Next-Gen Business Partnership

The Next-Gen Business Partnership is a nationwide initiative to develop the next generation of diverse business leaders.

People discussing internship opportunities

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is partnering with historically black colleges and universities and minority serving institutions to promote diversity at all levels of business. The Next-Gen Business Partnership exposes minority students to new career opportunities; promotes entrepreneurship; and encourages knowledge sharing among academics, business leaders, and trade associations.

Feature story

Companies with greater diversity outperform their peers

Women and minorities have been underrepresented across many industries and in positions of leadership. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is stepping up to address these challenges and to help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders, we've launched the Next-Gen Business Partnership.

The four core programs

Next-Gen Scholars: U.S. Chamber provides competitive internship opportunities for university students to serve in departments across the organization based on their interests and academic majors. Executive Speaker Series: U.S. Chamber executives address university students and faculty on important issues ranging from public policy and government to management and leadership. Faculty and Administration Research: U.S. Chamber provides executive level education opportunities to university faculty based on their area of academic focus. Entrepreneurship Development: U.S. Chamber has partnered with Sky’s The Limit as they aim to become the world's leading digital accelerator for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs, providing one-on-one support from their peers & volunteer professionals, as well as training & funding.

Latest Experts Major Initiatives Programs

U.S. Chamber Releases 'America’s Opportunity Gaps: By the Numbers' Examining Underlying Factors of Inequality for Black Americans, Americans of Color

U.S. Chamber Launches National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity

Quarterly Index Indicates Rise in Confidence Among Small Businesses

U.S. Chamber, MBDA Collaborate to Strengthen Minority Businesses

RSM Survey Highlights Social Responsibility and Diversity & Inclusion in the Middle Market

U.S. Chamber, Howard University Launch “Next-Gen” Business Partnership

1/1President and CEO Suzanne Clark with 2022 NextGen Scholars

Program Status

The application for the 2023 Summer Internship Program are closed. Please check back in Spring 2024 for the next application cycle. If you have any questions, please email nextgen@uschamber.com

Next-Gen Program Overview:

The Next-Gen internship program allows students to intern in various U.S. Chamber departments while offering events and collaborations that contribute to developing the next generation of diverse business leaders. Next-Gen focuses on exposing students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) to the world of business, public policy, government affairs, and advocacy.

With Next-Gen you will obtain a hands-on, meaningful work experience designed to meet your academic and career goals. The Next-Gen Scholar program offers opportunities to work on policy issues and network with Chamber and corporate executives, Congressional leaders, and government officials.

Internship Application Process and FAQ

Programming includes:

Intern Orientation – Get to know more about the Chamber and connect with other interns in the program.
Resume Workshop – Learn how to craft a standout resume and cover letter for your career next steps.
Business Writing Workshop – Learn how to communicate effectively through email, memoranda, and more in a professional environment.
Networking Events – Connect with managers and senior leadership from across the Chamber as they share tips and tricks learned throughout their careers.
Business Field Trips - Nationwide trips that help to promote networking with corporate executives.
Lunch and Learn Sessions with U.S. Chamber and corporate executives.
Intern Farewell – Celebrate and reflect on your achievements in the program with other interns from the program.

The Chamber has 45 different departments that cover multiple career fields. After you submit your resume, it will be reviewed by one of our recruiters and if your skill match what we are looking for you will be placed in one of our departments. It's important to note that internship applicants may be assigned to any of the following departments International, Center for Education Workforce, Institute for Legal Reform, Strategic Alliances, Executive Office, Fundraising and Development, Global Energy Institute, Strategic Advocacy, Corporate Citizenship Center, Emerging Issues – civics, Federation Relations and grassroots advocacy.

If you have a preference of department, please indicate on the comment section of this application.

FAQs:

What will I do?

Daily responsibilities for interns typically include research, drafting memos or content, and event planning and support. Specific responsibilities vary by department and semester.
Next-Gen also offers programming each semester intended to provide professional development and networking opportunities for interns. In previous semesters, this has included a resume workshop, professional panel with Chamber experts, leadership luncheons, and more.

Can I receive academic credit?

Yes. You must be currently enrolled in a college or university and must be eligible for academic credit from the school in order to go this route.
Next-Gen requires proof of academic credit either through a screenshot of your registration or via a signed letter from your university stating that they will be receiving credit. Human Resources must receive proof of academic credit before we can confirm your internship.

Is this a paid internship?

Interns can participate for academic credit and pay at the same time, if approved by the university.
Payrate varies based on current graduate level

While we can't bring on every intern that applies, we do our best to bring on as many interns as possible. If your application meets the requirements we are looking for someone will reach out to you.

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our recruitment and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity.