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Assist with the strategic development of a nonprofit organization as a business development intern. You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organization focused on social development or environmental impact. As an intern, you’ll use your skills to help with the overall sustainability of the initiative. This can involve working on digital marketing strategies, assisting with fundraising, creating budgets and proposals, or developing sustainability plans. No matter what your focus is you’ll be working on a strategic level and assisting with the long-term growth of the organization. These business development internships provide an exciting opportunity to gain practical work experience and support an important cause at the same time.
Any of our business development internships will take you on a transformative experience, enabling you to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting, improve your practical skills, and contribute to a meaningful cause while gaining the chance to build valuable connections necessary to start a successful business career.
Read more about our Business Development internships options
Why choose Roots Interns for Business Development Internships?
Grassroots work
You’ll join an organization that works directly with their community to solve problems on the ground and make a real impact.
Matchmaking
We’ll help you find and prepare for an internship with the organization that’s right for you and your skills, background, and passions.
Acadmic Placements
Working abroad is an experience like no other and your internship will be tailored to your studies and interests.
Browse All Business Development Internship Projects
Customized Internship in Europe
- Min. 4 weeks
- Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain
- Social-Environmental Impact, Tailor-Made, Nonprofit Development
Design a tailor-made internship experience that aligns with your professional and personal goals while furthering the mission of a nonprofit in Europe.
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Agroecology Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi
- Environmental Sustainability, Capacity Building, Organizational Development
Take an active role in empowering rural communities through workshops focused on food and water security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
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Business Development Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Tacloban, Philippines
- Research, Data Analysis, M&E, Strategic Development
Build diverse business skills and experience supporting an impactful education and community uplift nonprofit.
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Sustainable Development Micro-Internship
- 2 Weeks
- Turrialba & Tirimbina, Costa Rica
- Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, Case Studies
Gain insight into resource management, sustainable business practices, and innovation in the context of a tropical rainforest.
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Business Analyst Internship
- Min. 12 weeks
- Barcelona, Spain
- Internships, Summer internships, Gap year internships
Begin an exciting journey to uncover the insights of business growth and development.
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Sustainability & Ecotourism Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Shandia, Ecuador
- Business Development, Marketing, Sustainable Tourism, Education
Help to establish an ecotourism center in the Amazonian Rainforest region of Ecuador
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Social Entrepreneurship Internship
- Min. 12 weeks
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
- Marketing, Fundraising, Program Development, Research, Operations
Help with the development and management of an inspiring social business
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Marketing & Communications Internship in South Africa
- Min. 8 weeks
- Bela-Bela, South Africa OR Remote
- Fundraising, Reporting, Social Media, Content Creation
Make an impact in the development and sustainability of this project, protecting an endadgered species.
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NGO Management and Finance Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi
- Accounting, Reporting, Fundraising, Social Business Development
Gain finance management and income generation experience
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Remote Business Development Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Remote
- Business development, Reporting, Monitoring, Data analysis
Use your skills to spread awareness on important issues in rural African communities
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Female Empowerment Internship
- Min. 5 months
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Business development, communication, coordination
Gain work experience while supporting female refugees through skill development workshops.
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Other Academic Focus Areas
Benefits of Business Development Internships
Real-world experience
As a business development intern you’ll get the chance to apply prior academic knowledge to real-world settings where you’ll be able to sharpen your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Industry Knowledge
Become well-versed in market trends, challenges, and nonprofit work as you gain an in-depth understanding of the specific sector you’ll be interning in.
Problem Solving
Business development internships foster your ability to develop your problem-solving skills further. You’ll have the chance to come up with innovative solutions to real business challenges, helping you become more skillful at addressing complex issues.
Communication Skills
Improve your written and verbal communication skills as you’ll be working alongside a diverse team and audience.
Personal Growth
Business development internships offer not only opportunities for professional development but also for personal growth in your independence, maturity, and the enhancement of a strong work ethic which is a valuable asset to have.
Well-roudned Tasks
As an intern you’ll wear many hats and get the chance to work across various departments, enabling you to understand how different parts of a business work together to achieve a common goal.
Why Choose Roots Internships in Business Development
Find out from our previous interns how internship positions in Business Development can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.
I met incredible people in various industries of Malawi that motivated me along my journey and may offer valuable connections for projects in the future. I was given the freedom and tools to push myself in being more autonomous by taking the lead on projects and making a tangible impact with my work. I know that everything I’ve learned will contribute to my future career and influence my decision-making process when deciding on what I expect from a company in terms of CSR and Sustainable Investing. Doing a social entrepreneurship internship in Malawi has taught me skills that I otherwise would not have had the chance to develop and I couldn’t be happier with my experience.
Léa, Skema Business School, French – Social Entrepreneurship Internship, Malawi
While my internship was virtual and therefore from home, I truly loved the organization I got to work for. Being small and close-knit, I felt like an integral part of the team and that my contribution mattered. I got to develop skills such as data analysis which I had never done before, and which will help me greatly in the future. If possible, I would love to intern with Roots again, hopefully, this time in person.
Isabella, American University, American – Remote Business Development Internship
Business Development Internships FAQs
Why should I do a business Developm ent Internship with an NGO?
Good question. It might not be an obvious choice, as business development internships are more likely to be associated with the for-profit sector. As a business development intern with a nonprofit organization will be offered opportunities that you might not get within larger companies; you’ll be a large part of a small team, and you’ll get to be a driving force on the strategic level behind meaningful projects. The width and depth of your work experience as part of a small nonprofit team is incomparable to the typical corporate internship.
Plus, you get to do good. You’ll join a team that’s on a mission to drive change on a community development or conservation level. You’ll be part of a passionate group of people that love what they do, and create an impact in their area of focus. You’ll get to see tangible results – impactful results – of your work. What’s not to love?
Which organisations can I join as a Business Development In tern
We offer business development internships with many different organizations around the world; all small, grassroots initiatives driven by a nonprofit mission. Their focus areas include early childhood development, food security, inclusive and local production, ethical consumerism, refugee welfare, sustainable land management, wildlife conservation, human rights, environmental education, and more.
We carefully match interns with the right organizations, because we believe it’s important that passions and working styles are aligned. So we’ll make sure you’ll join an initiative that you’re passionate about, and that will give you the inspiring and stimulating work experience you’re looking for.
How will a Business Development Internship help my career?
As a business development intern, you’ll get the chance to gain hands-on experience in the field of business as you’ll be working together with experts in the industry as well as building valuable relationships. It will enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the nonprofit world where you’ll be able to improve your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills which are highly transferable in various career paths. Your internship experience is sure to be a worthwhile addition to your resume which can lead to future job opportunities. A business development internship is a stage of progress to a successful career as it will provide you with knowledge, connections, and the skills you’ll need to excel in the industry. It sets the stage for a rewarding and thriving professional and personal journey.
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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