Internships

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 leader in payment technology, an organization investing in the possibilities of AI and automation—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.

AI Internships

If you’re excited about the future of AI—and ready to help shape it—an AI Internship at Nelnet puts you at the heart of our biggest advancements. You’ll work with teams exploring how intelligent tools, automation, and emerging technologies can make life easier for our customers and create smarter ways of working across the company.

From building real AI solutions to experimenting with new ideas, you’ll collaborate directly with engineers, innovators, and leaders who value fresh thinking. You won’t just contribute—you’ll help push projects forward and see your work make an impact in the real world.

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 Internships

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 nine to 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 Accounting/Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Product/Project Management, and Workday 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

Catalyst Internships

If you’re the kind of person who spots a problem and immediately starts imagining what’s possible, the Catalyst Internship is for you. You’ll join a small, handpicked cohort at the center of Nelnet’s innovation efforts, exploring bold ideas that can change how we serve our customers and communities.

From AI tools and emerging tech to new ways of improving real products and processes, you’ll work on high impact projects, collaborate directly with leaders, and see your ideas move from whiteboard to real world results.

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 who 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).

Lifestyle Savings Account

Use this benefit to help cover wellness, fitness, and everyday life essentials that keep you feeling your best.

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.

Wellness Program

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

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

As a company that’s quickly growing in many ways, Nelnet is an education expert, an innovator, a payment processor, a startup accelerator, and an AI pioneer. With 6,500+ associates in 30 communities across the globe, we’re dedicated to serving others.
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 Diversified Services, and Nelnet Financial Services – to explore many of Nelnet’s business lines.
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.
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.
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.
You can apply for a Nelnet internship by visit our Careers page and searching for available internship opportunities. Submit your application online, including your resume and any required documents. Be sure to check deadlines and eligibility requirements. If the team is interested in proceeding with your application, a Campus Recruiter will contact you to schedule an interview.

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Ready to Apply?

Find your opportunity for professional growth with an awesome Nelnet internship now.