Which is better for getting business internships: UMD or NYU?

NYU provides the clearer advantage for securing business internships during the academic year, especially in finance, investment banking, consulting, marketing, real estate, and startups. Stern students are in Manhattan, where many employers run part-time, in-semester roles and networking events that can fit around classes. NYU’s large alumni presence across New York business sectors also makes informational interviews and referrals more accessible.

That proximity matters most for students seeking internships that require regular in-person office time. A student can interview, attend employer presentations, and work a few hours per week without relocating or relying on a long commute. Stern’s career programming and recruiting relationships are particularly visible in industries concentrated in New York, though students still need strong grades, preparation, and networking to convert access into offers.

UMD’s Smith School offers solid internship access, but its geographic advantage is different. College Park is close to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and the I-270 technology corridor, creating meaningful opportunities in consulting, government-related business, cybersecurity, technology, healthcare, and larger regional employers. Its alumni network is especially useful in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area, and the Metro makes some D.C. opportunities workable during the semester.