Experienceship Program

The Experienceship Program supports economic development in Pennsylvania, further instilling a culture of entrepreneurship and corporate innovation, as well as building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem across the University and Commonwealth. It's an internship program for sophomores and juniors currently enrolled in the Smeal College of Business Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIENT) major.

Program Description

The Experienceship Program is an internship program for rising third and fourth year students currently enrolled in the Smeal College of Business with an interest in Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIENT) major, offered by the Management and Organization Department.

The program aligns with the Invent Penn State initiative to support economic development in Pennsylvania, further instilling a culture of entrepreneurship and corporate innovation, as well as building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem across the University and Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania small businesses and startups, including Ben Franklin and Happy Valley LaunchBox companies, will benefit from this subsidized program. Harnessing the entrepreneurial skills and capabilities of Smeal students will increase the likelihood of commercial success of new ventures.

Thanks in part to generous gifts from Doug M. and Leila A. Leech, Brian C. and Mindy Z. Longo, and the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, students will benefit by obtaining real-world experience in small, growing businesses, finding new networking opportunities, developing professionally, and leveraging opportunities to apply what they know.

View the Student Experienceship Program Videos

Pennsylvania Startups & Small Companies

  • Companies eligible for student placement should have under 150 employees and be located in Pennsylvania. Companies with over 150 employees may be considered, depending on budget constraints
  • Responsibilities should ensure a robust and engaging experience for the student in a startup/small company
  • Interested companies must apply via the Nittany Lion Careers (NLC) portal at https://nittanylioncareers.psu.edu/ to be considered, and must use the key word “Experienceship” in the job title
  • Company applications will be vetted by the faculty and staff of the Farrell Center to ensure a good fit between company and students.

Rising Smeal Third & Fourth Year Students

  • Students must apply through the NLC portal at https://nittanylioncareers.psu.edu/ to be considered
  • Use the search term "Experienceship" to filter eligible positions
  • Once selected, the student must contact Mary Beth Aber at the Farrell Center to receive Fellowship funds
  • Students paid in two installments: end of May and end of August