Top brands and Fortune 500 companies recruit Ducks for summer internships within the first weeks of fall term. Here’s what you need to know—and how to prepare—before these opportunities close.
National Brands Recruit Early
Nike, adidas, Brooks Running, and URBN Outfitters are eager to hire Ducks, but their national internship programs begin recruiting months in advance. While the Lundquist College follows a quarter system and opportunities post on Handshake year-round, many Fortune 500 companies open applications in early fall and extend offers by Thanksgiving.
Takeaway: Many applications for summer internships are closing within the next week or two.
Who Should Be Paying Attention
If you’re a junior this fall studying marketing, analytics, supply chain, operations, or sports business, you’ll want to be ready to apply. Companies like Deutsche Bank, Amazon, FTI Consulting, MUFG, BNP Paribas, Morgan Stanley, Prudential Financial, and Wells Fargo are also recruiting Ducks for summer roles.
Not a junior yet? Don’t worry. Many of these employers will also attend our fall career events, giving you a chance to connect directly.
How to Prepare and Stand Out
Step 1: Start with research
Search opportunities in Handshake and filter for your interests. Explore past blog posts for insights, like our past feature on Nike’s campus visit.
Step 2: Polish your materials
These internships are competitive. Schedule an appointment with our pro staff or drop-in for peer advising with Mohr Career Services to get expert feedback on your resume, cover letter, and applications.
Step 3: Go beyond online applications
Unfortunately, hitting “submit” on an application portal isn’t enough to stand out. You’ll need to reach out to people and conduct informational interviews—especially with alumni who actually work at these firms. Start with our platform Lundquist Connect or use LinkedIn to ask for a 15-minute informational interview. Alumni can provide insider advice—and sometimes, a boost for your candidacy.
Of course, you don’t have to do any of this alone. We highly recommend booking an appointment with one of our experienced and approachable career advisors who can help review your materials and provide tailored feedback to strengthen your application. This is your chance to separate yourself from the pack and secure an internship that could launch your career!
