How do I get an Internship?

These are methods to help you find the right internship for you.

• Spend some time thinking about what type of internship experience you are interested in completing
• Brainstorm a list of organizations you would like to intern.  
• Meet with your academic department's Internship Coordinator
• Talk to potential employers at career and internship fairs.
• Remember, if you do not find an internship experience listed with the organization you're interested in, go directly to the source and inquire further!  Visiting the employer website can provide you with details on any internship programs they may have, or provide you with the information you need to inquire further.
• Don't forget to check on LinkedIn as well, where you can search for internship and entry-level job postings with companies related to people in your LinkedIn network.
• Reach out to your network via an informational interview, and make sure you ask where the person you are interviewing would recommend starting to look for internships in your field of interest.
• Make sure to fill out all of your paperwork correctly when applying for a posted internship! 
• Need more help?  Check out all the different ways that the Career Development Center can assist you!
• Check out the organizations’ websites and learn about their mission, noteworthy items that have been in the news, new program developments, and staff members.
• Handshake is a great resource for researching organizations that are specifically invested in Minnesota State Mankato students (See link to Video/Screencast below)
• Talk with people in your network to see if anyone has additional information about the organization you are interested in—often they have the “off the record” scoop and you can learn a lot from trusted sources.
• Keep organized notes on your findings to use as a resource in the application and interview process.
• Utilize your notes to form solid questions that you will ask at the end of your interview. You will impress them if you say “Upon doing some research, I found ____. Can you tell me more about this?”
• In any interactions with employers, know that they are the experts. Approach conversations with curiosity, not authority.

   

  Current Internship Openings

  Global Corporate Sales Team Internship - 30% commission

  Global Corporate Sales Team Internship - 30% commission Basic information Job description  Position: Sales Team Internship Open seats for interns: 10 Location: Remote Company: I.R.D.I. Business Group®, LLC Duration: Spring 2026, 3 to 6 months Compensation: Unpaid - 30% commission on closed sales  (no salary, no hourly wages)Hours: Select your own hours CPT OR OPT: is not available or accepted for this position. Must be an American citizen and eligible to legally work in the United States.  STATE ELIGIBILITY / COMPLIANCE NOTICEBecause wage-and-hour rules differ by state, we must confirm whether a commission-only internship structure is permitted for your state of residence. At this time, we cannot accept applicants residing in: California (CA), Washington (WA).Applicants in other states may apply; eligibility will be confirmed during screening.  Role Overview  Perfect. Here is a leadership-focused, executive-grade version suitable for your website, investor materials, and strategic recruitment decks. The tone positions the program as a talent pipeline, leadership incubator, and territorial growth engine for I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC. I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC’s Sales Internship Program is designed as a high-performance leadership pipeline that develops future sales executives, regional leaders, and strategic growth managers. This program provides driven candidates with direct exposure to enterprise-level business development, professional client engagement, and revenue generation within a structured, performance-based environment. Participants operate in a real-market setting, where initiative, discipline, and execution translate into measurable commercial outcomes and scalable territory growth. High-performing interns are eligible to earn exclusive sales territories, enabling long-term account development, regional ownership, and sustained portfolio expansion. This structure reinforces accountability, entrepreneurial thinking, and disciplined pipeline management while aligning individual performance with organizational growth objectives. The program further serves as a formal advancement pathway into State Sales Manager leadership roles, where top performers assume responsibility for regional strategy, market penetration, mentorship of junior representatives, and revenue leadership. Advancement is merit-based and driven by demonstrated execution, leadership maturity, operational reliability, and ethical professional standards. Through this model, I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC cultivates a disciplined sales organization that blends entrepreneurial initiative with institutional rigor, creating durable market presence, leadership continuity, and scalable national growth. Only sales interns who have successfully completed their 3-month skills confirmation will be eligible to be hired for permanent sales positions.  Job offers will be made only to interns who have successfully completed their skills confirmation review period.  Note: Due to the limited availability of college-credit-earning intern positions, we prioritize selecting interns who have volunteered with us for at least 3 months and are currently enrolled in the Spring 2026 semester. Proof of enrolment will be required. Bilingual persons encouraged to apply. About Us I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC (http://irdiworld.com) is a global commerce and economic development firm founded in California in 2003. The organization designs and executes real-world economic strategy projects across international trade, market development, business intelligence, and cross-border partnerships.In 2007, the firm received formal recognition from the State of California for its leadership supporting California’s boutique wine industry during a period of economic disruption. Since then, the organization has expanded its national and international engagement, supporting manufacturers, public agencies, and emerging enterprises.Students working with I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC gain direct exposure to real-world industry projects aligned with their academic major and career goals. Participants contribute to live national and global initiatives involving applied research, strategy development, data analysis, professional communications, and execution. This hands-on experience accelerates industry readiness and builds practical skills that translate directly into competitive career pathways.This program is designed for motivated students seeking exposure to complex real-world challenges, high professional standards, and meaningful responsibility. Participants develop leadership judgment, operational discipline, and global business fluency that distinguish them in competitive professional and academic environments.Participation is open to qualified students nationwide.I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC — Providing Real-World Solutions for Real-World Problems© Responsibilities Research and identify prospective clients (lead generation)Conduct outbound outreach (email, phone, video, and professional networks)Qualify inbound and outbound leads using structured discovery questionsPresent service offerings and value propositions clearly and professionallyCreate sales promotion material. Track outreach activity, pipeline stages, and follow-upsWork with leadership to refine messaging and improve conversion performanceClose sales and coordinate handoff for onboardingAttending weekly sales meetings is mandatory. BASIC QUALIFICATIONSCurrently enrolled in a U.S. college/university (or a recent graduate)Strong written and verbal communication skillsReliable internet access and the ability to work remotelyHigh initiative, professionalism, and follow-throughComfort with performance goals and commission-based compensationPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSPrior experience in sales, outreach, recruiting, or customer-facing workFamiliarity with CRM tools, spreadsheets, or pipeline tracking (helpful but not required) What We Offer Hands-on experience with real-world cybersecurity projects in relation to the global threat landscape. Opportunities to develop a strong portfolio. A collaborative and inclusive work environment. Potential for future employment opportunities. Add unrivalled gravity to your credentials as an experienced National practitioner in corporate sales. Interns who successfully complete their confirmation process of skills will receive a Letter of Recommendation and confirmation of skill and proficiency from Mr. Dornford Walker II, President of I.R.D.I. Business Group®, LLC, a Governor's appointee of Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Compensation  This internship is unpaid and classified as a volunteer position. Commission only: 30% of revenue on deals you originate and close.No base pay: this position does not provide a salary or hourly wageEarnings depend on performance and closed sales outcomesStudents at universities with which I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC holds academic agreements may be eligible for academic credit. Please contact us to confirm if your institution participates. Only interns who have successfully completed their “confirmation of competence” period (one full semester, volunteer tier) are eligible for job offers and paid project proposals. Division managers will assess the interns' proficiency and skills to determine competency. Upon successful evaluation, only confirmed interns may be considered for paid job or project offers. Evaluation Process  After submitting your required documents (proof of enrolment, cover letter, and resume), you may be asked to complete a brief questionnaire. Once your materials are reviewed, candidates may receive a job offer without a traditional interview.  Offers to join our internship program may also be extended without completing the questionnaire. Job offers are based on factors such as prior experience, recommendations from professors or team members, and overall qualifications. We reserve the right to apply discretion with regard to extending offers to candidates outside of a traditional interview process.  Upon accepting an offer, students must verify their identity by submitting a copy of their state- or federally issued ID, which will be confirmed against school records before a work agreement is provided. Overview: Handling of Students’ Sensitive Information Purpose of Collection Sensitive information, such as State or Federal identification, is requested only after a student has been formally offered an internship. The sole purpose of this request is to verify applicants’ legal identity and eligibility to work legally in the United States, and to protect both the student and the organization from fraudulent activity. Transmission of Documents Students are not required to send documents by email. Secure channels recommended, such as: Google Drive restricted sharing (view-only, password-protected, expiring access). Open-source secure methods are available for students who prefer an alternative.SecureDrop: (open-source whistleblower submission system) OnionShare: An open-source tool using Tor that allows anonymous, encrypted file sharing directly between students and organizations. Storage and Access Controls of sensitive information All sensitive student information (State or Federal IDs) is stored in encrypted drives accessible only to authorized personnel directly involved in internship verification. Access is strictly limited and monitored. Logs are kept of who accesses the files and when. Files are not shared with third parties under any circumstances.Retention and Disposal Student identification documents are kept only as long as necessary to verify work eligibility and fulfil compliance requirements. Once verification is complete, documents are either: Permanently deleted (or) Archived securely if required by law or institutional policy, with clear retention timelines. Confidentiality Commitment All material is classified as private and confidential. Only senior management of Human Resources and law enforcement have access to sensitive data. Students are informed of the exact purpose of ID collection. Used only for confirmation of the student’s identification and background check. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit the following: A current resume. A cover letter explaining your interest in the internship and how you meet the qualifications. Submit Proof of current enrolment as a Senior or Master's program for the Spring 2026 semester. Short cover notes answering:Why are you interested in commission-only sales?What state are you currently residing in?What weekly availability can you commit to?Please submit your application, proof of enrolment, and proof of U.S. citizenship via your Handshake account.  Application Deadline Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. I.R.D.I. Business Group®, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  Note: I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC maintains standing cooperation with domestic and international law enforcement agencies. All submitted information is subject to verification, background screening, and review by our compliance and cybersecurity divisions. Any falsification, misrepresentation, or submission of misleading, inconsistent, or counterfeit information or any conduct intended to mislead, disrupt, or interfere with the organization may result in immediate disqualification and referral to appropriate law enforcement and legal authorities. By submitting information or engaging with I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC, you acknowledge and consent to these verification, disclosure, and enforcement provisions.

  Management Trainee

  *This position requires speaking Chinese. Company IntroductionFounded by alumni from Yale, Harvard, Oxford, and other prestigious universities, Qinglu Education is a rapidly growing admission consulting agency. Its goal is to break down the unprofessionalism, manipulation, and template-based practices prevalent in the current study abroad industry, providing students with high-quality results and warm service, ultimately bringing positive long-term impact. Main Job Responsibilities-Consumer Insight: provide crucial strategic insights for optimizing final product and marketing strategies by understanding students’ future graduate school and job aspirations, creating consumer profiles, and exploring new market trends and opportunities with a consumer-oriented approach;-Marketing Activities: assist Qinglu Education in conducting offline promotional activities, leading implementation and post-event analysis;-Strategic Partnerships: contact and evaluate potential collaborators within the university or other channels, assist in negotiating cooperation plans, and expand brand exposure and influence;-Other: customize job duties based on the applicant’s interests to maximize personal growth. Job Requirements:-A passion for the education industry;-A strong sense of responsibility and strong planning and management skills;-Candidates who are holding positions in undergraduate student organizations are preferred.-Prior experience in offline operations and campus promotion collaborations will be a plus. Takeaways/Benefits:-Learning opportunities: report directly to the partner team, whose members come from top companies like McKinsey, EY, and Google, offering a steep learning curve;-Flexible work environment: no strict weekly work hours;-Incentive system: a performance-based reward system;-Full-time opportunity: potential full-time return offer;-Referral letter: Outstanding performers may receive a recommendation from the founder.

  Writer/Journalist Internship

  Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? Look no further!The Borgen Project is an international organization that works at the political level to improve living conditions for people impacted by war, famine and poverty.With 20 years of experience in the advocacy space, The Borgen Project has worked to support the passage of numerous bills that have benefitted close to 500 million people in developing countries.Writer/Journalist Internship: The role is focused on content creation for BORGEN Magazine or The Borgen Project Blog. This is a part-time 12-hours per week, 12 week, unpaid remote internship. If your availability is limited, you can work ahead and complete the program in fewer weeks.Responsibilities will include:– Write 6 articles.– Research topics.– Assist with advocacy efforts.– Assist with fundraising. Create a personal fundraising campaign and meet targets.Qualifications: Strong research and writing skills. Must be able to work independently and meet deadlines with very little supervision. Experience writing SEO friendly content is helpful, but not required.Students should consult with academic faculty to determine if this unpaid experience will earn credit.Details: This is an unpaid opportunity. The opportunity is 12-hours per week for 12-weeks and is a telecommute role, however we do have a dedicated manager who supervises the position, offering daily contact via email or video chat (if needed), monthly 101 sessions and catch up calls with team members.Start Date: New programs begin every month, you choose the month you wish to start.If you wish to see academic credit for this role, please check with your school's Internship Coordinator to determine if this position satisfies the criteria for receiving academic credit.

  Nonprofit Leadership Internship

  The Borgen Project is an innovative, national campaign that is working to make poverty a focus of U.S. foreign policy. This is a part-time 12-hours per week, unpaid telecommuting internship. The internship is for 12 weeks and will give an insight into the key skills required to lead and develop a nonprofit organization.Advocacy Leadership Development – Meet with members of Congress and/or Congressional staffers in your State and District; represent The Borgen Project at various business, political and community events; mobilize individuals to contact their members of Congress in support of key poverty-reduction legislation.Fundraising Development – Learn how to fundraise. Create a personal fundraising campaign and meet targets.Recruitment – Update job postings; inform groups and classes of openings, introduction to recruitment platforms and listening in to interviews.Marketing and Promotion – Pitch story ideas to print, broadcast and digital media and utilize social media and develop strategies for web-based messaging.Qualifications:– Self-starter who can produce great results with limited supervision.– Strong oral communication skills and ability to lead meetings and give speeches.Details: This is an unpaid opportunity. The opportunity is 12-hours per week for 12-weeks and is a telecommute role, however we do have a dedicated manager who supervises the position, offering daily contact via email or video chat (if needed), monthly 101 sessions and catch up calls with team members.Students should consult with academic faculty to determine if this unpaid experience will earn credit.Start Date: New programs begin every month, you choose the month you wish to start.If you wish to receive academic credit for this role, please check with your school's Internship Coordinator to determine if this position satisfies the criteria for receiving academic credit.

  Social Media/Digital Marketing Internship

  Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? Look no further!The Borgen Project is an international organization that works at the political level to improve living conditions for people impacted by war, famine and poverty.With 20 years of experience in the advocacy space, The Borgen Project has worked to support the passage of numerous bills that have benefitted close to 500 million people in developing countries.Social Media/Digital Marketing Internship: This is a part-time 12-hours per week, 12 week, unpaid remote internship. If your availability is limited, you can work ahead and complete the program in fewer weeks.The role focuses on heightening awareness of our work and includes:Creating a branding campaign.Conducting an informal focus group and gathering feedback for market research.Pitching story ideas to print, broadcast and digital media.Creating and implementing a fundraising strategy.Planning, marketing and presenting at an informational meeting.Utilizing social media and developing strategies for web-based messaging.Assisting with The Borgen Project's advocacy efforts.Experience: No prior experience is necessary, we’re looking for people who are passionate about fighting poverty and righting wrongs, regardless of your GPAs/background. Details: This is an unpaid internship, although college credit is available.Start Date: New programs begin every month, you choose the month you wish to start.