Do I need a visa to do a business internship in New York?

Yes. Most participants require a J-1 Intern or Trainee visa to complete a business internship in New York. See full visa requirements >

What kind of companies host business interns in New York?

Business interns are placed with a mix of management consultancies, retail companies, media organizations and start-ups, depending on your interests and experience. Discover example host organizations >

How long are business internships in New York?

Programs typically run from 4 to 24 weeks, with start dates available year-round.

What qualifications do I need for a business internship in New York?

You don't necessarily need a business degree or previous professional experience to apply for a business internship in New York. The right qualifications will depend on the internship placement, but relevant studies in business, management, economics or a related subject can be useful. Transferable skills such as communication, analytical thinking, organization and adaptability can also help you succeed in a business role. Your placement is matched to your experience, interests and career goals.

How can I get a business internship in New York?

To get a business internship in New York, start by identifying which side of business interests you most, whether that's strategy, consulting, operations or entrepreneurship, and consider how your education, skills and experience line up with it. You can then apply for an internship program and discuss your career goals, interests and placement preferences during the application process. At The Intern Group, you'll complete an online application and interview before working with the team to secure a business internship that matches your profile and goals.

At Coney Island during a business internship in New York

Business Internships in New York

New York doesn't just do business, it sets the pace that much of the world ends up following, from how deals get structured to how brands compete for attention.

As the commercial capital of the United States, the city is home to Fortune 500 headquarters, the advisory firms that guide them through everything from restructuring to expansion, and a start-up ecosystem that's grown into one of the largest outside Silicon Valley. That concentration of ambition means interns get exposed to a genuinely wide range of business problems, often within walking distance of each other.

Whether you're a university student, recent graduate, gap year student or career changer, a business internship in New York can help you build commercial understanding shaped by one of the most competitive markets on earth.

Example business host organizations in New York

We've previously placed interns with organizations across New York's consulting, retail, media and start-up sectors. The organizations featured represent examples of the types of professional environments where participants have gained experience.

Why do a business internship in New York?

Few cities pack in as many corporate headquarters per square mile as New York, and that density has built an entire ecosystem of advisory firms, agencies and vendors whose job is to help those companies compete. Management consultancies here work on assignments spanning industries from retail to healthcare, giving interns a rare look at how the same strategic thinking gets applied to wildly different problems.

The city's start-up scene has matured well past its early reputation for chasing quick exits, with companies building genuinely durable businesses in areas like health tech, logistics and consumer products. Add a retail and media landscape built on some of the most recognizable brands in the world, and New York offers business students exposure to commercial decision-making happening at nearly every scale imaginable, from a five-person start-up to a hundred-year-old institution.

The city is particularly strong in industries such as consulting, retail, media & entertainment and technology, giving you the chance to see how business strategy adapts across sectors competing for the same scarce attention and capital.

Experience business in America's commercial capital

Corporate density
See how New York's sheer concentration of headquarters has built an entire ecosystem of firms built to serve them.

Diverse industries
Explore business functions across consulting, retail, media and technology.

National networking
Build connections with professionals working across one of the country's largest and most competitive business communities.

Fast-paced decision-making
Learn how New York companies balance speed with strategy in one of the world's most demanding markets.

Explore business internships in New York

New York's business landscape spans global consultancies, retail headquarters, media companies and fast-scaling start-ups. Your internship could give you the opportunity to see how organizations in the city make decisions under constant competitive pressure.

Business Strategy

New York companies often operate in markets crowded with competitors chasing the same customers, making strategic positioning a constant priority. Your internship could involve market research, competitive analysis or strategic planning support, depending on your host organization.

You could work on: Market research · Competitive analysis · Strategic planning · Presentation development

Business Analysis

With so many companies competing on data-driven decision-making, New York businesses lean heavily on analysts who can turn numbers into clear recommendations. You could support market sizing, business case development or performance tracking.

You could work on: Market sizing · Business case development · Performance tracking · Stakeholder research

Operations & Project Management

Keeping fast-growing companies running smoothly across multiple locations or teams requires serious operational discipline. You could support process improvement, project coordination or reporting.

You could work on: Process mapping · Project coordination · Status reporting · Vendor communication

Business Development & Sales

Whether it's a consultancy pitching a new client or a start-up chasing its next round of funding, business development drives growth across nearly every New York company. You could support lead research, proposal development or client outreach.

You could work on: Lead research · Proposal support · Client outreach · Pipeline tracking

Retail & Consumer Business

Home to flagship stores and headquarters for some of the world's biggest consumer brands, New York gives interns a front-row look at commercial strategy playing out in real time. You could support merchandising, pricing analysis or store performance projects.

You could work on: Merchandising support · Pricing analysis · Store performance · Commercial reporting

International Business & Trade

As a global gateway for companies expanding into the US, or US companies expanding abroad, New York offers unusual exposure to how cross-border business actually comes together. You could support market entry research, partnership analysis or trade documentation.

You could work on: Market entry research · Partnership analysis · Trade documentation · Regulatory research

Example business internship roles in New York

Depending on your skills and interests, you could take on a role such as:

Market Intelligence Analyst
Data Analytics & Strategy Intern
Strategic Partnerships & Growth Intern
Venture Capital & Strategy Intern
Business Development Intern
Operations Intern
International Business Development Intern
Digital Media Strategy Intern

Your exact role will depend on your host organization and placement.

Explore more example Business roles >

Sightseeing during a business internship in New York

What can you gain from a business internship in New York?

A business internship in New York offers more than a line on your CV/resume. It's a chance to see how companies operate under constant competitive pressure, developing practical skills through work with real, tangible stakes.

Build New York business experience

Add international business experience to your CV/resume and show future employers that you've worked within one of the most competitive commercial markets in the world.
Work on real business projects

Put your knowledge into practice through projects that could involve strategy, operations, business development or commercial analysis, depending on your placement.
Grow your national business network

Connect with professionals across New York's consulting, retail and start-up sectors while building relationships with fellow interns from around the world.
Understand fast-paced competitive strategy

See how New York businesses balance speed and rigor when the margin for error is razor thin.
Experience New York's business culture

Gain insight into how corporate scale, consulting expertise and start-up ambition combine to shape the city's approach to business.

What's included in the New York internship program?

Your program includes support designed to help you get the most from your international internship, from placement and accommodation to visa support, career coaching and 24/7 in-country support.

Explore the full New York internship program >

Hear from business interns in New York

"It was a privilege to work with The Intern Group. Everything was very easy, and they really are a great company. From the beginning to the end, everything was perfectly organised, and I always got an answer from them. You always have a contact person to reach out to, which is really helpful. I would definitely recommend The Intern Group to anyone looking to find an internship in New York. I tried very hard to find one on my own, but it was nearly impossible, so using The Intern Group was really great. I would definitely recommend them." - Eyal Bollag, business intern in New York

"I chose to do my internship in New York because it's the financial capital of the world, and half of its employees were born abroad. Through that, I knew I would gain different perspectives and a better understanding of different cultures. New York also has the same language as here in the UK, so I could fully immerse myself in the work. There were also relevant opportunities related to my degree, which I knew would help with future job applications." - Natasha Baird, New York business intern

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Is a New York business internship right for you?

A New York business internship could be a great fit if you want exposure to fast-paced, high-stakes decision-making within one of the most competitive commercial markets in the world.

Whether you're a university student, recent graduate, gap year student or career changer, you can build practical business skills while experiencing how organizations in New York compete for customers, capital and attention. It's an opportunity to build your CV/resume, expand your professional network and discover where a career in business could take you.

What is it like to live as a business intern in New York?

Living as a business intern in New York means learning to move at the city's pace, quick lunches between meetings, after-work drinks that turn into impromptu networking, and weekends that somehow still feel packed even after a demanding week.

Every neighborhood has its own personality worth exploring, from the energy of Union Square to the quieter charm of the West Village, and there's rarely a shortage of talks, panels or industry events happening somewhere nearby. Fellow interns quickly become built-in company for exploring it all, and most leave with a much bigger sense of what's possible in a career.

On a boat tour during a business internship in New York

FAQs

: Yes. Most participants require a J-1 Intern or Trainee visa to complete a business internship in New York.

See full visa requirements >
: Business interns are placed with a mix of management consultancies, retail companies, media organizations and start-ups, depending on your interests and experience.

Discover example host organizations >
: Programs typically run from 4 to 24 weeks, with start dates available year-round.
: You don't necessarily need a business degree or previous professional experience to apply for a business internship in New York. The right qualifications will depend on the internship placement, but relevant studies in business, management, economics or a related subject can be useful.

Transferable skills such as communication, analytical thinking, organization and adaptability can also help you succeed in a business role. Your placement is matched to your experience, interests and career goals.
: To get a business internship in New York, start by identifying which side of business interests you most, whether that's strategy, consulting, operations or entrepreneurship, and consider how your education, skills and experience line up with it.

You can then apply for an internship program and discuss your career goals, interests and placement preferences during the application process. At The Intern Group, you'll complete an online application and interview before working with the team to secure a business internship that matches your profile and goals.

Realize your potential with an international internship

1

Apply online

Complete our simple application form and tell us about your passions, qualifications, and experiential requirements.
2

Interview

If your interview is successful, confirm your enrollment with a tuition deposit.
3

Secure your internship

Collaborate in the internship placement process & accelerate your career.