5 answers
Andrew
Student
Aberdeen, South Dakota
20
Questions
Asked
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What projects should a business major do to help with internship and co-op applications?
I'm not the best student, to say the least, as I've always struggled to learn, but I love to learn and want to have the best possible chance at getting internships or co-ops.
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Andrew !
Your first step would be to check with the Business Department professors at your college to find out if they provide Internship Placement when you are in your Junior and Senior year in college. It just may be that you'll get an Internship as part of being a Business Major.
Since there are not many high corporate businesses in Aberdeen, you may want to consider Volunteer Work which can take the place of an internship for now. You can visit the investment firm ZuntaFi to ask if you can volunteer there. Other than that, there are construction companies, home remodeling, colleges and community services that you can try but they will not have too much of a business feel.
Since you are already a Business Major, you can take one of your business textbooks and find a project to do based on one of the chapter subjects. Remember that you should do volunteer work and projects because you are very interested in it, not for possible acceptance on applications.
You should figure out which aspect of Business is your best. Human Resources, Marketing, Sales, Operations or Finance are some categories to consider. Let your classes inspire you.
Remember that internships are for students that have a basic knowledge of the work or students that have graduated already so see if your Business Department has internship placement for junior and senior year. Seek volunteer work and let your classes inspire you to do independent projects. The next time you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, check the Work Study box and you could possibly work in the Business Department at your college. A work study job will both teach you and hone the skills you already have.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
Your first step would be to check with the Business Department professors at your college to find out if they provide Internship Placement when you are in your Junior and Senior year in college. It just may be that you'll get an Internship as part of being a Business Major.
Since there are not many high corporate businesses in Aberdeen, you may want to consider Volunteer Work which can take the place of an internship for now. You can visit the investment firm ZuntaFi to ask if you can volunteer there. Other than that, there are construction companies, home remodeling, colleges and community services that you can try but they will not have too much of a business feel.
Since you are already a Business Major, you can take one of your business textbooks and find a project to do based on one of the chapter subjects. Remember that you should do volunteer work and projects because you are very interested in it, not for possible acceptance on applications.
You should figure out which aspect of Business is your best. Human Resources, Marketing, Sales, Operations or Finance are some categories to consider. Let your classes inspire you.
Remember that internships are for students that have a basic knowledge of the work or students that have graduated already so see if your Business Department has internship placement for junior and senior year. Seek volunteer work and let your classes inspire you to do independent projects. The next time you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, check the Work Study box and you could possibly work in the Business Department at your college. A work study job will both teach you and hone the skills you already have.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
Alastair Higginbottom PMP
Social Impact Program Manager
4
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Alastair’s Answer
Hi Andrew - I am not the best student either - but I am a huge believer that being interested and interesting, with drive and a can-do spirit will open as many doors. First thing. will say is that if you are not going to be the A* student, you need to find your angle, be the wild card, you wont beat the other A* students on academic outcome, so how will you stand out?
What are you passionate about within the business learning you have done? inovation? Business models? People? Business Development? Find your niche, the place you can excel and really lean on that.
Another respondent mentioned volunteer work, it is a great shout, and consider non-US nonprofits, as they often have less structured programs for interns to support them.
I would take the following steps:
1- identify the things you excel at, and where you want to double down to build experience and a portfolio
2- work out the time you want to spend on this [capacity per week, duration]
3- determine the way you need to work / project style you will use / the outcomes you want to deliver - in order to use this in the same way as a typical internship
4- think about the type of causes you care about
5- research smaller and local, or perhaps non-us nonprofits - identify orgs where there may be a intersection points 4 and 2 and where application of 1 would be of benefit to deliver 3...
If you went to a nonprofit leader - and said "hi I am a business major, with deep knowledge on [Insert 1], based on my research of nonprofits in the [insert 4] sector, and research of yourselves - I can c see that I may be able to support you to [insert outcome you think you can support]. I would like to offer to work with your leadership/ops/ fundraising /marketing/ recruitment team to support and enable you to [insert your niche] so that you can [insert why they need to do thing you think they should]. As a University student looking to build my portfolio of experience I would be happy to volunteer my time and knowledge in exchange for experience /evidence / feedback / guidance. I can give you [insert your commit per week and duration you can volunteer for]"
Hope this helps
What are you passionate about within the business learning you have done? inovation? Business models? People? Business Development? Find your niche, the place you can excel and really lean on that.
Another respondent mentioned volunteer work, it is a great shout, and consider non-US nonprofits, as they often have less structured programs for interns to support them.
I would take the following steps:
1- identify the things you excel at, and where you want to double down to build experience and a portfolio
2- work out the time you want to spend on this [capacity per week, duration]
3- determine the way you need to work / project style you will use / the outcomes you want to deliver - in order to use this in the same way as a typical internship
4- think about the type of causes you care about
5- research smaller and local, or perhaps non-us nonprofits - identify orgs where there may be a intersection points 4 and 2 and where application of 1 would be of benefit to deliver 3...
If you went to a nonprofit leader - and said "hi I am a business major, with deep knowledge on [Insert 1], based on my research of nonprofits in the [insert 4] sector, and research of yourselves - I can c see that I may be able to support you to [insert outcome you think you can support]. I would like to offer to work with your leadership/ops/ fundraising /marketing/ recruitment team to support and enable you to [insert your niche] so that you can [insert why they need to do thing you think they should]. As a University student looking to build my portfolio of experience I would be happy to volunteer my time and knowledge in exchange for experience /evidence / feedback / guidance. I can give you [insert your commit per week and duration you can volunteer for]"
Hope this helps
keara will
1
Answer
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Updated
keara’s Answer
If you’re looking to strengthen your internship and co-op applications, focus on projects that showcase your skills and initiative. Consider creating a personal finance blog, analyzing market trends for a business idea, or building a mock investment portfolio. You could also start a small e-commerce venture or work on a case study analyzing a company’s strategy. Even if you’re not the best student, hands-on projects can demonstrate your passion and practical abilities, which employers value just as much as grades.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Andrew,
Alright, so I’ve dabbled in business a bit, and I’ve seen businesses crash and burn or skyrocket to success—but none have reached the universe... yet! Since you’re aiming for internships and co-ops, let’s talk projects that’ll make you stand out. Oh, and by the way—struggling to learn doesn’t mean you won’t succeed. I’ve been there, and the only thing that kept me going was my own belief (because, let’s be real, no one else saw it). So don’t stress about grades—your willingness to learn is already a huge win!
Projects to Boost Your Internship & Co-op Game
1. Start a Small Business (Even a Fake One!) – No, really. Create a mock business plan, market a product, or even sell something small like custom T-shirts, digital designs, or resold items on eBay. Showing you’ve tried real business strategies makes you stand out!
2. Social Media Growth Experiment – Pick a random niche (pets, fitness, coffee lovers—whatever) and grow an Instagram or TikTok account around it. Show how you marketed, engaged, and analyzed audience data. Internships LOVE digital marketing experience!
3. Stock Market or Crypto Portfolio Simulation – Even if you’re broke, pretend you’re an investor. Use a stock market simulator and track your decisions. Write a report on what you learned. Employers eat this up—it shows financial literacy and analytical thinking.
4. Business Case Study on a Company You Love – Pick a business (big or small) and analyze its strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. What would you change? How would you market it differently? Put this on LinkedIn—it shows initiative!
5. Freelance Something – Even if it’s just a one-time gig, try Fiverr or Upwork. Whether it’s graphic design, copywriting, or basic data entry, you’ll learn about pricing, customer service, and client management.
6. Community-Based Business Project – Team up with local businesses or student groups. Offer to help market an event, manage their social media, or do a simple business analysis. Even unpaid, this looks GREAT on applications.
7. Create a Business Blog or YouTube Channel – Share what you learn about business in a fun way. Even if it’s just documenting your journey as a student, it shows passion. Bonus? It builds your communication skills!
How This Helps You Get Internships & Co-ops
Shows initiative – Employers love students who take action, even on small projects.
Gives you real experience – Even self-started projects prove you understand business concepts.
Boosts your resume & LinkedIn – Recruiters look for actual work, not just grades.
Teaches you problem-solving – The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about handling challenges.
And Andrew, don’t ever think you’re at a disadvantage just because learning is tough. Every great entrepreneur struggled at some point—it’s how they became great. You’ve already got the right mindset: loving to learn. Now just take small actions, and before you know it, you’ll be landing those internships like a pro! I believe in you future business man go and take over the business world!
Alright, so I’ve dabbled in business a bit, and I’ve seen businesses crash and burn or skyrocket to success—but none have reached the universe... yet! Since you’re aiming for internships and co-ops, let’s talk projects that’ll make you stand out. Oh, and by the way—struggling to learn doesn’t mean you won’t succeed. I’ve been there, and the only thing that kept me going was my own belief (because, let’s be real, no one else saw it). So don’t stress about grades—your willingness to learn is already a huge win!
Projects to Boost Your Internship & Co-op Game
1. Start a Small Business (Even a Fake One!) – No, really. Create a mock business plan, market a product, or even sell something small like custom T-shirts, digital designs, or resold items on eBay. Showing you’ve tried real business strategies makes you stand out!
2. Social Media Growth Experiment – Pick a random niche (pets, fitness, coffee lovers—whatever) and grow an Instagram or TikTok account around it. Show how you marketed, engaged, and analyzed audience data. Internships LOVE digital marketing experience!
3. Stock Market or Crypto Portfolio Simulation – Even if you’re broke, pretend you’re an investor. Use a stock market simulator and track your decisions. Write a report on what you learned. Employers eat this up—it shows financial literacy and analytical thinking.
4. Business Case Study on a Company You Love – Pick a business (big or small) and analyze its strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. What would you change? How would you market it differently? Put this on LinkedIn—it shows initiative!
5. Freelance Something – Even if it’s just a one-time gig, try Fiverr or Upwork. Whether it’s graphic design, copywriting, or basic data entry, you’ll learn about pricing, customer service, and client management.
6. Community-Based Business Project – Team up with local businesses or student groups. Offer to help market an event, manage their social media, or do a simple business analysis. Even unpaid, this looks GREAT on applications.
7. Create a Business Blog or YouTube Channel – Share what you learn about business in a fun way. Even if it’s just documenting your journey as a student, it shows passion. Bonus? It builds your communication skills!
How This Helps You Get Internships & Co-ops
Shows initiative – Employers love students who take action, even on small projects.
Gives you real experience – Even self-started projects prove you understand business concepts.
Boosts your resume & LinkedIn – Recruiters look for actual work, not just grades.
Teaches you problem-solving – The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about handling challenges.
And Andrew, don’t ever think you’re at a disadvantage just because learning is tough. Every great entrepreneur struggled at some point—it’s how they became great. You’ve already got the right mindset: loving to learn. Now just take small actions, and before you know it, you’ll be landing those internships like a pro! I believe in you future business man go and take over the business world!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hey Andrew!
Good question! It's great that you're passionate about learning and eager to improve your chances for internships and co-ops. Here are some projects and activities you can work on to strengthen your applications:
1. Business Plan Development: Create a detailed business plan for a startup idea. This will showcase your understanding of market research, financial projections, and strategic planning.
2. Marketing Campaigns: Develop and execute a marketing campaign for a real or hypothetical product. This can include social media strategies, email marketing, and content creation.
3. Case Studies: Analyze real-world business case studies and present your findings. This demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
4. Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analysis on companies or industries. Create reports that include financial ratios, trend analysis, and investment recommendations.
5. Entrepreneurship Projects: Start a small business or side project. Document your journey, challenges, and successes. This shows your initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.
6. Consulting Projects: Offer consulting services to local businesses or non-profits. Help them with business strategies, marketing, or financial planning. This provides hands-on experience and builds your network.
7. Market Research: Conduct market research studies to gather data on consumer preferences, market trends, and competitive analysis. Present your findings in a professional report.
8. Leadership Roles: Take on leadership roles in student organizations, clubs, or community groups. This demonstrates your ability to lead, manage, and collaborate with others.
9. Internships and Volunteer Work: Gain experience through internships or volunteer work in relevant fields. Even if they're unpaid, they can provide valuable skills and networking opportunities.
10. Work on Soft Skills: Develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These are highly valued by employers and can set you apart from other candidates.
Remember, the key is to showcase your passion, initiative, and ability to apply what you've learned. Keep a portfolio of your projects and experiences to share with potential employers.
Best of luck with your internship and co-op applications, Andrew!
Good question! It's great that you're passionate about learning and eager to improve your chances for internships and co-ops. Here are some projects and activities you can work on to strengthen your applications:
1. Business Plan Development: Create a detailed business plan for a startup idea. This will showcase your understanding of market research, financial projections, and strategic planning.
2. Marketing Campaigns: Develop and execute a marketing campaign for a real or hypothetical product. This can include social media strategies, email marketing, and content creation.
3. Case Studies: Analyze real-world business case studies and present your findings. This demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
4. Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analysis on companies or industries. Create reports that include financial ratios, trend analysis, and investment recommendations.
5. Entrepreneurship Projects: Start a small business or side project. Document your journey, challenges, and successes. This shows your initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.
6. Consulting Projects: Offer consulting services to local businesses or non-profits. Help them with business strategies, marketing, or financial planning. This provides hands-on experience and builds your network.
7. Market Research: Conduct market research studies to gather data on consumer preferences, market trends, and competitive analysis. Present your findings in a professional report.
8. Leadership Roles: Take on leadership roles in student organizations, clubs, or community groups. This demonstrates your ability to lead, manage, and collaborate with others.
9. Internships and Volunteer Work: Gain experience through internships or volunteer work in relevant fields. Even if they're unpaid, they can provide valuable skills and networking opportunities.
10. Work on Soft Skills: Develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These are highly valued by employers and can set you apart from other candidates.
Remember, the key is to showcase your passion, initiative, and ability to apply what you've learned. Keep a portfolio of your projects and experiences to share with potential employers.
Best of luck with your internship and co-op applications, Andrew!