The Small Business Internship program is a high-impact experience dedicated to placing Poole College of Management undergraduate students in paid summer internships at small business companies in North Carolina counties. Students are matched with small business companies based on their industry and functional role preferences and spend the internship immersed in that community, building both personal and professional relationships.

This impact-driven program gives Poole students a way to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and gain invaluable on-the-job career readiness skills while having a positive economic impact on small businesses North Carolina.

This full-time, 12-week, paid summer internship program also provides career coaching, professional development workshops, and a process to help translate the skills students learned on the job to future employers. While internships will be individualized, students will spend time connecting and learning with a cohort of their peers who are going through similar rural experiences.

For questions, contact Tyler Wiersma at [email protected].

Employer Partner Information

Are you a small business interested in becoming an employer partner for this program? Watch our webinar HERE (Password: Ig4g.%2c) to learn more about the program. If you would like to become a partner, please complete THIS FORM.

Employer Testimonials

• “Our student far exceeded our expectations for a summer internship and help on several projects. Their future employer will be lucky to have them!” – Rebecca Larkin, KIOTI
• “Our interns quick adaptation to our system and proactive problem-solving enhanced operational efficiency and supported key projects. Their collaborative attitude and fresh ideas fostered a positive team environment, leaving a lasting contribution to our workflow.” – Steve Scott, Tri-State Steel
• “I am impressed with how well our intern handled everything we gave her. I am usually very selective with our intern hires and having the confidence that a candidate has already been through a selection process like the Business HIRE program gives me confidence that we are getting the best of the best.” – Carolyn Beggs, VerticalIQ
• “This program is the perfect balance for students to learn independence while also checking in with them just enough so that they feel supported by their school. I appreciated having my intern this summer and truly enjoyed our time together.” – Kendal Bradley, ACTEGA North America