The Ann Arbor region is home to some of the best academic institutions in the country. Your company can tap into the talent and grow its own workforce by leveraging the various internship and work programs available here.
Internship Programs & Resources
SPARK Internship Resume Database
The SPARK Internship resume database offers a platform that connects talented college and university students to opportunities with the area’s leading innovative companies. In addition, the database allows these local companies an unprecedented opportunity to access, efficiently locate, and connect with talented college and university student talent from across many institutions.
Michigan STEAM Ahead
The Michigan STEAM Ahead program matches students attending Michigan colleges and universities, and Michigan residents attending out-of-state institutions, with internship opportunities at the state’s leading innovative companies. Financial assistance for qualifying companies is available. Ann Arbor SPARK established the program on behalf of the state, placing nearly 600 interns in the program’s initial two years. In May 2023, the program transitioned back to the state.
SPARK Entrepreneurial Services Internship Program
For more than a decade, Ann Arbor SPARK has connected bright, upcoming talent with the area’s early-stage startups. Of the students that participated in this year-round internship program over the last five years, more than 80 percent of them accepted jobs in Michigan upon graduation. To participate in this program, interested companies must be a SPARK client located in the City of Ann Arbor or the City of Ypsilanti. Support for this program is provided by the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti SmartZone Local Development Financial Authority.
Ann Arbor SPARK Job Portal
Businesses throughout the Ann Arbor region use the SPARK Job Portal to recruit interns as well as full-time positions. Explore available positions or post something on behalf of your organization. Job seekers can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive new opportunities via email.
Digital Summer Clinic
Each year, in conjunction with Ann Arbor SPARK, The Center for Digital Engagement offers a paid Digital Summer Clinic internship. This internship helps college students and recent grads from southeastern Michigan build skills for digital marketing and technology careers.
Michigan Founders Fund
The MFF Internship Program provides an opportunity for underrepresented students in Michigan to gain exposure to high-growth entrepreneurship and professional experiences that can equip them to pursue careers as startup leaders and founders while allowing tech companies the opportunity to develop and strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and to reach new talent across the state.
University of Michigan: Hire Blue
Employers wanting to connect with the University of Michigan should start with Hire Blue — a network of career services offices, as well as the U-M Alumni Association. From recruiting current students for internships and entry-level permanent positions to connecting with experienced alumni, Hire Blue can connect you to the best resource.
Eastern Michigan University
Cooperative education and internships are a great way for employers to take full advantage of available EMU talent. Tied to a student’s academic program and often resulting in the granting of university credit, employers may observe potential hires and assess their performance in the workplace for between 200 and 600 hours, in either a paid or unpaid capacity.
Work Programs
MI FAME: Mitten Chapter
The Michigan Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (MI FAME) program partners students with industry while they take classes at select community colleges. The goal is for students to gain valuable employment experience with manufacturing leaders while also completing their associate degree.
Michigan Works! Southeast
Michigan Works Southeast offers a wide variety of sustainable solutions to assist employers in recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining qualified candidates to maximize their existing workforce. All services are offered free of charge to eligible job seekers and employers unless otherwise noted.