Early-Stage Entrepreneurship
“I’ve learned that when you’re working for a startup, every decision, no matter how small, is really important. I had no idea it would be so exciting!” —Precious Dlamini
MacNest Summer
Summer Internship Program
MacNest
The MacNest program provides summer internship opportunities for students to work closely with Twin Cities’ founders in a complex, demanding work environment while deepening Macalester’s connections and influence in the Twin Cities startup ecosystem.
MacNest is a 10-week summer internship program where students receive funding for unpaid internships with Twin Cities startups. Students receive $6,437.50 to work 35 hours per week and participate in cohort based workshops to support personal and professional development. MacNest internships take place from May 27th through August 1st, 2025.
10 Week Program: Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, August 1, 2025
Students Apply Here!
Important Dates For Students
| Thursday, January 23 | Application Open! |
| Tuesday, January 28: noon – 1:00 pm | Virtual Summer Info Session |
| Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18: noon – 1:00 pm | Drop-in info Sessions in the Idea Lab |
| Monday, February 24: 9:00 am | Applications Due! |
| Monday, March 3 | Finalists Notified |
| Thursday, March 6 | Student Onboarding Lunch |
| Thursday, April 3 | Match Event |
| Tuesday, May 27 | MacNest Internships Begin! |
Student looking to work with a Twin Cities startup?
MacNest interns lean into a world of innovation and entrepreneurship supporting founders in all aspects of their work – from ideation and prototyping to marketing and operations. Check the MacNest Info Packet to learn more.
- Are you a rising sophomore, junior, or senior looking for dynamic work experience this summer?
- A curious and independent problem solver hoping to build skills in a variety of areas through a hands-on learning?
- Interested in working hand-in-hand with a founder of a local startup and seeing what life is like in the first 5 years of operation?
Startups Apply Here!
Important Dates For Startups
| Thursday, January 23 | Application Open! |
| Monday, February 24: 9:00 am | Application Due! |
| Friday, March 14 | MacNest Startups are notified if they have been selected to move on to the Match Night. |
| Thursday, April 3: 5:00 – 6:30 pm | Match Night via Zoom: an opportunity for Startup finalists to interview with MacNest students, provide feedback on their desired candidate(s), and vote for a final match. |
| Thursday, April 10 | Startups are notified if they have a match with a MacNest student for a Summer Internship |
| Thursday, May 1: noon – 1:00 pm | If matched, mandatory via Zoom Supervisor Training |
| Tuesday, May 27 | MacNest Internships Begin! |
Twin Cities startup looking to work with a student?
- Are you a local startup, NGO, or non-profit in your first five years of operation?
- In need of a highly motivated and dynamic problem solver to support your work but don’t have the funding for a new team member?
- Have a stretch project you wish you could dedicate time to this summer but don’t have the capacity?
We’re seeking a diverse set of local startups to host amazing MacNest interns for 10 weeks every summer. Best part is, we cover the costs! Reach out to Linda at lseebaue@macalester.edu to learn more.
MacNest News & Highlights
Students & Startups
Questions?
Email ehalaas@macalester.edu, Erik Halaas, Program Manager.