What is an MBA internship?

MBA internships offer the chance to work with some of the world's leading companies, gain experience, and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. MBA internships typically occur during the summer between the student's first and second years. 

A specialized form of an MBA internship is a corporate residency, which is a longer, immersive experience where students fully integrate into a company's culture and work side-by-side with staff members and senior leadership. Lasting up to a year, this residency allows for deeper engagement and understanding of the company's operations, culture, and strategic initiatives, offering comprehensive preparation for a successful career in business management. 

Can graduate students apply for internships?  

Yes, graduate students can apply for internships. While many people assume that internships are for undergraduates, there's a growing trend of graduate students seeking real on-the-job experience during their studies. These opportunities are valuable for gaining practical skills and industry insights. 

Corporate residencies provide graduate students with an in-depth and extended opportunity to immerse themselves in a company's environment by working closely with staff and senior leadership. By working closely with staff and senior leadership, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's strategic initiatives and operations, which prepares them for successful careers in business. 

How much does an MBA internship pay?  

The pay for an MBA internship can vary widely depending on the industry, company, location, and the intern's prior experience. MBA interns generally receive the highest pay in consulting, investment banking, finance, and technology.  

At the D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University, Full-Time MBA corporate residents earn an average salary of $34.98 per hour. Students pursuing a Master's in Accounting/MBA earn an average salary of $15,000 during their three-month corporate residency 

When transitioning from an intern to a corporate resident, these longer-term roles offer higher pay and also provide a more immersive experience within companies.  

Meet some of our MBA students

A veteran with a passion for entrepreneurship pursues his MBA

Nurse turned MBA works in biotech during an FDA submission

MBA paves the way for career change

MBA student fosters teamwork and leadership through collaborative learning

How long are MBA internships?  

MBA internships typically last 10 to 12 weeks and take place during the summer between the first and second years of the MBA program.  

Corporate residencies, particularly those that extend up to a year, offer MBA students a highly immersive experience within leading companies in their field. This extended duration allows corporate residents to fully integrate into the company's culture, build strong relationships with senior leadership, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization's operations.  

Corporate residencies within MBA programs can also offer flexible durations tailored to diverse career goals. Programs such as D'Amore-McKim's MS in Finance/MBA offer a 3-month accelerated option for experienced professionals, a 6-month residency for comprehensive immersion and networking, and a 12-month option for extensive firm engagement and strategic project involvement. 

Do MBA internships become jobs? 

MBA internships can often lead to full-time job opportunities. Many companies use internships as extended interviews to assess interns' skills, work ethic, and cultural fit within the organization. Successful interns are frequently offered permanent positions after completing their internships. This transition from internship to job provides interns with a direct pathway into their chosen industry or company, leveraging the experience and relationships built during the internship period.  

Corporate residencies, which can last up to a year, provide an extended period for residents to integrate deeply into the company, showcase their skills, and contribute meaningfully to projects. This extended timeframe allows residents to engage in long-term projects, gaining valuable experience and making substantial contributions that frequently lead to potential full-time job offers. Beyond skill development, the extended residency period provides ample networking opportunities and clarity in career goals, making it an ideal choice for MBA students seeking profound, practical experience and enhanced career prospects. 

Is an MBA internship the same as a corporate residency?  

An MBA internship and a corporate residency are not the same, but they share similarities. 

An MBA internship is typically a shorter-term, structured program that lasts for a few months. MBA internships typically occur during the summer between first and second years of an MBA program. MBA internships provide students with practical work experience in their chosen field or industry. Interns may work on specific projects, gain exposure to company operations, and have the opportunity to network. 

A corporate residency is a longer-term, immersive experience lasting up to a year or more. During a corporate residency, students work full-time within a company, where they integrate deeply into the organizational culture, take on significant responsibilities, and contribute to long-term projects. In many instances, corporate residents take on the responsibilities of entry-level employees. 

Corporate residencies provide a more comprehensive opportunity for skill development, networking, and career exploration than traditional MBA internships. They often lead to a deeper understanding of industry dynamics and can result in job offers based on the resident's performance and cultural fit. 

Learn more about MBA internships and corporate residencies  

Explore the transformative opportunities of a corporate residency within Northeastern University D'Amore-McKim School of Business's MBA program. D'Amore-McKim's Full-Time MBA offers an immersive experience where you integrate fully into company operations, tackle significant projects, and build lasting relationships with industry leaders.  

Schedule a call with an admissions representative to discover how a corporate residency at D'Amore-McKim can propel your career and prepare you for impactful leadership in business.