Strategic Finance & Administration Accelerator Internship Program

Gain experience. Build skills. Make an impact at UO.

Ever wonder what it takes to keep a university running?

The Strategic Finance & Administration Accelerator is a paid internship program that gives University of Oregon students hands-on experience working alongside professionals in the essential services and infrastructure that support our campus every day.

Accelerator interns contribute to meaningful projects in areas such as technology, campus planning and facilities, finance, safety and resilience, human resources, communications, data analysis, and more. Along the way, you'll build practical skills, explore potential career paths, and gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of how a large, complex university really works.

Real Work. Real Experience.

Accelerator internships are designed around projects that matter. Depending on your placement, you might help analyze and visualize data, support campus planning, contribute to design and construction projects, develop communications, work with GIS technology, learn about emergency preparedness and resilience, or help improve the programs and services that support the UO community.

You'll work directly with UO professionals who will provide guidance and mentorship while giving you opportunities to take ownership of meaningful work.

You don’t need to already be an expert. Each internship is different. Some require specific skills, experience, or areas of study, while others simply call for strong organizational skills, curiosity, and an interest in learning more. We encourage you to explore the opportunities and consider how the skills you’ve gained through coursework, jobs, volunteering, or other experiences might apply.

More Than an Internship

Your assigned internship is the foundation of the Accelerator experience, but you'll also participate in professional development with other Accelerator interns and UO professionals.

Together, you'll explore topics such as:

  • Résumé development and professional networking
  • Building an authentic professional presence
  • Identifying your strengths and career interests
  • Navigating the workplace and building professional relationships
  • Exploring careers and professional roles within Finance and Administration

The goal is to help you connect what you're learning in the classroom with real-world experience—and leave the program with stronger skills, professional connections, and experiences you can carry into whatever comes next.

Time Commitment and Stipend

Accelerator interns work approximately 10 hours per week in their assigned internship and participate in an additional 2–3 hours of professional development each month.

The program includes a monthly stipend designed to reduce financial barriers to participation by helping offset the need for other paid work. The stipend is approximately equivalent to $16 per hour based on the program's expected time commitment.

Remote work may be available for some placements with the approval of the internship supervisor.

Who Can Apply?

Accelerator internships are open to undergraduate students who are interested in gaining professional experience and contributing to meaningful work at UO.

Participants must maintain enrollment in at least eight undergraduate credit hours each term throughout the program.

Don't rule yourself out because you haven't done this kind of work before. Skills developed through coursework, jobs, volunteering, student organizations, and other experiences can all prepare you to be a successful Accelerator intern.

Find Your Opportunity

Accelerator placements span a wide range of interests and skills. Review the available internship descriptions below to learn about this year's opportunities.

As part of your application, you'll identify and rank the two placements that interest you most. Think about what you'd like to learn, the skills you'd like to develop, and where you think you could make a contribution.

Role or Project Description

minimum requirements

AI Chatbot Development
  • Intermediate programming skills in at least one modern language 
  • Ability to troubleshoot and debug code
Cybersecurity Projects
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Customer service and professionalism
  • Organizational and time-management skills
  • Ability to conduct research and summarize findings
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately
Classroom Utilization Dashboard Modernization
  • Experience working with Excel and structured datasets
  • Basic data analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to document processes and requirements
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to learn new software tools independently
Design & Construction Design Services Intern
  • Must be an undergraduate student enrolled in the College of Design, pursuing a degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a closely related field of study
  • Entry-level or higher software proficiency with Autodesk Revit, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite
Transportation Options Intern
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Demonstrated passion for active transportation
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Transportation Services programs and understanding of benefits of active transportation
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently
Treasury Analyst Intern
  • Must be an undergraduate student pursuing a degree that incorporates use of technical software, for example: Operations and Business Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Advanced Microsoft Office Excel
  • Experience with technology platforms - this can include Microsoft Power Platform, database building, programming languages, and/or report-generating software
  • Ability to learn any technical software that is identified as the solution to the defined project
  • Interest in Treasury, banking, accounting, or financial operations
  • Familiar with finance concepts (loan amortization, investments, etc.)
  • Must be able to self-advocate and ask questions as there will be a high degree of independent work
UO Natural Areas Engagement Specialist
  • Interest in habitat restoration, environment, or ecology, as well as in engaging others in the natural world.
  • Valid Driver’s license, ability to acquire the UO Drivers Certification.
  • Ability to tolerate manual labor outdoors in challenging conditions (hot, dusty, cold, muddy, and/or wet) while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Ability or willingness to speak to small and large groups of people.
  • Flexibility, willingness, and ability to learn new tasks.
  • Ability or desire to use Microsoft software, Canva, and Instagram among others.
  • Ability to work independently or with groups of staff and/or volunteers.
  • Ability to backpack, lift and/or move up to 40 lbs.

 

Ready to Accelerate Your Experience?

Tell us what interests you, what you hope to learn, and what you would bring to the program.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO THE STRATEGIC FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Before beginning your application, we recommend reviewing all internship descriptions and having an updated résumé and unofficial transcript available.

Questions? Reach out to Deborah Butler, AVP and Chief of Staff in Finance and Administration deborahb@uoregon.edu.