Nelnet Internships | Meaningful, Engaging Programs

Here, Opportunities are Everywhere.

We built a large, thriving business by chasing opportunity wherever it lives. This pursuit of a brighter future has turned Nelnet into an education expert, a renewable energy advocate, a fiber internet pioneer — and so much more.

We’re dedicated to serving your career – even if it doesn’t lead here. That’s why at Nelnet, you aren’t “just an intern.” You’re a professional. With all these opportunities, you’ll be treated like it.

IT Internships

Launch your IT career at a Fortune 1000 company and work with the best and brightest in the industry. We hire IT development interns throughout the summer.

User experience design, software development, web accessibility, application security – wherever your interests lie, you’ll be a valued member of the team.

Traditional Internship

In-depth experiences starting day one – with the potential for full-time hours during the summer. You’ll work on impactful projects in departments like accounting, corporate recruiting, innovation, marketing, finance, and more.

You’ll work on impactful projects and day-to-day team work in departments like accounting, corporate recruiting, innovation, marketing, finance, and more.

Legal Internships

Passed your LSAT? Spend 9-12 months working on real-life projects with our legal team.

You’ll conduct research and analysis, and review/draft contracts while learning how business law is applied in a variety of Nelnet departments.

Pathway Internships

Still trying to decide which field you want to pursue? As a Pathway intern, you’ll spend a full academic year rotating through tracks in marketing, HR, management, and sales to define your career path and discover new interests.

And who knows? That path could involve a traditional internship or a full-time position down the road.

Learn More

Get Your Foot in the Door

Find your opportunity for professional growth within an awesome work environment at Nelnet.

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Take It From Our Interns

Our interns love talking about their experiences with Nelnet. Why not get a feel for what it’s like to intern for Nelnet from someone who has?

I applied at Nelnet to get a different experience than my previous internships, but I wasn't expecting to meet such an amazing community. At Nelnet, I am growing with new projects, developing my research skills, increasing my network, and encouraging my passion to learn. I'm honored to be surrounded by individuals that want me to succeed and will be supporting me into my professional career.

Lexie Faber

Digital Strategy Intern

Featured Benefits and Perks for Interns

All of our internship programs are paid positions– and they offer flexible hours that work for you and your team. Plus, you’ll receive other benefits and perks that fit your needs and enhance your life – along with meaningful experience to take your career forward.

Casual Dress

Jeans, tees, and Nelnet swag are the norm here (but you can dress it up if you want).

Wellness Program

Full access to exercise routines and diet tips – plus, you could earn an extra $100 per quarter for completing wellness challenges.

401(k) Match

After six months, you can start contributing to a 401(k) contributions and earn a company match on up to 5% of your pay.

Mentoring

You’ll have the opportunity to network with and learn skills from talented teams who know their stuff.

The mentors here taught me a lot about how to apply all that I’ve learned in college. I’m so thankful for my time here.

Hannah

Former Pathway Intern

The teams I worked on were (and still are) incredibly supportive and helpful in developing my software engineering skills.

Tim

Former Software Development Intern

Nelnet Internship FAQ

Who is Nelnet?

As a company that’s quickly growing in many ways, Nelnet is an education expert, an innovator, a payment processor, a startup accelerator, and a fiber internet pioneer. With 6,500+ associates in 30 communities across the globe, we’re dedicated to serving others.
What direction will Nelnet be heading in the future?

While Nelnet will continue serving student loan borrowers, one of our core values is to pursue opportunities for diversification and growth. That means actively investing in each of our business lines and innovating to bring new products and businesses to market that match our areas of expertise. Check out each of our divisions – Nelnet Business Services, Nelnet Communications Services, Nelnet Diversified Services, and Nelnet Financial Services – to explore many of Nelnet’s business lines.
Will my hours be flexible?

While it depends on your department and manager, we want you to have an awesome internship experience without sacrificing your education. Intern schedules are generally flexible and agreed upon by an intern and their mentor.
What type of experiences are interns exposed to?

As an intern, you will work on projects relevant to your business line, network with professionals and other interns, and participate in job shadowing. Depending on your field of study, you can also craft copy, write code, perform research, or help create process improvements to benefit your department.
What makes an internship with Nelnet unique?

At Nelnet, you’ll complete real, impactful work while receiving support, mentorship and feedback.

Our leadership team (all the way up to the CEO) is invested in your development. They’re happy to meet with interns to answer questions, discuss business ideas, or chat about career paths.
What are the impacts of COVID-19 on a Nelnet internship?

While so much has changed in the life of students during the current pandemic, Nelnet is committed to providing the same commitment to our intern program that we always have. Depending on the role, you can likely expect to work remotely, receiving Nelnet technology to help effectively complete your tasks.

Additionally, you will work with a supportive and virtually-present team to transition into your internship with ease. Whatever the case – internship opportunities will remain available and the interview and onboarding process will occur virtually. We’re in this together!