EXAMPLE INTERNSHIP ROLES AT STARTUPS
Working with a startup can be an exciting and dynamic experience. Startups are typically young companies in the early stages of their development, and they often have a small team, limited resources, and a focus on innovation and growth. Working with a startup can be a high-risk, high-reward experience. It’s a unique journey that can be immensely fulfilling for those who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and innovative environment.
At Sage Corps, we have five general categories that all roles fall into. Sometimes, your internship may include elements of more than one role type depending on your experience and qualifications and the startup. Below you will find an explanation of each category along with a few example job descriptions.
Business Development
Business Development internships offer individuals the opportunity to acquire hands-on knowledge and skills related to the strategies and activities aimed at driving growth, revenue, and market expansion. This type of internship is often designed to provide experience and exposure to various tasks, everything from lead generation or sales support to completing a competitor analysis. As you gain more experience and confidence, you may take on more complex tasks and responsibilities.
Your Role Might Include
- Lead Generation
- Sales Support
- Market Analysis
- Business Development
- Customer Relationship Management
- Administrative Tasks
- Program/Project Management
- Ad Hoc Tasks
Click below for some sample intern role descriptions:
Marketing
A marketing internship allows you to gain practical experience in marketing-related tasks and projects. It is designed to help students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world marketing activities, develop essential marketing skills, and gain exposure to the various aspects of marketing, including advertising, branding, market research, digital marketing, social media, and more. We often have roles focused on digital marketing and content marketing. Depending on your experience and confidence, you may take on more complex tasks and responsibilities in marketing.
Your Role Might Include
- Market Research & Competitor Analysis
- Content Creation
- Social Media Management
- Email Marketing
- Digital Advertising
- Analytics and Reporting
- Event Support
- Customer Communication
- Ad Hoc Tasks
Click below for some sample intern role descriptions:
Software Development
Software development internships are designed to provide students with exposure to various aspects of software engineering, coding, debugging, and the development lifecycle, while allowing them to contribute to real software projects. These internships can be focused on front end or back end web development or sometimes centered around a specific project or coding language. They are designed to provide a learning experience, and it’s common for interns to start with smaller tasks and gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain confidence and experience. The key is to be eager to learn, open to feedback, and proactive in seeking opportunities to contribute to the development team’s goals.
Your Role Might Include
- Coding and Programming
- Testing and Debugging
- Software Development Tools
- Code Optimization
- Ad Hoc Tasks
Click below for some sample intern role descriptions:
User Experience & User Interface Design (UX/UI)
UX/UI internships are often designed to provide hands-on experience and exposure to various design aspects. As you gain more experience and confidence, you may take on more complex tasks and responsibilities. For this focus area, you will need to provide a portfolio to showcase your projects and previous design experience.
Your Role Might Include
- User Research
- Wireframing and Prototyping
- Visual Design Support
- Usability Testing
- Accessibility and Responsive Design
- Ad Hoc Tasks
Click below for some sample intern role descriptions:
Graphic Design
Graphic Design internships are intended to provide hands-on experience and exposure to various design aspects. The core objectives of a graphic design internship include honing practical design skills, fostering creativity, and learning about industry standards, workflows, and best practices. Interns gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge design software and collaborating on effective visual storytelling strategies. For this focus area, you will need to provide a portfolio to showcase your projects and previous design experience.
Your Role Might Include
- Learning and Software Proficiency
- Visual Asset Creation
- Branding Elements
- Print and Digital Media
- Project Support
- Presentation Skills
- Ad Hoc Tasks
Click below for some sample intern role descriptions:
Data Analytics
Data Analytics internships provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience working with data, conducting analysis, and developing skills in data-driven decision-making. You will get hands-on experience in data collection, data analysis & interpretation, as well as apply your knowledge of statistics and data tools to real-world data challenges, making data-driven decisions, and contributing to data-related projects.
Your Role Might Include
- Data Collection and Cleaning
- Data Exploration
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Visualization
- Technology Tools
- Reporting and Documentation
- Data Integration
- Data Mining and Pattern Recognition
- Data Interpretation
- Ad Hoc Tasks
Click below for some sample intern role descriptions:
