From capstones to internships to other real-world coursework, experiential learning at UW–Madison benefits students and employers alike. The opportunities listed below will allow you to leverage student and faculty expertise while helping develop the workforce of the future.
On this page: Biomedical Engineering | Chemistry | Computer Sciences | Corporate Sustainability | Economics | School of Education | Energy Policy | Engineering Summer Internships/Co-ops | Government Partners: UniverCity Alliance | Industry Internships for Doctoral Students | International Internships | Mechanical Engineering | Public Policy | Job Shadowing | Virtual Mock Interviews | UniverCity Alliance for Faculty and Staff | Wisconsin School of Business
Biomedical Engineering
Do you have an idea or need for a medical or biological innovation? UW–Madison Biomedical Engineering (BME) student teams are available to work on solving medical problems by designing solutions to meet your research, medical practice, or personal needs through our unique BME Design curriculum. Submit your project before August 15. Learn more and apply.
Chemistry Researchers are Ready for Opportunities
The Department of Chemistry has highly motivated students interested in participating in mentored research projects in all fields of chemistry. UW–Madison undergraduate chemistry students have a wide range of training and experience that has prepared them to contribute to pharmaceutical, environmental, and other research. These students are looking to be paired with local companies to fulfill their research requirements. To learn more about hosting undergraduate researchers at your facility, please contact Bryan Wakefield in the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Computer Sciences Capstone
In the Computer Sciences Capstone Course, students learn and apply best practice software development processes as well as the interpersonal and professional skills needed for workplace effectiveness. Any company, R&D organization, or non-profit that considers computing core to their success should consider sponsoring a Capstone Project. Benefits include connecting with UW–Madison faculty and students, meeting potential future employees, networking with other project sponsors, and helping shape the future of technology education at UW–Madison and beyond. Find out more about the CS Capstone Course and contact Justin Hines for more information.
Corporate Sustainability Internship Program
The Corporate Sustainability Internship Program provides UW–Madison students with real-world sustainability experiences in a corporate environment. Supported by the Office of Sustainability and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, the program provides access to a broad talent pool of undergraduate and graduate students from across the university. The program prepares UW students to demonstrate how improved environmental performance is a cost-effective investment for Wisconsin’s business sector; project results are quantified in dollars saved and environmental metrics. If you are a potential host organization and would like more information about the program, please submit an inquiry form or email Will Erikson.
Engage with Economics Students
Connect with the Economics Career Development Office (ECDO) to reach more than 1,600 undergraduates and more than 200 master’s students studying economics. The office partners with employers for a job shadow program, case competitions, and career development trips. Please send your listings of internships or entry-level positions to the ECDO to be promoted with current students. Learn more here.
School of Education Opportunities
The School of Education is home to a dynamic mix of undergraduate programs spanning the arts, health, and education. From Kinesiology and Health Promotion & Health Equity, to Educational Policy Studies, and Art, Dance, and Theatre & Drama — our students are prepared to lead, innovate, and make a difference across sectors. You can connect with our students through educational learning opportunities like our job shadow program, internships, and being an industry speaker in the classroom! Share your internship and full-time opportunities, or connect with us to learn more about our programming, by emailing leanne.morris@wisc.edu and fosher@wisc.edu.
Energy Analysis and Policy Program
Do you have an energy or sustainability challenge that you wish you had more time or resources to pursue? The Energy Analysis and Policy (EAP) program engages talented graduate students and faculty across multiple departments on campus and offers many experiential learning opportunities to connect with outside partners. EAP’s Spring Capstone course features interdisciplinary teams of graduate students working on a semester-long energy analysis project for clients. Over the years, EAP Capstone clients have included Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, research laboratories, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. Capstone project ideas are typically submitted in the fall and finalized in December; employers are also encouraged to post jobs and internship announcements to EAP’s Energy Jobs list. For more information on any of these opportunities and more, visit EAP’s Connect with Students webpage or contact program coordinator Scott Williams.
Engineering: Cooperative Education and Summer Internship Program
Students gain invaluable real-world engineering experiences working with a variety of industries and governmental agencies throughout the world through the Engineering Career Services co-op/summer intern program. Employers can hire outstanding students early in their engineering education and participate in the education process while pre-screening potential full-time hires. Find out more.
Government Partners: UniverCity Alliance
UniverCity Alliance is looking for new local government partners to collaboratively develop solutions to community-identified challenges. UniverCity Alliance staff especially enjoy seeing applications that include cross-sector collaborations with businesses and/or non-profits alongside local governments. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more here.
Industry Internships for Doctoral Students
The Graduate School Industry Internship Pilot Program provides a unique opportunity for advanced graduate students to gain practical experience, work alongside experienced professionals, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The UW–Madison Graduate School provides interns with a summer stipend and fringe benefits. Doctoral students will be invited to apply for the internship program during the fall semester, with the Summer 2026 internship application deadline in December 2025. Participating employers will review, interview, and select interns by February 2026 for summer 2026 internships. Learn more about partnering with the Graduate School as an industry internship site by contacting Elizabeth Hart at emhart2@wisc.edu.
International Internships
UW International Academic Programs connects global employers with students who have global competency, language proficiency, and expertise in their fields. Intern Abroad staff can help you define the internship position and customize it to your needs. They also assist in managing recruitment and placement and help students arrange visas, class credit, and funding. Learn more about partnering with the study abroad office to host interns internationally.
Mechanical Engineering
Partners in the Mechanical Engineering Senior Design program engage with a team of students as they work to solve a real-world design problem with faculty guidance. Small startups, large corporations, community members and organizations, and faculty researchers have all benefited from this program, which runs over the course of two semesters. Apply by August 15 for inclusion in the Fall 2025–Spring 2026 cohort; find out more.
Public Policy
Graduate and undergraduate students in the UW–Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs are uniquely qualified to carry out policy design, implementation, analysis, research, advocacy, and evaluation. If you have a policy-related internship or job opportunity or a policy project needing some analysis, our students are looking to partner with real-world clients to hone their skills. Students are looking for fall internships now, and in the fall and spring, student teams can provide research and analytic support on a public policy or public management issue for your organization, at no cost to you. Post a policy-related job or internship or submit a project proposal.
SuccessWorks Job Shadow Program
The SuccessWorks Job Shadow Program provides a diverse population of students from UW–Madison with an opportunity to get direct experience with careers that interest them during winter break. This short-term program is a great way to host fellow Badgers and familiarize them with your industry and workplace culture. Employers can learn more and sign up here for the January 2026 program. Please contact Emily Pomykalski, Employer Relations Coordinator at SuccessWorks, with questions.
SuccessWorks Virtual Mock Interviews
These mock interviews on October 3 will give UW–Madison students the chance to practice and strengthen their interview skills in a supportive environment. This program connects students with employer representatives from various industries, helping them to gain realistic experience with typical interview questions and receive constructive feedback—all before doing the real thing. Employers can learn more and sign up here by September 17. Please contact Emily Pomykalski, Employer Relations Coordinator at SuccessWorks, with questions.
UW–Madison Faculty and Staff: UniverCity Alliance
UniverCity Alliance can help connect UW–Madison faculty and instructors with Wisconsin communities to offer community-engaged learning opportunities to students. Learn more here.
Wisconsin School of Business Consulting Capstone Projects
Do you have a business question you wish you could spend more time on? Let students from the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) help. The WSB Master’s Consulting Capstone connects teams of students with organizations on a 12-week, live consulting-style analytics project. Students get real-world experience and your business gets fresh insights on important business questions. Most importantly, you play a critical role in building the next generation of business leaders. There are similar opportunities to work with our undergraduate students on a Strategic Capstone Project as well. Applications for the 2025-26 academic year are now open. Fill out an online interest form or contact Halley Jones or Natalie Norton at pso@wsb.wisc.edu for more information.
Career Events
You can also access talented UW–Madison students and recent graduates at campus career fairs and other events. Check back often as the fall semester approaches.
Do you have other business needs that could benefit from experiential learning? Let us know.