Catalyst Internship

Nelnet, Inc.; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Competitive pay

Intern-specific programming

Job summary

Nelnet, Inc. invites students to join the Catalyst Internship Program for an in‑person experience from January through December 2027.

You will work 15–20 hours per week during the school year and up to full‑time (40 hours) in the summer, collaborating in teams to explore innovative ideas and test solutions. Responsibilities include researching ideas, presenting findings to project advisors and Nelnet leadership, and documenting progress.

Qualifications

• Full‑time student working toward a 4‑year degree in Business, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Sales, Computer Science, Marketing, Journalism, AD/PR, or related fields.
• Must be enrolled at the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln.
• Experience with innovation initiatives, research activities, or competitions/events demonstrating a creative and investigative mindset is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in small teams to intake, research, and explore innovative ideas and challenges.
• Engage with internal teams across Nelnet to test and validate potential solutions.
• Present findings and recommendations to project advisors and corporate leadership, including Nelnet executives.
• Participate in internal innovation events to source new project ideas.
• Document, communicate and present project progress, outcomes and learnings.
• Proactively participate in creative exploration (think outside the box).

Skills

Investigative mindset

Strong writing

Self-starter

Communication

Education

4-year degree candidate

Job description

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. Nelnet is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. As we expand our focus on growth and development, we recognize the need to fully capitalize on innovative ideas.

The Catalyst Internship Program (CIP) is designed to address these challenges by dedicating talented students to explore, research, and implement innovative solutions to complex projects. This program is a strategic initiative aimed at driving Nelnet's future success. The Catalyst Internship offers a unique, in‑person experience from January through December 2027. Nelnet's core business hours are Monday‑Friday 8am‑5pm and your schedule will fall within these hours while working around your class schedule. This internship requires 15‑20 hours per week during the school year and full‑time (40) hours during the summer months. This is a rare chance to gain long‑term experience and make a real impact!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate in small teams to intake, research, and explore innovative ideas and challenges.
• Engage with internal teams across Nelnet to test and validate potential solutions.
• Present findings and recommendations to project advisors and corporate leadership, including Nelnet executives.
• Participate in internal innovation events to source new project ideas.
• Document, communicate and present project progress, outcomes and learnings.
• Proactively participate in creative exploration (think outside the box).

EDUCATION

• Full‑time student working toward a 4‑year degree in Business, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Sales, Computer Science, Marketing, Journalism, AD/PR, or related fields.
• Must be enrolled at the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln.
• Current or previous experience in student organizations, clubs, or teams a plus.
• Experience with innovation initiatives, research activities, or competitions/events demonstrating a creative and investigative mindset also a plus.

COMPETENCIES—SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES

• Investigative and innovative mindset with a passion for problem‑solving.
• Capability to research and digest diverse data sets.
• Self‑starter with a high degree of independence and creativity.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas through written reports and presentations to diverse audiences.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly.
• Ability to build and maintain professional networks and relationships.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to articulate findings to diverse audiences.
• Willingness to experiment with and learn new tools.

Pay Rate – $18‑23

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone. Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402‑486‑5725 or [e-mail].

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre‑Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring.

We may know Nelnet as the nation’s largest student loan servicer – but we do more than that. A lot more. We’re also a professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payment processor, renewable energy innovator, and K-12 and higher education expert (and that’s just a shortlist). For over 40 years, we’ve been serving our customers, associates, and communities to make dreams possible.

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