What is a program manager internship and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Tamara Tranter,

Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

A program manager internship is an individual who works under the supervision of a program manager to learn the skills required to manage complex projects. They support the program manager in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and tracking progress. They learn how to create reports and presentations on project progress, conduct risk assessments, and manage project documentation. This internship provides valuable experience for individuals seeking to become program managers or project managers in various industries.

What general advice would you give to a program manager internship?

Tamara Tranter

Senior Director, The USA Hockey Foundation

Take risks, go outside of your comfort zone, and don't go into interviews with big expectations. Many qualified people have been impacted and are going to get many of the jobs because they have past experience. So be realistic, be positive, and be a team player.

ScoreProgram Manager InternshipUS Average

Salary

3.5

Avg. Salary $45,216

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.9

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.94%

Black or African American 7.58%

Hispanic or Latino 12.71%

Unknown 4.70%

White 65.40%

Gender

female 60.68%

male 39.32%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a program manager internship?

Pros

Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in project management
Exposure to different areas of the company
Chance to network and build professional relationships
Potential for career advancement within the company
Opportunity to learn from experienced program managers

Cons

Long hours and high workload
High-pressure environment with tight deadlines
Need to adapt quickly to changing project requirements and priorities
Limited autonomy and decision-making power as an intern
Possibility of working on less exciting or challenging projects

Key steps to become a program manager internship

Explore program manager internship education requirements

Most common program manager internship degrees

Bachelor's

72.7 %

Master's

13.9 %

Associate

10.1 %

Start to develop specific program manager internship skills

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	25.60%
HR	23.28%
Professional Development	20.23%
Facebook	5.25%
Digital Marketing	4.57%

Research program manager internship duties and responsibilities

Develop windows forms programs to automate manual in-house processes integrate with third party applications using Microsoft VB.Net.
Organize and direct competitive Jr.
Integrate customer supply packages into ERP system.
Update the weekly status report for the CIO.

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