The Magic “I” Word: Internships
- According to employers, one of the most valuable types of experiences you can have.
- Organizations hire many full-time employees from summer or academic year interns.
- Kansas Micro-internship Program
The National Association of Colleges and Employers defines an internship this way:
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.
To ensure that an experience—whether it is a traditional internship or one conducted remotely or virtually—is educational, and thus eligible to be considered a legitimate internship by the NACE definition, all the following criteria must be met:
- The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
- The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
- The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
- There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework.
- There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or professional background in the field of the experience.
- There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.
- There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals.
Benefits/Advantages of Internships
Types of Internships
For more information, and to get started looking at available opportunities, visit the Parker Dewey micro internships for Washburn website.
Each employer has unique internship parameters, so be sure to ask lots of questions during the selection process to ensure that the experience is what you are seeking. Your accomplishments and tasks completed during your internship are more important than simply having the word “Intern” on your resume.
At the start of your internship, meet with your supervisor to discuss your interest areas and internship goals. While you may not be able to tailor your entire experience, showing initiative and ownership of your experience will demonstrate professionalism and dedication to the position. Make your specific areas of interest and experience known to your internship supervisor.
Treat your internship as a job interview. Since many employers hire full-time employees from recent interns, your performance during the internship can determine whether or not you are offered a position. During your internship, act as you would if you were a full-time employee. Following the dress code, arriving on time, staying on task, and completing work within deadlines will impress your supervisor. Even if your company does not have a position open, a positive reference from your internship will be very helpful during your job search.
Available internships from Handshake
This list is updated directly from the Handshake website. View all openings (handshake website)Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:25 AM
Employer: Adams Brown Expires: 10/12/2026 As a valued member of our team, you will immediately be exposed to all aspects of tax compliance, audit + assurance, or accounting & advisory working with various levels of our team across the 16 different offices in Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Adams Brown is a Top 125 largest firm in the U.S. with clients across the state and country in various industries such as construction and real estate, healthcare, agriculture, professional services, closely held business, local government and not-for-profit.Our team is technology focused to be efficient while managing client relationships to assist them reach their short and long-term goals. We have created a positive, dynamic, people-oriented environment that is genuinely committed to serving clients and working as a close team.Adams Brown utilizes both firm wide and office focused communication to help share knowledge throughout the firm. We have centralized training processes to help you learn the technical and time and work management skills to be successful which you will continue to build on as your career progresses. In addition, you will have a dedicated Intern Site Coordinator who will be your go-to person for questions throughout the internship.You will be given the opportunity to work with co-workers who specialize in payroll, financial reporting and wealth management services as well as business consulting as we are a part of the Adams Brown ONE team, ONE goal, ONE firm concept. You will also have the opportunity to be apart of a specific industry such as: Agriculture, Closely Held Business, Construction & Real Estate, Healthcare, Private Asset Solutions, Governmental & Manufacturing. Questions? Visit https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/careers/ or contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Jordan Ferrari at jferrari@adamsbrowncpa.com. We will ask during the interview process (if selected for interview) which internship you prefer (audit, tax, accounting & advisory - CAS). Spring 2027 internships run from: 1/5/2027 - 4/16/2027Summer 2027 Internships run from: 6/1/2027 - 7/30/2027 An unofficial transcript is required at the time of application. AdamsBrown, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2026 2:39 PM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/12/2026 Title: Video InternDepartment: Creative ServicesReporting to: Video Art DirectorLocation: Topeka, KS - OnsiteOverview:Are you a creative storyteller with a passion for visual content? Do you dream of producing videos that captivate and inspire? Join us as a Video Intern and gain hands-on experience that will take your skills to the next level!Please submit a resume and link to your video portfolio or examples of your work. Ready to launch your video career? Apply now!What you’ll do:Edit and Revise Videos: Implement revisions to client and corporate videos, including basic edits, adding graphics/logos, selecting background music, exporting final cuts, and uploading for client deliveryStudio Management: Maintain and organize the video and audio equipment, ensuring the studio space is functional and well-prepared for shootsPreproduction & Shoot Assistance: Assist in preproduction planning for client shoots, and provide hands-on support during filmingEquipment Prep & Documentation: Handle equipment preparation, manage necessary paperwork, and ensure all gear is ready for upcoming projectsRecord In-House Trainings: Capture internal training sessions, ensuring high-quality video and audio for future useExperience you’ll bring:Experience with video editing software like Adobe Premiere, After Effects, or Final Cut ProBasic understanding of camera equipment, lighting, and soundStrong communication and collaboration skillsAbility to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environmentStrong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills and the ability to work accurately and meet deadlines with frequent interruptionsWhat You’ll Gain:Real-world experience working on diverse video projectsMentorship from experienced professionals in video production and marketingA portfolio boost with content you’ve helped produceAccess to an on-site café & gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more!Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions, to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2026 9:57 AM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/21/2026 Position: Wealth Management Summer InternDepartment: Wealth ManagementReporting to: Head of SalesLocation: Topeka, KS – Onsite Overview: Our Summer Internship program is designed to give Interns a broad experience within Advisors Excel and exposure to different areas of the company. You will primarily be working with the Wealth Management team, helping our advisors take full advantage of the incredible services available to them on our AEWM platform. You will have the opportunity to contribute to key projects, provide assistance and shadow other areas of the company. All Summer Interns will be included in Topeka’s Top City Internship program. The Top City Internship program is comprised of several large and small businesses and gives you the opportunity to visit and tour other great companies in the Topeka area, listen to talks from top business influencers and the chance to network with other Interns in the program throughout the city. What you’ll do: Assist the Wealth Management Marketing and Operations teamsAttend Advisor one-on-one meetings and various trainingsAssist the transitions team in compiling transition packets for Advisors ExcelShadow all sides of wealth management including sales, operations, and back officeParticipate in on-the-job training with department managersAssist with preparations for client meetingsAssist with gathering and organizing data for projects as assignedExperience you’ll bring:Outstanding communication skills with the ability to interact with all personality types and with all levels of staffAbility to work independently, but also as a collaborative team memberExceptional problem determination skills with a high attention to detailPC proficiency, ability to work on several platforms at onceBonus Points: Previous experience in an office environmentCurrently enrolled in secondary education programWhat you’ll get: Access to an on-site café & gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performance Employee sponsored events…and more! Who We Are: Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team! Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2026 9:43 AM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/21/2026 Position: Creative Department Summer InternDepartment: Creative Services Reporting to: Director of Creative Operations Location: Topeka, KS- Onsite Overview: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work for a top tier ad agency? Do you want to understand what creativity means at a growing company? As a Creative Department Intern, you will assist the Social Media Manager, Creative Department Assistant, and members of the Creative Team with various creative and administrative tasks. If organization and flexibility are your strong suits, this fast-paced, energetic environment might be just the fit for you.All Summer Interns will be included in Topeka’s Top City Internship program. The Top City Internship program is comprised of several large and small businesses and gives you the opportunity to visit and tour other great companies in the Topeka area, listen to talks from top business influencers and the chance to network with other Interns in the program throughout the city. What you’ll do: Coordinate and order promotional items, event supplies and gifts for clientsAssist in ongoing birthday campaigns for clients including mailings and e-blastsCompose, coordinate and distribute daily communication to staffMaintain records and receipts of department purchasesAssemble gifts and materials for events (client and staff), Prep space for meeting rooms for events, Assist in ordering food and beverage for eventsAssist in scheduling for Creative Department leaders and other creative meeting needsAssist Creative leadership in gathering, tracking, and reporting on Creative strategic plan, KPIs, and other reporting tasksAssist Creative leaders and department with various administrative and project requests Assist the Corporate Marketing Team and Social Media Manager with content creation and various tasks across multiple platformsSupport AE Media teams with tasks related to TV production, media buying, radio, and digital campaignsPerforms other duties as assigned Experience you’ll bring: High School DiplomaPassion for creating positive work environment Outgoing, loves working with peopleStrong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills Detail oriented, focused on quality in all aspects of your workAbility to independently manage projects/tasks while navigating a variety of competing priorities and frequent interruptionsOutstanding communication skills with the ability to interact with all personality types and with all levels of staffFamiliarity with Microsoft SuiteBonus Points: Currently or previously enrolled in secondary education programExperience with digital design/editing platforms (e.g. Adobe or Canva) Reliable transportation to run occasional errands What you’ll get: Access to an on-site café and gym Continuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performance Employee sponsored events…and more! Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions, to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team! Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2026 4:02 PM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 09/28/2026 Position: Creative Operations InternDepartment: Creative ServicesReporting to: Director of Creative OperationsLocation: Topeka, KS - OnsiteOverview:Do you consider yourself a detailed person? Do you enjoy identifying problems and contributing to solutions? We are searching for an intern to join our Creative Services team! The Creative Operations Intern functions as an operations generalist, whose responsibilities span digital asset management, workflow optimization, resource administration, and marketing program support, driving organizational effectiveness and continuous improvement across our Creative team.What you’ll do: Support the maintenance of business and marketing resources in the Daily Business Resources (DBR) site by reviewing account accuracy, cleaning up data, creating content, and assisting with help desk email inquiriesHelp manage the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system by organizing, naming, and tagging assets, uploading new materials with metadata, and assisting with portal updatesWork collaboratively across teams, adapt to changing technology, and assist with documentation updates, and testing as part of ongoing improvementsAssist Creative leaders and department with various administrative and project requestsAssist various Creative teams throughout the department with assigned tasks and projects. Creative teams including but not limited to: Design teams, Media & Marketing teams, Corporate Marketing teamsExperience you’ll bring:Detail oriented, focused on quality in all aspects of your workStrong organizational and time management skillsResourceful in solving problems and maximizing resourcesAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneously with frequent interruptionsAbility to collaborate effectively with a teamAn aptitude for technology, embrace change, and have a desire to learnBonus Points:Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically ExcelPrevious office experiencePursuing a degree in Data Analytics, Marketing, Business or related fieldWhat you’ll get:Access to an on-site café & gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more!Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2026 9:34 AM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/21/2026 Position: Compliance Summer InternDepartment: ComplianceReporting to: Compliance ManagerLocation: Topeka, KS - Onsite Overview: Are you ready to make a splash this upcoming summer? Join us as a Compliance Intern and take part in an engaging project aimed at enhancing our compliance program! You’ll not only support our organization’s compliance needs but also have the chance to showcase your work to our compliance leadership team at the end of the summer. All Summer Interns will be included in Topeka’s Top City Internship program. The Top City Internship program is comprised of several large and small businesses and gives you the opportunity to visit and tour other great companies in the Topeka area, listen to talks from top business influencers and the chance to network with other Interns in the program throughout the city. What you’ll do: Manage an exciting summer project to enhance reporting capabilities for our surveillance and supervision teamsParticipate in engaging industry training sessions to boost your knowledge and skillsTake on a variety of tasks as needed, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative work environment Experience you’ll bring:Self-starterAbility to take ownership of projectsExceptional problem determination skills with a high attention to detailConfident, professional and articulate written and verbal communication skills Bonus Points: Completed coursework in business administration, finance, business transactions, or other related topicsCurrently enrolled in a secondary education program What you’ll get: Access to an on-site café and gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more! Who We Are: Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team! Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2026 9:45 AM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/21/2026 Position: Sales & Marketing Project Summer InternDepartment: Annuity MarketingReporting to: Director of Special ProjectsLocation: Topeka, KS - Onsite Overview: Our Annuity Marketing team is seeking a Sales & Marketing Project Intern to join the team this upcoming summer! Join a collaborative team where you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting marketing and sales initiatives, develop professional skills and make a real impact on the team. All Summer Interns will be included in Topeka’s Top City Internship program. The Top City Internship program is comprised of several large and small businesses and gives you the opportunity to visit and tour other great companies in the Topeka area, listen to talks from top business influencers and the chance to network with other Interns in the program throughout the city.What you’ll do: Assist in data collection & clean up within annuity marketing and other divisions as neededComplete administrative tasks and other miscellaneous duties for the VP of Sales Development and Relationship ManagersRun reports for Senior Annuity Planners with bundled follow-up items to be sent, if necessaryWork alongside the Affiliate Manager to gather data and report on active marketing campaigns from vendor partnersAssist in recruiting campaigns that may include sending mail, mining potential prospects, scrubbing lists, and potentially calling prospective recruitsAttend all required training sessionsOther duties as assigned Experience you’ll bring:High School Diploma or on track for a 4-year graduationExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to handle confidential informationStrong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook Ability to interact with all personality types and with all levels of staffTime management and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment Exceptional problem determination skills with a high attention to detail Bonus Points: Some college credits Previous experience in an office environment specifically insurance or financial services related What you’ll get: Access to an on-site café & gym Continuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performance Employee sponsored events…and more! Who We Are: Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team! Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 5:14 PM
Employer: Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc. Expires: 10/16/2026 Location varies depending on mentor availability and intern desires.Develop and demonstrate agronomic skills such as weed, insect, and disease identification, as well as crop nutrient and protection recommendations through soil and tissue sampling.Field research plots: Check & record agronomic crop information.Shadow customer calls/visits to determine agronomy needs.Utilize crop scouting software, weekly reports, and tech tools to document and share observations.Assist with field trial research, data collection, and product development programs & promotions.
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 5:24 PM
Employer: Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc. Expires: 10/16/2026 Seneca, KS / Hybrid RemoteCreate and publish media content across digital, print, and broadcast mediums.Develop and distribute social media content.Assist in managing the company website & customer platforms.Video and photography development and editing.Coordinate with all departments to provide promotions and updates to employee & customers.
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 5:27 PM
Employer: Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc. Expires: 10/16/2026 Sabetha, KSAssist in the propane contract process.Help coordinate the printing/mailing/address list.Develop a tracking mechanism/spreadsheet for when contracts are returned.Help with any data entry and tracking after propane contracts are distributed.Assist with any spreadsheet work. Changing oil pricing, updating oil pricing, helping create new signage and ways to communicate the price change.Updating sales tax exemption forms that are on file & for customers.Assist your mentor & customers with walk in or over the phone questions.
