Top 30 Minority Internships for 2018

By Joyce Huber

The job market for college grads is changing and becoming more competitive. Now, in addition to GPA and accomplishments, employers want to see more applicants who have completed one or more internships. In fact, according to Monster.com, internship experience is one of the most important factors now for employers when considering new college grads for full-time positions.

An internship gives students on-the-job experience while they are still in college. Why is this so important? Internships teach skills that are beyond classroom knowledge. For employers, a college student who has completed one or more internships is often equivalent to full-time employees who have been on the job for many years. For college students, listing one or more internships on their resume shows initiative and real job experience in their field, making them more competitive than other college students who have not completed an internship and more valuable to employers.

Another important factor to keep in mind when considering an internship is that the job market is often less than fair when it comes to hiring minorities. This is changing, shown by the increasing number of internships available now for minorities. But finding valuable internships for minorities takes preparation and careful planning. So, be sure to prepare early.

To assist minority students in locating top internships for minorities, below are some of the best minority internships currently being offered. Each year, the number increases, providing more opportunities for minority students to compete in the job market by completing an internship in their field of study while they are still in college.

Plan Ahead

Important information to look for in these internships include 1) which minorities are included, 2) is the internship in a specific field of study or general, 3) what specific majors are eligible for the internship. In addition, note what grade level is required in order to apply (college freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate level), required GPA, location of internship, and whether it includes pay and/or housing. 

Planning ahead also means you can begin NOW to assemble all the documents you will most likely need for any internship. This can include your cover letter, resume, grade transcripts, and letters of reference. Also be prepared to complete an essay. 

TOP 30 MINORITY INTERNSHIPS FOR 2018

1. Year Up Internship Program - this internship helps urban young adults increase their technical skills and prepare for a career in information technology. Students are paid a stipend during the internship program and also receive mentoring, guidance and expert career advice.

2. Microsoft Internship Program For Women and Minorities -  this very competitive 12-week summer internship program is specifically designed for undergraduate minority college freshmen and sophomores interested in a paid summer internship in software engineering. Students must major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related disciplines.

3. TV One Internship Program - TV One is one of the largest African American cable networks. Their summer internship is open to full-time or part-time students attending an accredited college or university with an interest in the media industry. Internships are offered to undergraduate college students in the Fall, Spring and Summer.

4.  The Minority Access Internship Program - internships are offered in the spring, summer and fall to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduates and professionals. Interns receive pre-employment training and counseling on career choices as well as professional development, with the possibility of full-time employment after graduation.

5. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Internships  - 3 different paid internships are available along with housing for college students pursuing undergraduate associates or bachelors degrees. A GPA of 2.5 or above is required.

6. BET Networks Internships - BET is the most prominent television network targeting African American audiences. BET offers paid internships for both undergraduate and graduate college students at five different BET locations. The 10-week internships are open to students interested in careers in the media industry.

7. Allstate Insurance Internships -  Allstate is the second largest personal lines insurer in the U.S., offering paid summer internships in a variety of major and minor study areas and at various locations across the U.S.

8. PricewaterhouseCoopers - offers more than 700 internships each year across 29 countries for college students majoring in accounting and finance. Students will work with highly skilled professionals and receive a realistic insight into the accounting and finance profession.

9. Dell Computers  - 10-12 week internships are offered during the summer for undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of marketing and sales, finance and accounting, IT and more. Dell Computers, a subsidiary of Dell Technologies, is one of the largest technology companies in the world.

10. Oracle - the second largest software maker offers 8-week, paid internships to students who attend one of the 39-member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The internships help students to gain knowledge and experience in the field of technology.

11. General Motors - this automotive giant offers paid internships in the areas of communications, finance, information technology, marketing, engineering, manufacturing, health and safety. The internships offer a challenging work experience in the automotive industry.

12. Merck  - one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Merck offers 9-11 week internships to college students in the areas of research & development, sales & marketing, information technology, human resources, communications, finance and legal, as well as internships in biology and chemistry.

13. Coca-Cola -  offers paid internships to minority students who are college sophomores majoring in chemistry, engineering, finance, human resources, information technology, marketing or business management. Internships are usually in Atlanta, Georgia.

14. NASCAR - offers paid, 10-week, full-time, summer internships to deserving minority students with an interest in the NASCAR industry. Applicants may be of Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic, or of other racial minority descent.

15. Google - offers rich learning experiences for college students that include pay. Google is rated No. 1 by Forbes as the best internship opportunity for college students interested in a career in software engineering. Google offers an open culture and rich learning experience as well as good pay.

16. UNCF/NAACP - 10-week, paid summer internships are offered to undergraduate students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Gateway to Leadership Internship Program offers finance majors an opportunity to work with major financial organizations.

17. NABJ - the National Association of Black Journalists offers internships to minority students interested in pursuing a future career in journalism. Applicants selected for a 10-week internship will be offered positions in print, broadcast or online disciplines at selected news organizations across the country.

18. Essence Communications Internship - this 9-week, paid internship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in a career in the media industry. Candidates must have a strong interest in issues among African American women.

19. Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) - this paid internship is offered to college students pursuing a career in advertising. Eligible students must be Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Multiracial or Multi-ethnic.

20. Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) National Internship Program (HNIP)  - offers paid internships for college students in the spring, summer and fall. Over 50 students each session are offered internship positions in Washington, D.C.  

21. Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Diversity Internship - offers a 12-week summer internship for undergraduate college students across various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including but not limited to Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, and Hispanic descent.

22. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Internship - offers paid, summer internships to racial/ethnic minorities, female students, and students with disabilities and provides them with an opportunity to work in a professional work environment within Wisconsin state government.

23. SAMHSA Internship Program - offers spring and summer internships in a wide variety of areas to college students who have completed their freshman year. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply; students who have graduated within the last 12 months may also apply.

24. James E. Webb Internship Program - is open to minority undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students in the areas of business and public administration. Internships include pay and are offered in the spring, summer, and fall.

25. FAA Minority Serving Institutions Intern Program - is open to minority college students interested in a career in aviation. Scholarships are available in many academic fields, including Business Administration, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Information Technology, and more. 

26. Monell Center Science Apprenticeship Program - offers paid internships to high school and undergraduate college students in the Philadelphia area who are interested in careers in science and research. Students from underrepresented groups will be given preference.

27. Diversity Internship at The Strong - offers a 8-10 week, paid internship to undergraduate and graduate college students from diverse backgrounds with an interest in a career in the museum field. The Strong is one of the largest history museums in the U.S.

28. Greening Youth Foundation HBCUI Internship Program Greening Youth Foundation HBCUI Internship Program - offers paid, 10-week internships to HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) students around the country. Internships include housing and provides students a hands-on work experience at one of 12 National Park Services around the country. 

29. The AAAS Minority Science Writers Internship - is a 10-week internship in Washington, D.C. for minorities attending an accredited college or university and majoring in journalism. 

30. William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship For Minority Students - is offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer to minority undergraduate or graduate students with a strong interest in working in nonprofit or other social organizations. As a Hearst Fellow, interns will work 12-15 hours a week in the social sector. 

Want more internships? We have plenty. Visit FindInternships.com today and continue your search or start with our 2018 Most Prestigious Internships list!