Why Internships at Minority-Owned Businesses Matter
This post will list the five top affordable online colleges with internships at minority-owned businesses.
Some want to complete internships at large companies. However, more students are choosing to gain hands-on experience at smaller, minority-owned businesses. Although experiences at corporations can be great, they also come with a few considerations. Here are a few downsides of interning at large corporations:
- At big companies, taking charge of projects or having your voice heard in meetings is harder. Because there are more people, most leadership is left to managers, while interns just assist them.
- You’ll often feel like you’re stuck doing repetitive, low-impact tasks. Instead of working on real projects, you might end up with busy work that doesn’t feel meaningful.
- You’ll likely have to follow a lot of rules and procedures, even if you think there’s a better way to do something. Big companies often have strict policies that everyone has to stick to.
- With so many employees and executives, building close relationships at big companies can be tough. It’s harder to get noticed or form personal connections with higher-ups.
Interning at minority-owned businesses is your gateway to the inner workings of a company. They offer experiences you cannot find in larger corporations. You’ll have more chances to participate in large projects and work directly with the business owner. This level of access and involvement is rare in larger corporations.
Featured Programs
Before we look at the top affordable online colleges with internships at minority-owned businesses, let’s first explore why interning at a minority-owned business is a great choice. But first, what are minority-owned businesses?
A minority-owned business is one where individuals from racial or ethnic minority groups hold at least 51% of the ownership and control. This includes African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian American. Pursuing affordable online colleges with internships at minority-owned businesses offers several benefits:
Promotes Diversity and Inclusion
Underrepresented communities often face discrimination. This makes it harder for people and businesses to succeed. Supporting minority-owned businesses helps create a fairer society. It gives these communities a better chance to thrive.
When these businesses are supported, it encourages others from similar backgrounds to start their own. This opens up more opportunities for everyone. It also brings fresh ideas and voices, helping to conquer challenges and create a more inclusive future.
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Access to New Markets
Interning at a minority-owned business gives you the chance to learn about markets that are different from traditional ones. Many of these businesses focus on meeting the needs of specific communities.
You can learn how these businesses understand cultural differences and customer preferences by working at one. This experience will help you understand different kinds of customers and how to work in a diverse world.
Boosts Local Economies
Minority-owned businesses are important for strengthening local economies, especially in areas that need help. These businesses hire local people, spend money in the community, and offer goods or services that the community really needs. By interning at one of these businesses, you’re gaining work experience and helping your local economy stronger.
Cultural Relevance
If you come from a minority background, working at a minority-owned business can feel more comfortable. You will be in an environment where people understand your culture and background, which can help you feel more at home. It’s a great way to show how your own experiences can make a difference in the workplace and help the business grow.
Networking Opportunities
Minority-owned business internships for students also provide unique networking opportunities. It allows you to meet and learn from people who have similar goals and experiences. Many of these business owners are willing to help younger people by giving advice or connections. By building relationships with people in the business, you can get helpful career tips, job leads, and chances to work with others who share your interests.
When you intern at a minority-owned business, you’re also supporting companies that care about the community and the environment. Many of these businesses focus on doing things the right way by being fair, ethical, and socially responsible. This experience can inspire you to think about how you can make a difference in your own career by supporting businesses that want to make the world better.
Aligns with Your Career Goals
Interning at a minority-owned business can also help you if your professional goals include working in areas that help underrepresented communities, such as education, health, or technology. These businesses often focus on making a positive impact, so if you care about doing meaningful work, this internship could be a great fit for you.
Benefits of Choosing an Affordable Online College with Internship Opportunities
Pursuing affordable online colleges with internships at minority-owned businesses is a smart move for students. This is true regardless of your ethnicity, race, or background. These opportunities offer valuable hands-on experience while helping you avoid piling up debt.
Did you know that the cost of education is rising faster than wages? It’s true! In 2015-2016, the average price for a public four-year university was over $19,000 per year and nearly $40,000 for a private university. Over four years, this adds up to about $104,480. In 1989, the same degree cost about $26,900 ($52,900 adjusted for inflation). This means college costs doubled in that time, even after inflation.
While the cost of college grew by 2.6% a year, wages only grew by 0.3% a year. So, the cost of college increased nearly eight times faster than wages.
As tuition and fees keep rising, racial and ethnic groups that have been historically left out of education remain underrepresented in higher education. Fortunately, affordable online colleges are providing a viable solution to this issue, making education more accessible to a broader range of students.
Online colleges are more affordable. While tuition is often similar to on-campus programs, it saves students a lot from other educational expenses. You can avoid extra costs like transportation, on-campus housing, and dining plans. This helps you budget for essentials such as tuition, textbooks, and other academic needs.
Can you really gain practical experience through online programs? Yes! As long as the online program is accredited, it can be as competitive as traditional schools. Many online programs are offered by well-known colleges that decided to offer classes online so students from anywhere can join.
Many online colleges work with companies that offer remote minority-owned business internships for students. This will help you gain experience from anywhere. This flexibility lets you balance work, studying, and building your career.
Top Affordable Online Colleges Offering Internships with Minority-Owned Businesses
Southern New Hampshire University
When it comes to the best online college internship programs, you can count on Southern New Hampshire University. As a top-ranked school for low-cost education, SNHU offers some of the most inexpensive tuition rates in the country:
- $330 per credit for undergraduate degrees
- $637 per credit for graduate degrees
- No application fee for either undergraduate or graduate programs
Its online BS in Business Administration Concentration, in particular, is one of the best and most affordable online education with career opportunities in both local and global businesses. With a focus on small business administration, you can pursue internships at minority-owned businesses.
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University offers several college internships in minority-driven industries. One of its popular programs is the Broncos Lead Internship Program, a new paid internship program that started in 2023. This program provides students with valuable, resume-boosting experiences while supporting local businesses.
This program offers more than just an internship. Students will:
- attend pre-internship workshops
- receive paid professional development
- gain mentorship
- create a video presentation for their portfolio
WMU is one of the cheapest colleges, offering various online degrees for out-of-state students.
Florida State University
FSU is one of the most affordable colleges with practical experience opportunities for minority students. The cost per credit hour for in-state students is just $180.49 (undergrad) and $444.26 (grad), one of the lowest rates available. Its out-of-state tuition costs an average of $21,683 per year, still lower than the national average.
FSU’s Career Center offers several internship opportunities for special populations. Some of its most popular offerings include:
- Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP)
- HACU National Internship Program
- HRC
- INROADS
- Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program
- Southern Education Foundation Programs
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University is one of the best online schools with business partnerships with minority-owned businesses. VCU supports the local economy by encouraging the use of SWaM (Small, Women, and Minority-Owned) suppliers. This initiative helps strengthen the community and promotes diversity in its supply chain.
Moreover, VCU’s Metropolitan Business League (MBL) – Marketing & PR Internship offers great opportunities for students. They can gain experience with small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses in the Richmond and Tri-Cities area.
Bridgewater State University
Through its Career Center, BSU offers several opportunities for mentorship and career growth for minority students. The Black/African American community, in particular, benefits from tailored programs designed to support professional development and networking. Its Career Services & Internship Program Office has experts assigned to help minority students find the perfect internship program for them.
BSU works closely with local businesses and organizations that value diversity. This helps minority students gain real-world experience and find job opportunities. These partnerships support students’ academic growth and help them build professional connections in the community.
How Internships with Minority-Owned Businesses Support Career Growth
Interning at minority-owned businesses offers tons of benefits for your career growth. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Personalized Mentorship: Smaller businesses mean more one-on-one time with the boss. You’ll get real insights into leadership, decision-making, and entrepreneurship.
- Skill Growth: You’ll wear many hats—helping with customer service, project management, or marketing—giving you a broad skill set that’s super valuable in any job market.
- Networking: You’ll build connections with the team and other local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and customers. These relationships can open doors to excellent opportunities later on.
- Diverse Perspectives: You’ll experience different cultural views and approaches to business, helping you think more inclusively and with a broader mindset.
- Career Opportunities: Many small businesses love to hire from within, so a good internship could lead to a full-time gig.
Plus, you’ll contribute to positive social change and might even get inspired to start your own business someday!
Choosing the Right Program: Factors to Consider
When choosing an online college with internships at minority-owned businesses, consider these factors:
- Reputation & Accreditation: Make sure the school is accredited and has a solid reputation in your field.
- Internship Opportunities: Look for schools with strong connections to minority-owned businesses and proven internship placements. You can ask their Career and Internship Office about this.
- Support Services: Ensure the college offers advising, career counseling, and internship help.
- Industry Connections: A good alumni network and career center can help you find internships and land the right jobs.
- Flexibility: Select a program that fits your schedule and offers remote or flexible internship options.
- Program Focus: Find a program that matches your career interests, like business or social entrepreneurship.
- Affordability: Compare tuition rates and financial aid options to keep costs manageable.
Conclusion: Building a Brighter Future with Affordable Education and Minority Business Internships
So, is education and career development in affordable online colleges possible? Absolutely YES! In fact, it could even have better outcomes. These colleges won’t cost a fortune, allowing you to graduate with significantly less debts.
You’ll gain valuable skills, expand your professional networks, and contribute to ensuring a more inclusive and equitable economy. This combination offers a practical, affordable path to career success, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s diverse and dynamic world.