Cheezhead Recruiting News and Opinion

What’s the difference between an on-campus job cleaning crappers in the dorms and an internship at the White House? For starters, the first one pays and the second doesn’t.

The critical difference however, is the effect on your post-college resume. You could argue that the poop-swabber job shows your willingness to do what it takes to achieve your goals, but to do that you need to get to the interview (which isn’t likely unless you’re applying to Waste Management). Paste that White House gig into your ‘Work History’ section, on the other hand, and suddenly you’re on the short list for callbacks.

Of course, the White House might not be your best choice if you aren’t planning to get involved in public service. Fortunately for you, our list of elite internships covers a range of industries so you can find something that suites you. Unfortunately, you have an infinitely better chance at landing the toilet-scrubber position than any of these über-competitive internships (but we wish you luck, all the same).

That said, here’s the list:

1. The New York Times – This newspaper, often considered to be among the best in the world, has a reputation of being extremely hard to secure a job with, let alone an internship. However, the Times offers two types of internships, both of which allow students to work closely with Times staffers and even write their own stories. Journalism students in graduate school can apply for semester-long internships at one of the paper’s news desks. Although these positions are unpaid, students can receive freelance pay for any stories, legwork or stringing. The Times also offers three summer internship programs, which pay $924 per week. The James Reston Reporting Fellowship could result in an extended six-month internship or even a full-time staff position. Thomas Morgan Internships in Graphics, Design and Photography and Editing Internships offer students the chance at a monetary scholarship.
2. NASA – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration provides a slew of internship opportunities for students of all ages. The main goal of all of NASA’s internships is to cater to students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM studies. At least 10 NASA centers and facilities offer various educational opportunities for everyone from children in kindergarten to college students.
3. White House – If you’re looking for a prestigious internship, you can’t get much better than working for the presidential administration. The White House internship program is designed to mentor students, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for a future in public service. These internships, which are unpaid, place students in a departmental office where they will be expected to complete typical office duties, but also will have the chance to attend a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, assist with White House social events and volunteer for community service projects. The White House also offers a special program for students in public high schools in Washington, D.C.
4. Google – Interns in North America work at one of the company’s 11 office locations, where they receive hands-on work experience and live as a regular Google employee. Students will receive perks such as free gourmet food, massage therapy, bike repair, laundry and events just for interns, such as baseball games, evening cruises and rock climbing. Students pursuing any major are encouraged to apply. The company also offers internships in Europe and China.



5. Microsoft – Internships with Microsoft are paid and provide students responsibility and real work experience. Students are given assignments to complete and are asked to contribute their efforts, which could be used by Microsoft teams or for Microsoft products. Internships usually take place in Redmond and Seattle, Washington, although some positions are available in North Carolina, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Texas and Illinois. Not only does Microsoft subsidize intern housing costs, they also pay for things like water, cable and housekeeping. As if that weren’t enough, interns also have access to: paid travel, a subsidized car rental or bike purchase plan, a health club membership, shipping reimbursement, a free bus pass, parties and special events, free training and software discounts.
6. Nike – Nike’s highly-competitive paid internship program runs for 10 weeks, or roughly two-and-a-half months, with many positions stationed at their World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. These internships offer real-world opportunities ranging from product design, product development, finance, sports marketing and human resources. Interns have access to all employee perks, including entrance into their world-class athletic facilities, an employee discount at stores and numerous other benefits. Don’t want to live in Oregon? Nike also offers interns a chance to work at their European and Asia Pacific offices.
7. St. Jude Medical – St. Paul-based St. Jude Medical employs approximately 14,000 people worldwide and has four major focus areas that include cardiac rhythm management, atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular and neuromodulation. If those potential career portals aren’t enough incentive for the knowledge-hungry intern, then get this: St Jude has been named to FORTUNE Magazine’s list of America’s Most Admired Companies for the last five years, plus BusinessWeek ranked their internship program the 17th best program in America in 2007. St Jude locations offer students the (paid) opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical business settings through internship and co-op programs. These programs combine academic study and practical experience – a learning and training partnership between the student, St. Jude Medical, colleges and universities. An intern is typically hired for a three-month, full-time assignment that averages around $20 an hour. The company’s retention rates speak volumes: a whopping 98 percent of interns who are offered positions accept.



8. Walt Disney – Want to work in the Mouse’s House? Disney has a plethora of opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. Their College Program takes place at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, or Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. While working in front line roles at the theme parks and resorts, participants network with leaders, learn transferable skills, gain real-world experience, and become part of a team of Cast Members from hundreds of job disciplines. They also offer a Professional Internship Program that allows students to work alongside Disney leaders, a CareerStart program for recent high school graduates and an International Program for global participants. All internships are paid, but be prepared to work hard to earn your mouse ears: only about 30 percent of interns actually get a formal offer. “(Students) live in fully-furnished apartments near the resorts and create lasting friendships with other participants from around the world,” Lisa Downs, Walt Disney World Manager of College Recruitment, said. “Additionally, participants enjoy the privileges of being a Disney Cast Member, including the opportunity to enjoy theme park admission, receive discounts on merchandise and resort accommodations and take part in Cast exclusive events and activities.”
9. PriceWaterhouseCoopers – In 2007, BusinessWeek ranked PwC’s exclusive internship program the best in the country, and here’s why: it pays well (an average of about $24 an hour) and as one of the country’s largest employers, many of the 2,800 interns handpicked each year go on to achieve full-time status within the accounting firm. Interns receive ongoing guidance from an assigned manager mentor and a peer mentor who assists in acclimating the intern to the firm. Interns participate in technical and line-of-service training that is geared to bridge the gap between academic education and initial assignments and responsibilities. Through case studies, practice exercises, communications modules and technology-enabled study, interns learn to identify and solve common problems in business transactions and to roll up their sleeves while immersed inside a real client engagement team.
10. Teach for America – Teach for America upholds the vision that one day, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education, and they look for the best teachers from all walks of life to preserve this mission statement. TFA only recruits the most dedicated and compassionate individuals. Regular applicants to TFA Corps must agree to a two-year commitment to become a program alum, but for those that are still in school there are other potential opportunities to get involved. Along with offering internships for undergraduates, Teach for America is a placement site for the Public Service Internship Program (currently suspended due to the economy), which has introduced 3,000 students to date to the challenges and opportunities that come with a career in public service. TFA internships are paid, and about 75 percent of their interns receive full-time job offers.

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