Graduate School Industry Internship Program
This program provides a meaningful and unique opportunity for PhD students to gain hands-on, practical experience within an organization or industry.
PhD students will work alongside experienced professionals to apply theoretical knowledge gained through their field of study and research to complex, real-world scenarios and industry-relevant challenges. This program is one way the Graduate School supports the diverse UW–Madison doctoral student community in preparing to contribute to many areas of society and in becoming the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
Benefits to students include:
- developing new skills in innovative and constantly evolving work environments
- gaining practical experience and insight to help make informed career decisions
- enhancing and diversifying professional networks
- a summer stipend and fringe benefits funded by the Graduate School or industry employer
Summer 2023 doctoral interns report gaining professional experience, growing their professional networks, and developing new skills.
I think getting as many experiences as you can is the best way to go, because whether you love the experience or hate it, you’re going to learn a lot about yourself and what you like and don’t like. It was really fun to have this three-month time where I could focus on something new, in a new environment, with new people.
Eligibility
Graduate student eligibility requirements
- Currently enrolled in a UW–Madison PhD program
- Dissertator status
- Must be in good academic standing during the internship. Students currently on academic probation or currently on a leave of absence are ineligible.
- No more than five years beyond date of admission. This requirement may be flexible based on your specific situation and program; reach out to the Associate Director for Career Development with questions.
- Letter of support and appointment release granted by PI or faculty advisor
- Commitment to complete training modules on confidentiality and assignment of intellectual property prior to starting the internship
- Commitment to participate in evaluation of the program
Additional eligibility information for international students
Before you apply, check your eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). International students interested in the program must meet the following criteria before they begin an internship:
- have approval from International Student Services (ISS) for CPT work authorization
- have an official internship offer that is directly related to their major and degree level
- have completed at least 2 semesters in valid F-1 visa status
- enroll in an appropriate CPT course (as determined by the department). For dissertator students, this can be the same course they enroll in for their dissertator credits.
An international student must be returned from the internship and working on their degree for at least one semester before graduation. The internship cannot be used to delay graduation.
The Graduate School views internships as experiential learning opportunities important to doctoral students’ academic and professional development as scholars, and internships must be relevant to the student’s program of study and career goals. No additional work authorization is typically required for on-campus internship sites, but if international students hold other on-campus positions while completing an internship, they may still need CPT.
Please note that Thermo Fisher is unable to take students who require sponsorships for work (CPT).
Internship Opportunities
3M
3M applies science to make a real impact by igniting progress and inspiring innovation.
Center for Black Excellence and Culture
The Center brings people of all backgrounds and ages together to create a stronger, vibrant Wisconsin.
Orange Hat Publishing
Join Wisconsin’s largest indie book publisher, for experience with all stages of the publishing process.
Thermo Fisher
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $40 billion.
Steps to apply
3M Internship
Applications for the 3M PhD Research & Development Internship are now open. To apply:
- Carefully read the eligibility information on this page.
- See the 3M internship posting for details.
- Apply as soon as possible.
- After you have applied, your information will be screened to ensure that you meet eligibility requirements. If eligible, your materials will be provided to employers for the internships in which you expressed interest.
- Employers may contact you for additional information and/or to schedule an interview.
Additional internships
Details for additional 2027 summer internship applications will be available soon.
One thing that I learned during my internship is that the technical skills we’re learning in our PhDs are not as important as I thought they were. Knowing how to perform the technique is not as important as learning about how to think about the technique, as well as the broader research itself. During my PhD I had developed the skills of how to troubleshoot, how to diagnose problems, how to read papers and develop new ideas and learn from them, that served me very well during my internship.
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