9 Paid Travel Opportunities for Students and Early-Career Professionals (With Upcoming Deadlines)
One of the best parts of running this blog is finding paid travel opportunities for early-career professionals! I wish I knew about these programs when I was in undergrad, which is why I love attending conferences and summits post-grad.
Benefits of paid early career programs include:
Opportunities to network horizontally with peers from all around the world
Exposure to different career paths that you may have never discovered before
Your chance to feel like the coolest kid on campus because companies are flying you out to learn from them, build your resume, and do what you do best: excel in your early career
Grow your professional network with recruiters, leaders, and future mentors who can guide you to early-career opportunities at your dream organizations.
A common theme across all the programs shared is that travel, lodging, and meals are provided. Some even PAY YOU for attending, or could lead to other internships and full-time roles at their organization, thanks to your participation in the program.
Below are nine early career programs (summits, conferences, fellowships, etc) that you can apply for in 2026. Whether you're an aspiring marketer or a future software engineer, these are high-impact opportunities worth bookmarking.
APPLY ASAP
〰️
APPLY ASAP 〰️
1. Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP)
Hosted by the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, the Broad Summer Research Program is a prestigious 9-week summer experience for undergraduates with a strong interest in biomedical research, genomics, and graduate-level study. Participants will conduct mentored research in areas such as cancer, infectious diseases, and computational biology, while attending workshops on graduate school preparation, scientific communication, and career development.
Important Dates:
Application deadline: January 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Letters of Recommendation deadline: January 13th, 2026 at 11:59PM ET
Notifications: Mid-March
Program dates: June 1 - July 31, 2026 in Cambridge, MA
What’s covered and provided?
$5,400 stipend
Free housing and travel to/from Boston
Travel funding to present research at a national conference
Who can apply:
STEM majors graduating Dec 2026 or later
3.2+ GPA, U.S. work authorization
Interest in Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. pathways encouraged
APPLY HERE BY JANUARY 11, 2026
2. AMA Diversity Leadership Institute
The American Marketing Association’s Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI) is a 4-day, all-expenses-paid retreat for undergraduate students passionate about inclusive marketing and ethical leadership. Students collaborate on real-world case projects, reflect on identity and leadership, and engage in equity-centered dialogue with peers, faculty, and professionals.
Important Dates:
Application deadline: January 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Program dates: June 24–27, 2026 in Chicago, IL
What’s covered and provided?
Travel, lodging, and meals
Workshops, mentorship, and group projects
Leadership development and community building
Who can apply:
Full-time undergrads (Spring ’26 grads eligible)
AMA members or students eligible to join
Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds encouraged
APPLY HERE BY JANUARY 14, 2026
3. Whirlpool BUILD Emerging Leaders Program
The Whirlpool BUILD Emerging Leaders Program is a 5-day, in-person summer experience for undergrads interested in engineering, supply chain, sales, marketing, manufacturing and more. Participants visit Whirlpool’s Global HQ, explore future internship paths, and gain mentorship and exposure to corporate career tracks.
Important Dates:
Program dates: June 1 - July 31, 2026 in Bentor Harbor, Michigan
Interviews: February 2026
What’s covered and provided?
Flights, housing, and meals
Site tours and immersive learning
Leadership development and mentorship
Who can apply:
Undergrads with 2–3 years left in school
2.8+ GPA, U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents
Students interested in business or technical functions
APPLY HERE ASAP, APPS REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS
4. NSN Student Sales & Marketing Conference
Hosted by the National Sales Network, this 3-day experience includes workshops, career fairs, a $10K pitch competition, and direct access to recruiters from top-tier companies. It's one of the most impactful conferences for diverse early-career professionals in sales, business, and marketing. Use Jade Walters as a referral on your application! Last year, I successfully referred 250+ students and 25 got into the conference.
Important Dates:
Program dates: September 12–14, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia
What’s covered and provided?
Flights, lodging, meals
Conference access and pitch competition with a $10K prize
Networking and on-site interviews at top companies
Who can apply:
College students or 5-year graduate students, especially those with business related majors. All majors are welcome to apply
APPLY HERE ASAP, APPS REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS
5. Wells Fargo Sophomore Discovery Fellowship
This immersive summer program introduces rising juniors to careers in financial services through job shadowing, capstone projects, and leadership sessions. Fellows are housed in Charlotte, NC and are fast-tracked for 2027 internship consideration.
Important Dates:
Program dates: Summer 2026 in Charlotte, NC
What’s covered and provided?
Paid experience with housing provided
Executive speaker series and mentoring
Capstone project and future internship pipeline
Who can apply:
Undergraduate Sophomores (Dec 2027 – June 2028 grads)
U.S. work authorization
Minimum 6 months of experience (paid or unpaid)
SUBMIT YOUR INTEREST HERE, APPS OPEN SOON
6. Jane Street First-Year Insight Program (NYC PROGRAM)
Jane Street’s First-Year Insight Program is a multi-day immersive experience for first-year students interested in math, computer science, and problem-solving. Through mock trading games, workshops, and team-based challenges, participants gain hands-on insight into the firm’s approach to trading and tech. This program is also open to students based in London and Hong Kong!
Important Dates:
Application deadline: February 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Program dates: March 23–27, 2026 in New York City
What’s covered and provided?
Travel, lodging, and daily stipend
Mock trading simulations and tech sessions
Networking with recruiters, grads, and mentors
Who can apply:
First-year undergraduates
Studying or planning to study a math, physics, computer science, or another STEM-related major
No finance background required
APPLY HERE BY FEB 1, 2026
7. Synchrony BLP-Sophomore Externship
The Synchrony Business Leadership Program (BLP) Sophomore Externship is a 4-day immersive experience for rising juniors interested in the credit services and payments industry. Participants engage in case studies, community service, and executive networking while learning about Synchrony’s business.
Important Dates:
Program dates: Summer 2026 at Synchrony’s HQ in CT
What’s covered and provided?
Flights, lodging, meals
Executive networking + BLP alumni panels
Case studies and team-building sessions
Who can apply:
Rising juniors (must have completed sophomore year)
3.0+ GPA, U.S. work authorization
SUBMIT YOUR INTEREST HERE, APPS OPEN SOON
8. KPMG Advisory Talent Program
KPMG’s Advisory Talent Program is a summer leadership program designed for top students interested in consulting, analytics, public health, and advisory services. Hosted at the KPMG Lakehouse, participants explore the firm’s client-facing roles and gain career insight through team-based programming.
Important Dates:
Program dates: Summer 2026 at the KPMG Lakehouse in Orlando, FL
Applications may open in February or March 2026
What’s covered and provided?
Travel, housing, meals
Workshops and technical training
Networking with recruiters and professionals
Who can apply:
Undergrads graduating Dec 2027 – Aug 2028
3.4+ GPA, U.S. work authorization required
Preferred majors: accounting, MIS, data analytics, engineering, public health
SUBMIT INTEREST HERE, APPS OPEN SOON
9. Discover Citadel & Citadel Securities
Discover Citadel & Citadel Securities is a highly selective, all-expenses-paid program for first- and second-year students interested in quantitative research, trading, or software engineering. Participants engage in team challenges, mock interviews, and direct conversations with leaders from both firms.
Important Dates:
Application deadline: March 6, 2026 at 11:59pm
Program dates: Spring 2026 in New York City
What’s covered and provided?
Flights, hotel, and meals
Tech + trading deep-dives, mock interviews
Competitions, panels, and recruiting events
Who can apply?
First- and second-year undergrads
Graduation dates between Dec 2027 – June 2029
U.S. or Canadian students only
APPLY HERE BY MARCH 6, 2026
✨ Pro tips for your applications
Start early – Some require essays, transcripts, or letters of recommendation.
Tailor your application – Highlight your academic background, projects, or unique perspective. Share the story of you! People want to get to know you and how attending this program can change your life. HERE is my go-to resume guide with a template that’s landed me and other roles at top Fortune 500 companies!
Follow–up - Keep an eye on emails for deadlines and next steps. There’s always a contact email to reach out to if you have additional questions
Reach out to program alumni for application advice - You can find them on LinkedIn, or maybe TikTok if they did a vlog during the program! Don’t be afraid to pick their brains, they’re your peers!
