2026 Maximizing Maryland Graduate Internship Program

Gain access to highly trained Smith School master’s students for summer internships supporting projects in business strategy, operations, analytics, finance, marketing, supply chain, technology and global growth initiatives.

This program is ideal for small- to midsize enterprises in Maryland and across the United States that:

• Operate domestically or globally
• Aspire to expand into new U.S. or international markets
• Need project-based support across core business functions
• Want access to graduate-level talent with specialized training

Applications for summer 2026 are now open.
The first application deadline is Monday, April 13.

Apply to the 2026 Maximizing Maryland Graduate Internship Program 

Areas of Support

Interns may support companies in a wide range of functional and strategic areas, including:

Business Strategy and Operations

Developing and supporting strategic and operational planning, implementation and assessment of business initiatives. Projects may include:

• Business planning and growth strategy
• Market viability studies
• Competitive landscape analysis
• Process improvement
• Risk assessments
• Regulatory and compliance review
• Budgeting and financial forecasting
• Performance metrics and KPI development

Marketing and Market Intelligence (Domestic and Global)

Planning, research, sales and customer engagement initiatives to assess needs and evaluate opportunities. Examples include:

• Market research and segmentation
• Brand positioning
• Customer experience strategy
• Digital marketing strategy
• Competitive benchmarking
• Go-to-market planning
• Global marketing adaptation strategies

Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, cost and responsiveness across domestic and international operations:

• Inventory optimization
• Demand planning
• Procurement analysis
• Time-to-market improvements
• Risk management

Finance and Trade Strategy

Financial analysis and risk evaluation to support domestic and international growth:

• Financial modeling
• Investment analysis
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Trade finance evaluation
• Political and economic risk assessment
• Payment method strategy
• Credit risk analysis
• Cash flow forecasting
• Funding source identification

Business Analytics and Data-Driven Decision-Making

Leveraging data to improve strategic and operational performance:

• Business intelligence dashboards
• Predictive analytics
• Data visualization
• Process data analysis
• Customer analytics
• Financial analytics
• Operational performance modeling

Innovation, Technology and Digital Transformation

Supporting modernization and competitive positioning:

• Digital transformation initiatives
• Automation process evaluation
• Information systems optimization
• Artificial intelligence applications in business processes
• Technology implementation planning

Recommended Commitments From Participating Companies

• Provide interns at least 30 hours per week during summer 2026 (dates set by employer)
• Compensate interns at a minimum of $17 per hour (final compensation determined between employer and intern)
• Commit to meaningful, project-based work aligned with business needs

Note: These are recommendations and not requirements for participation in the program.

Additional Training and Support for Interns

Students hired through the program receive supplemental training and support from Philip Grove, MBA ’15, CGBP, adjunct faculty, LBPP.

Before starting their internships, students participate in structured training sessions covering:

• Global business management
• Marketing strategy
• Supply chain management
• Trade finance

Interns also may participate in customized follow-up sessions based on their projects and responsibilities, as well as receive faculty guidance as needed.

How It Works

1. Companies register for the Maximizing Maryland Graduate Internship Program and meet with the Center for Global Business to confirm participation and receive next steps.
2. After April 13, companies receive a curated pool of qualified candidates to review.
3. Employers select their top candidates to interview. The number of candidates is based on employer needs.
4. Employers contact candidates directly to schedule and conduct interviews.
5. Employers who hire candidates from the applicant pool receive additional support and guidance from the Center for Global Business.
6. Once hired, the student enrolls in program training and reports back to the Center for Global Business and the Smith School.

Applicant Pool

Intern candidates are drawn from the Smith School’s business master’s programs, including:

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Management Studies
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Analytics
• Quantitative Finance
• Supply Chain Management

Work Format Flexibility

Employers may choose for their intern to work:

• In person
• Remote
• Hybrid

The preferred work format should be communicated during the interview process and confirmed in the offer letter.

Learn More

Companies are encouraged to contact the Center for Global Business at maugoust@umd.edu to discuss the program and receive answers to their questions.

The Maximizing Maryland Graduate Internship Program is funded in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education.