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

  IT Infrastructure Support Intern - Summer 2026

  Summary:  The Information Technology Infrastructure support Intern works closely with Information Technology Leadership and other IT employees on various Information Technology tasks and projects. The responsibilities of the Information Technology Intern vary based on assignments and department needs. At Stellar Industries, Inc. we strive to provide interns with an understanding of information technology functions in a manufacturing organization as well as opportunity to apply what has been learned in the classroom in a dynamic business setting. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:• Provide end user support – both face-to-face and remote. • Assist with troubleshooting both hardware & software issues.• Utilize help desk to respond to support requests and document resolution of issues.• Provide user training for hardware and software.• Assist with installation of PC hardware and software.• Assist with testing of software and other project related duties as assigned.• Assist with network and hardware troubleshooting.• Assist with performing preventative maintenance and upgrades on servers.• Research and perform work on special projects as assigned.• Support the IT team in maintaining hardware, software, and other systems• Organize and maintain IT resources.• Take direction on assignments and then work autonomously or with appropriate team(s) to accomplish assignment objectives.• Complete assignments or projects in a timely, effective and confidential manner.• Actively meet and speak with Information Technology employees to learn the various aspects and responsibilities of their jobs.• Perform other duties as assigned. Competencies:• PC applications including Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office suite• Strong technical skills.• Strong verbal and written communication• Ability to work well in teams• Strong work ethic and attention to detail• Ability to quickly adapt to a changing environment.• Ability to quickly learn new concepts and software as necessary.• Ability to follow established procedures.• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Education and/or Experience:• Two-year trade school degree with/or pursuing majoring in Computer Science, Industrial System Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or related IT discipline.• Minimum 3.0 GPA.

  Environment, Health & Safety Intern - Summer 2026

  Summary: The EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) department will allow you to gain practical experience in the field of EHS. Through the 12-week program, you will work with a team of professionals who will guide you through projects and tasks related to your passion in the field of EHS. The Stellar EHS Experience Program was created to help developing professionals grow in skill and experience in areas such as Safety, Ergonomics, Data analysis, and Risk Management. This role will collaborate with Operations and Manufacturing engineering as key stakeholders. This program lasts for 12 weeks during the summer months and offers competitive pay and key benefits such as relocation assistance, mentorship, training, social activities, and volunteer opportunities. Potential Duties and Responsibilities:Performing Risk analysis on existing and future processesRevising and re-writing of EHS policies and proceduresPerforming in depth data analysis on injuries, risk control measures, improvement methods, etc.Performing ergonomic studies on tasks of various work cells and collaborating with Manufacturing Engineers on improvement methodsAssist with end user training of available EHS tools and softwareAssist with improvement projects of EHS documentation, orientation and onboardingPerform Business case analysis as neededPerform other duties as assigned  Competencies:PC applications with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point, and ExcelAbility to work independently and as part of a teamAbility to use defined process to create documentationAbility to use defined processes to measure and qualify risk to personnel, business, and assetsDesire to work collaboratively with engineering and operational stakeholder to influence change Education and/or Experience Preferred:Currently enrolled undergraduate student studying EHS, risk management, or other related field Stellar Industries, Inc. offers a paid internship. Stellar Industries, Inc. has had tremendous success hiring our interns upon their graduation. As an intern at Stellar Industries, Inc., you will acquire general business knowledge, business communication skills and gain an understanding of the manufacturing process while gaining real world experience. You will be involved with projects requiring adherence to strict deadlines, the need for organization, creativity, and attention to detail.

  Paint Party Art Instructor Internship

  Looking for a fun, creative, and flexible internship where you can build real-world experience while sharing your love for art? Join Kolor My Kanvas as a Paint Party Art Instructor Intern! This role is perfect for college students interested in art, education, event management, or just gaining hands-on experience in a lively, urban creative studio.As an intern, you’ll learn how to:Lead engaging paint party sessions for groups of all ages and skill levels.Teach step-by-step painting techniques while building confidence in public speaking.Create a fun, energetic, and welcoming environment for participants.Support event set-up, break-down, and studio organization.Collaborate with our team to plan events, brainstorm themes, and design original artwork.Gain exposure to social media content creation by helping with photos, videos, and captions.What You’ll Gain:Experience teaching and presenting to groups (a great resume booster for education, communication, or arts majors).Opportunities to showcase your own artwork and creative ideas.Hands-on experience in customer service, event planning, and arts entrepreneurship.A chance to work in Houston’s vibrant 3rd Ward creative community.Requirements:Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Art, Art Education, or a related creative field.Outgoing personality—you’re comfortable being the star of the show!Love for creativity, community, and (bonus points) 90’s/2000’s Hip Hop & R&B.Reliable transportation (car required) and smartphone access.Availability evenings and weekends.Willingness to obtain a TABC server certificate (within 7 days of hire).Why This Internship?This is more than a job. It's a chance to build confidence, leadership skills, and creative experience while earning money and having fun. If you’re a college student looking for an internship that blends art, performance, and community engagement, this opportunity is for you!

  R&D Intern (Winter 25/26)

  Who We Are   At JonnyPops, our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality, innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness one pop at a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges, thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments, align with our core values, and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.     Based in Elk River, MN, JonnyPops develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Cub, along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.     Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012, JonnyPop’ mission is to make "A Better Pop for a Better World!" JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes a kind deed, spreading kindness every day.    Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part of high-growth brand and have a direct impact on the company’s success. Join our team and help us make “A Better Pop, for a Better World!”     Job Summary  Research & Development Intern will gain valuable work experience at a high-growth frozen novelty company that will set them up for success in a future role in R&D. The Research & Development Interns will help with continuous improvement projects, product quality initiatives, and product commercialization.    Responsibilities  Participate in the improvement of existing frozen pops, maintenance of cost-effective measures, and timely resolution of technical service related to Fluid, Cultured, and Frozen Dairy and Non-Dairy products.  Researching ingredients function in different products and processes.  Support product stability studies and shelf-life assessments.  Conduct laboratory and pilot plant trials.  Work with suppliers on sample procurement for the formulation testing.  Participate in the implementation of product quality initiatives Other tasks as assigned by R&D Scientists  Food Safety Responsibilities  Responsible for ensuring that R&D activities are done in accordance with GMP’s, and that food safety and quality in production is not compromised.  Assist QA and production teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions.   Physical Demands and Work Environment     Physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 lbs. Works comfortably in a variable temperature environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works on a manufacturing plant floor.      Minimum Qualifications  Junior, Senior, or MS student     Preferred Majors: Food Science, Chemistry, Packaging Science, or other related majors with an interest in food safety in a manufacturing environment   Understanding of hazard analysis and risk assessment required    Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time   Reliable transportation required!   Ability to travel to Elk River, MN (where our facility is located) and Plymouth MN (where our offices are located)  Foundational knowledge in food safety and food hygiene   Foundational knowledge in types of hazards in food (biological, chemical, and physical)     Additional Requirements     Attention to detail   Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions, but also work independently   Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.      Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company   Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.     Pay Range: $20/hr

  Design Engineer Intern - Summer 2026

  Summary: Design and oversee the development, installation and operation of machines, equipment or systems taking into account cost, availability of materials, strength and maintenance requirements, safety and manufacturability, appearance, impact on the user and on the environment. This position will create assembly drawings, bills of materials and develop production drawings per engineering layouts. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Perform design calculations and prepare equipment and/or material specifications.Will have the opportunity to perform designs using Autocad, SolidWorks and Simulation (FEA) software.Develop production drawings per engineering layouts and create assembly drawings for plant assembly and product manuals.Review product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, customer contract requirements and related specifications.Coordinate activities concerned with the technical developments, scheduling and resolving engineering design and test problems.Perform duties reasonably assigned by Engineering Manager  Competencies:PC applications including Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel.AutoCAD and Solidworks experience.Ability to measure accurately using machine tools.MRP applications experience.Excel in interpersonal and written communication and organizational skills.Mathematical skills such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.Must have initiative, be willing to work independently and as part of a team, possess a strong desire to learn, and enjoy computing and technical design, be practical and creative. Education and/or Experience Preferred:Currently enrolled undergraduate student studying mechanical, industrial, or aerospace engineering or other related field. Stellar Industries, Inc. offers a paid internship and has had tremendous success hiring our interns upon their graduation. As an intern at Stellar Industries, Inc., you will acquire general design skills and understanding of manufacturing capabilities, along with real world design experience. You will be involved with team projects including cost objectives and deadlines as well as understand design validation via our testing program.