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.
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
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Additional eligibility information for international students
International students interested in the program must have approval from International Student Services (ISS) for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization before they begin an internship and meet the following criteria:
- 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
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.
Promega
Specific projects for internship are determined during the interview process based on match of candidate skills and sponsor needs.
PPG
PPG is a coatings company, and this internship will be in R&D. Applicants should be pursuing degrees in chemistry, materials science, or engineering. Specific projects for internship are determined during the interview process based on match of candidate skills and sponsor needs.
Thermo Fisher
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $40 billion.
Zaytounic
Intern at an early-stage climate-tech startup transforming olive industry waste into value — from irrigation water to biodegradable materials.
Steps to apply
The deadline to apply for a summer 2026 internship opportunity is Tuesday, December 30 at 11:59 pm.
- Carefully read the eligibility information on this page and review the internship openings above.
- Click the apply link below and provide the following:
- name, contact information, degree program, international status (if applicable), and current funding support
- PI/faculty advisor’s name and email address
- letter of support and appointment release granted by PI or faculty advisor
- current CV (PDF), which addresses your research, software and/or instrumentation skills, transferrable skills, as well as list your publications, presentations, and other career development achievements
- 1-page cover letter (PDF) that describes to the employer(s) your interests, skills, and qualifications
- up to 3 internship opportunities for which you would like to be considered
- 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.
- Selection decisions will be made and communicated to applicants near the end of February 2026.
- The Graduate School, the internship employer, or a combination of the two will provide funding to cover the cost of a Research Assistant appointment at the departmental rate for the period of the internship. Dissertator enrollment will be required during the internship semester.
