New Ventures Intern

Our Vision: We make dreams possible.

Yes, we’re a student loan servicer. We’re also a technology company, idea incubator, start-up accelerator, and K-12 and higher education expert. At Nelnet, we’re so much more than what you think—and we’re just getting started. So, no matter what you want to do in life—build codes or build brands—we’re the best place to do it.

Join Nelnet as an intern and do real work that matters to our business. All Nelnet interns receive one-on-one mentorship, competitive pay, casual dress, flexible schedule, intern-specific programming, and meaningful work experience.

Apply to one of our internships today. Your career awaits.

The New Ventures Intern will contribute to the development of new product concepts through hands-on work in ideation, prototyping, and technical experimentation. This role provides the opportunity to work on real concept initiatives, collaborating with product, engineering, and innovation teams to help transform early ideas into testable and viable solutions.

Interns will gain exposure to the full lifecycle of concept development—from exploring market gaps and feasibility, to building wireframes, experimenting with emerging technologies (including AI and cloud platforms), and participating in feature testing and iteration. This position is ideal for individuals who are curious, willing to challenge assumptions, and driven to create meaningful solutions that could shape the future of Nelnet’s offerings.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Support Concept Development & Prototyping
Assist in transforming early-stage ideas into tangible MVPs through wireframing, basic coding, and prototype creation using design, no-code, or AI-driven tools.

2. Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams
Work alongside product managers, developers, designers, and innovation leads to contribute to problem-solving, participate in sprints, and support core build activities.

3. Explore Market Parity & Differentiation
Conduct light research on existing market solutions to understand competitive parity and help identify unique differentiators that could set new concepts apart.

4. Engage in Product Discovery & User Insight
Support user interviews, feedback sessions, and usability testing to identify real-world pain points and validate assumptions about concept viability.

5. Test, Iterate & Document Learnings
Participate in concept testing, gather feedback from internal or external stakeholders, and document key learnings, pivots, and recommendations for refinement.

6. Leverage Emerging Technologies (incl. AI/LLM Tools)
Experiment with AI platforms, automation tools, or basic technical frameworks to accelerate prototype development and enhance concept feasibility.

7. Contribute to Concept Storytelling & Presentations
Assist in building pitch materials, concept briefs, and update presentations to communicate progress, value, and potential impact to innovation leaders and stakeholders.

8. Challenge Assumptions & Think Entrepreneurially
Actively question “the way it’s always been done,” bring forward fresh perspectives, and support a culture of experimentation, innovation, and continuous improvement.

EDUCATION: 
Enrolled as full-time student pursuing a degree related to the field of position

EXPERIENCE: 
Knowledge of computers: preferably Microsoft packages and familiarity with Internet including ability to use search engines.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

1. Clear & Technical Communication
Communicates confidently across teams, translating early-stage product ideas, prototypes, and technical concepts into clear verbal and written updates for peers, developers, and leadership.

2. Collaborative Problem Solver
Engages actively in identifying challenges, participating in brainstorming sessions, and contributing within agile, innovation-driven teams to move concepts toward viable solutions.

3. Self-Starter with Builder Mindset
Demonstrates initiative in researching tools, experimenting with new methods, and contributing to prototype development, including the use of AI, no-code, or emerging technologies.

4. Innovative & Analytical Thinker
Challenges assumptions, applies creative and logical thinking, and evaluates feasibility to help define what should be built—not just how it should be built. 5. Ethical & Responsible Contributor
Maintains integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality while working on early-stage concepts, user insights, and proprietary product initiatives.

6. High Productivity in Fast Cycles
Effectively manages tasks in rapid prototyping and testing enviro