Project Management Internships An Overview

Project management internships are a great way of getting valuable experience in a career that typically requires years of expertise. There can be a bit of confusion at times when it comes to what project management is and what it actually entails. Project management is using acquired knowledge, talents and methods to successfully and competently complete projects. It is a technical skill that is used by companies that allows them to align the outcome of their projects with their professional goals. In turn, they become bigger contenders in their industry.

Students who are studying to become project managers should take some things into consideration when they’re searching for a company to intern with. First, there are five processes that fall under project management; initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling and closing. Next, project managers must use the knowledge that they have acquired in; integration, scope, time, cost, quality, procurement, human resources, communications, risk management and stakeholder management. It’s important that students seek out project management internships that will allow them to use as many of their skills as possible.

Companies Offering Project Management Internships

There are companies in every field that can always use a fresh view. Here are a few that may catch your eye:

• Capital One: Interning with this company is serious business, since students take part in some of the most significant decisions in the company. Viewed as intricate players in the daily operation of the company, interns are paired with the best of the best. Interns take part in project creation, project scheduling and budgeting to name a few.

• Goodyear: has over 70,000 employees, in over 50 facilities, in over 20 countries across the globe. That is why it’s one of the biggest tire companies in the world. Headquartered in Ohio, the company enlists the assistance of part and full time interns. Internships with the company last between 1 and 1 ½ years. Applicants must be studying toward a B.S. or M.S. and have a 3.0 grade point average.
• Nissan: To intern at Nissan North America, students must be enrolled and a MBA candidate. The summer internship is three months long and students spend the first few weeks shadowing a skilled professional. Interns work on various projects, including but not limited to; product planning, design, manufacturing and marketing.
• Disney: At Disney, project managers are referred to as “Project Imagineers”. What else can you expect from the creators of the most imaginative creations in the world? Interns work closely with staff on scheduling, control, monitoring and execution of Disney projects. Students must be enrolled in their junior or senior years of studies.

Intern opportunities are also offered with companies such as Walgreens, CVS, Kohler and American Girl. The list is never ending. It’s up to the student to choose the industry that they would prefer to work in.

Project managers are essential to every business. As interns, students gain hands-on experience and put their classroom knowledge to use. In addition, they build a network of career contacts that can guide them along their chosen path. Whether it’s in pharmaceuticals, automotives or television programming; every project management intern will contribute something to the company that they intern at.