Looking for an on-campus, paid internship throughout the 2026-2027 academic year?
We are launching hiring in March 2026 and want to see your application!
We will be requesting a resume and cover letter for your application.
Explore Future Careers
The OEL Internship Program supports and motivates youth leaders at UW–Madison. Our talented students are placed within programs and units across campus to ensure the success of our division.
This program provides high-impact employment opportunities for students to develop marketable work experience that combines their interests, identities and ideas.
Interns have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally as leaders as they work in an environment that is dedicated to impactful work at UW–Madison.
Interns who join the program commit to a yearlong paid internship, working in areas such as research, external relations, administration, communications, events, student scholarship, and service programs.
Why Apply:
- Flexible hours (8-10 hours per week on average)
- Competitive pay (start at $15 per hour)
- Paid professional development seminars
- Networking opportunities within campus and beyond UW-Madison
- Engagement with a cohort of other interns with unique skill sets and experiences
- A work environment that supports your dual role as a student & campus leader
- Receive individualized mentorship geared towards growing your skill set
- Holistic advising from the Career Development Coordinator through monthly check-ins throughout the school year
Overview:
Every year, we accept ~15 UW-Madison undergraduate students into the 2 – semester OEL Internship Program through a public application process. Accepted interns are matched with a supervisor and work-unit across campus where they have the opportunity to increase their professional skill set, refine their career interests, and grow their network while engaging in meaningful, paid work that combines their interests, aspirations, and ideas. Previous interns have made substantial contributions while working in areas such as external relations, administration, university communications, events, and student support programs.
Join our Team!
- Open positions are posted in March
- Interviews are held early/mid April
- Intern cohort announced before academic end of Spring 2026
- Internship begins the first day of classes of the Spring semester with a mandatory orientation the week before classes begin.
How to apply:
Open positions are posted in March 2026!
You will be required to complete a series of questions, submit a resume and cover letter.
Eligibility:
Any currently enrolled UW-Madison undergraduate student in good academic standing is invited to apply to our OEL Internship Program. Students must have at least 2 semesters before graduation to be eligible. Applicants have the opportunity to indicate the programs that would best match their interests and grow their skill set in the application.
Expectations:
- Commit to a 2-semester program across the Fall & Spring semester
- Participate in orientation
- Attend 3 professional development group meetings each semester along with your cohort
- Complete a series of ‘guided questions’ each semester with your mentor to promote
- Opportunity to individually meet with our Career Development Coordinator for individualized goal-setting, holistic advising, and career exploration & guidance
- Positively contribute to the work environment and the campus community while growing your skill-set
Meet Our Interns
Lauren Munda 
Administrative Intern, Class of 2027
“My experience as an OEL Intern has been incredibly impactful as I’ve gained hands-on experience in professional communication, leadership, and collaboration. Through conversations and collaborations with campus leaders and fellow interns, I’ve developed skills in adaptability, organization, and building an inclusive environment for our community.”
Summer Mahmoud
CeO Grant Writing & Alumni Relations Intern, Class of 2026
“I have been a part of the internship program since entering UW–Madison in the fall as a freshman. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to transition between roles and gain experience across different areas of communications while working closely with senior leadership. I’m grateful to have been part of this program, as it gave me the opportunity to strengthen my skills through hands-on projects that contribute meaningfully to campus engagement and operations.”
Sophia Elescano
McNair Intern, Class of 2025
“Internships are important because they provide more insight into some very important departments on campus that work to provide for underrepresented students on campus. I’m fortunate enough to work for McNair, that is a nationally recognized scholarship and pushes students to pursue professional graduate programs. These internships also present us with so many resources, some of which I didn’t even know existed, to help us continue excelling in undergrad!”
Garcia Garbuno, Sofia
Position title: Career Development Coordinator
Email:
sgarcia22
Make an Appointment on Starfish
Resources provided: Support with finding internship opportunities, tailoring and reviewing resumes/CVs/Cover Letters, DDEEA Internship Program Information, Advising, Career Advising, skill development, career development