Finding the right early career program is a great way to gain hands-on experience, build networks, and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the working world. Participating in internships, fellowships, or rotational programs can help build critical skills, form industry connections, and give you the experience you need to succeed after graduation.
Early career programs can be found across of industry sectors whether you’re interested in finance, technology, healthcare, or the media, there’s a program to help you get started on your career journey. Check out this comprehensive list of early talent opportunities.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion has become increasingly important in today’s workforce, and many companies are creating programs specifically designed to support underrepresented students as well as first-year and sophomore students. These programs offer mentorship, networking, and hands-on experiences to help students get an early start in their careers. Below is a list of early career programs across different industries that are designed to empower students to gain first-hand work experience.
Business & Finance
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Advancing Black Pathways Program
J.P. Morgan Chase offers this program to provide Black students with skills training, mentorship, and internship opportunities in banking, technology, and financial services. The program is designed to help participants launch their careers in finance.
Goldman Sachs Possibilities Summits
Goldman Sachs offers various summits for underrepresented undergraduate student groups. Participants gain insights into the financial services industry and are exposed to potential career paths within the firm.
Technology & Engineering
Meta University is an internship program designed for freshmen and sophomores from diverse backgrounds, particularly those historically underrepresented in tech. It offers training in software engineering, data science, and product design.
Microsoft’s Explore program is aimed at freshmen and sophomores who are interested in software engineering. The program encourages students from diverse backgrounds to explore careers in tech through hands-on coding experience and mentorship.
Google STEP (Student Training in Engineering Program)
Google’s STEP internship program is designed for first- and second-year students from underrepresented backgrounds in tech. It offers students the opportunity to develop their coding skills and work on real-world projects with the guidance of mentors.
Consulting & Professional Services
Deloitte’s Discovery Internship provides freshmen and sophomores from underrepresented backgrounds with an opportunity to work in consulting, advisory, or tax roles. Participants gain experience while being mentored by senior professionals.
McKinsey Undergraduate Diversity Programs
McKinsey offers various summits and programs sponsored by the Black and Indigenous Networks, the Hispanic and Latino Network, the McKinsey Women network, and the McKinsey Black Network.
Healthcare & Biotechnology
Johnson & Johnson’s WiSTEM2D University Program
Johnson & Johnson’s Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing, and Design (WiSTEM2D) program is designed to help diverse women students explore career paths in STEM through mentorship and hands-on experiences.
Law & Public Policy
SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) offers the Law Fellowship Program to underrepresented students interested in pursuing a career in law. The program provides internship opportunities with top law firms and training to help students excel.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Internship Program
CHCI offers internships to Hispanic and Latinx college students interested in public policy. Participants work on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and engage in professional development workshops.
Media & Entertainment
NBCUniversal’s PAGE program is an early career development program that focuses on training and networking for students from diverse backgrounds. Participants work in media, marketing, and production roles to gain a 360-degree view of the entertainment industry.
ViacomCBS Early Career Program
This program offers internships for underrepresented students interested in careers in entertainment, media, and communications. Participants have the opportunity to work on projects at companies like MTV, Nickelodeon, and CBS.
This is just a small sampling of the programs available to early career candidates and more opportunities can be found on this website. Students can also view opportunities listed in Handshake as well as directly on the websites of various companies.
