunities
- Weigh paid vs. unpaid internships
Prioritize an internship that aligns with your interests or major, especially if you’re a junior or senior preparing for your career. However, if you’re still exploring options, an internship that develops valuable skills can help you grow and clarify your career path.
Stay open to new possibilities — while an internship in your field is ideal, transferable skills from other industries can be just as valuable. Look for internships offering cross-training opportunities or hands-on experience to gain a well-rounded understanding of the business.
Consider scheduling flexibility, especially if you’re juggling classes or a summer job. If long-term employment is your goal, seek internships with growth potential and opportunities for future hiring.
Lastly, weigh the benefits of paid vs. unpaid internships, ensuring the experience justifies the commitment. The key is to choose an internship that benefits you both now and in the future.
Intern with ATS
Embarking on a summer internship in Minnesota is more than just a stepping stone in your career — it's a chance for an invaluable experience and the opportunity to build connections.
Remember, the key to a rewarding internship lies in careful selection. Align your choice with your interests, remain open to new possibilities, seek out cross-training opportunities, and ensure the internship accommodates your schedule. Most importantly, consider the long-term potential of each opportunity, aiming for positions that might evolve into full-time careers.
Your summer internship is not just about gaining work experience; it's about laying the foundation for your future career. So, take the plunge, explore the opportunities, and make this summer a transformative chapter in your professional story.
ATS has a group of interns serving in different business areas each summer. The paid, full-time internships are hands-on with opportunities to job shadow and get hired on after graduation. Positions are posted early, but we accept resumes throughout the year.
Be sure to contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.
