The Summer 2026 recruitment cycle is officially underway, and for students interested in the Public Sector, Government Policy, and Corporate Responsibility, the opportunities are massive. We are seeing a shift away from simple administrative internships toward roles that require deep analysis, legislative research, and strategic planning.
Whether you want to draft Medicaid policy in a state capitol, analyze climate resilience for New York City, or manage ESG data for an energy giant, these 8 roles offer high-impact experience. Read on for the full details and application links.
1. MPP Internship at Optum
Location: Waukesha, WI (Hybrid)
Stipend: $18 - $32/hr
The Role:
Optum is a powerhouse in health services, and their MPP (Market Performance Partnership) internship is designed for students who want to understand the business mechanics of healthcare. You won't just be fetching coffee; you will be rotated through critical departments like Revenue Cycle Management, Inpatient Care Management, and Health Informatics.
2. Oncology Medical Affairs Intern at Corcept Therapeutics
Location: Redwood City, CA (Onsite)
Stipend: $26 - $32/hr
The Role:
Medical Affairs sits right at the intersection of Science and Strategy. At Corcept, you will focus on their Oncology pipeline. Your main task will be translating complex clinical data into strategies that the business side can use. You will help prepare for Advisory Boards and may even get to participate in "Field Rides" with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
3. Coasts and Climate Graduate Internship at The Surfrider Foundation
Location: Remote (USA)
Eligibility: Graduate Students Only
The Role:
The Surfrider Foundation is looking for a policy researcher to help protect America's coastlines. This is a heavy research role where you will analyze state laws regarding sea-level rise, coastal armoring, and sediment management. You will also draft content for the Coastal Blog and assist with policy memos.
4. Medicaid Policy Internship at Nebraska DHHS
Location: Lincoln, NE (Hybrid)
Stipend: $15/hr
The Role:
This is pure government work. As an intern for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, you will be stationed in Lincoln to observe the legislative process firsthand. You will attend committee meetings, track bills, and help the team implement new Medicaid policies based on passed legislation.
5. Community Health Intern at Susan G. Komen
Location: Remote (Based in Atlanta)
Focus: Non-Profit Analytics
The Role:
Don't mistake this for a standard volunteer role. Susan G. Komen is looking for an intern to join their Data Science & Community Health teams. You will use analytical skills to identify donor trends, support business development, and back up fundraising strategies with hard data.
6. Sustainability & ESG Intern at Diversified Energy Company
Location: Birmingham, AL (Onsite)
Industry: Oil & Gas
The Role:
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is the fastest-growing sector in corporate strategy. At Diversified Energy, you will help the company measure its carbon footprint and social impact. You will benchmark them against competitors and help prepare the annual Sustainability Report.
7. Wellness Intern at City of Fort Collins
Location: Fort Collins, CO (Onsite)
Stipend: $15/hr
The Role:
Work directly for the City Government. You will be part of the HR and Wellness team, responsible for the health of city employees. You will manage incentive programs, conduct fitness orientations, and help with city-wide wellness events.
8. Resilience Intern (Graduate) at STV
Location: New York, NY (Onsite)
Pay: $51k - $69k/yr (Annualized)
The Role:
This is an advanced role for Master's students in Urban Planning or Engineering. STV is a major infrastructure firm, and they need an intern to help with Climate Resilience. You will work on grant applications, benefit-cost analyses, and design strategies to help infrastructure withstand climate change.