Summer Intern, Venture Success: Portfolio Support

Overview

Emerson Collective (EC) is a company of investors, changemakers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers working to make a lasting mark on the world. 

Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors - and, for select opportunities, undergraduate students graduating in 2026 - in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our longstanding nonprofit partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED. 

We’re looking for college students who think big, embrace challenges, and thrive in collaboration.

The internship is onsite, 40 hours per week, from June 15 through August 7, 2026. A mandatory paid virtual onboarding and orientation will take place June 10–12. See below for more details.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Opportunity

The Venture team invests in consequential companies delivering generational impact and venture-scale returns across all stages. We invest in companies in a number of sectors, including AI, climate, healthcare, fintech, edtech, the future of work, and media. The Venture Success group within the Venture team partners with Emerson Collective’s portfolio companies by building out services and resources to help them scale and grow. 

As the Portfolio Support intern, you’ll work with the Venture Success group and have the unique opportunity to gain exposure to multiple functions, such as operations and data analysis, community building, and event planning.

• Operationalizing portfolio support efforts through data capture, automation, and auditing internal CRM systems.
• Helping plan and execute events that range from networking receptions to hands-on tactical workshops for company leaders.
• Support storytelling and marketing efforts by creating content for event briefs, founder spotlights, and materials that elevate the Venture team’s messaging to founders, investors, and ecosystem partners.
• Collaborate on cross-functional initiatives that tap into the expertise across Emerson Collective to build connections, amplify impact, and advance shared goals.

• Rising undergraduate junior or senior.
• Strong analytical, operational, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in data entry and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing tasks, navigating ambiguity, and meeting deadlines effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, Google Slides, and ChatGPT. 
• Familiarity with tools such as Canva, Splash, Salesforce, Affinity, and Airtable is appreciated, with training available for internal systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Internship Details

Compensation

- All interns are paid $25 per hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7 (eight weeks).

- Interns will also be paid $25 per hour for onboarding and orientation sessions taking place June 10–12.

- All interns receive a lunch allowance and a commuter allowance, and may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed. 

Key Dates

- November 18 – January 9: Internship applications accepted; interviews begin on a rolling basis

Applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET on Friday, January 9.

(Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.)

- January 12 – March 7: Interviews continue and offers extended

- June 10–12: Mandatory virtual onboarding and orientation

- June 15: Internship program begins

- August 7: Internship program concludes