Mark your calendar for July 30th, 2026, because National Intern Day is back, and it’s all about celebrating you.
Created by WayUp in 2017, this day recognizes the impact interns make every single day. What started as a simple idea has grown into something much bigger, with features on Good Morning America, coverage in Forbes, (and most recently here), and participation from companies like NASA, Google, and hundreds more each year.
Think you’re not “Top 100” material? Think again.
Every year, WayUp and Yello publish both The Top 100 Intern Program list and the Top 100 Intern List, selecting 100 interns, with one honored as the #1 Top Intern of 2026. Any intern can be named the “TOP” intern of the year or make the Top 100 Intern List. It’s true, you don’t have to be a superstar, a superhero, or a celebrity. You just have to be yourself a hard-working, dedicated individual. Don’t believe us? Just check out our previous winners here.
Nominations aren’t open just yet, but you can sign up for early access here and be first in line when they do. In the meantime, here’s how to set yourself up to make the list…
Eligibility Requirements
- Have been an intern between September 2025 and August 2026
- Submit your nomination by August 8th, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & Tips:
- Who is eligible for nomination for the 2026 Top Intern?
- Anyone who has been an intern between September 2025 and August 2026
- How are winners determined?
- The 100 interns who make the list are chosen by a panel of judges who consider the strength of nominations, voting totals, and social media promotion.
- Can I get early access?
- Yes, be the first to know when nominations open by signing up here
- How do I nominate myself? (Nominations will open early May; sign up for early access here)
- Once the nominations open follow the steps below:
- To start a nomination, select “I am an Intern”
- Complete the form fields; progress can be saved and returned to later.
- Submit the completed form.
- Share your nomination with your network to increase your vote totals and make sure to use #NationalInternDay.
- When are applications due?
- Friday, August 8th, 2026 by 11:59 pm EST
- When is the list announced?
- Middle of August
How to have a “knock out” nomination and be named a TOP intern
We pulled insights from past winners, recruiters, and the WayUp/Yello team. Here’s what makes a nomination pop:
Show your impact (don’t just describe your role)
Similar to writing a standout resume, quantify some of your accomplishments thus far in your internship. On your National Intern Day nomination, you will be asked a series of questions that have to do with what you do in your internship, what you’ve learned, and how it has shaped your career goals. What impact have you made on your team? What processes have you improved or implemented? Brag on yourself and use quantifiable data to back it up.
It’s okay to over-explain, but make it meaningful
Some of the NID nominations that have been the most impressive were able to give a lot of detail about the complexities of their projects. This doesn’t mean writing a one-page report when explaining the projects or day-to-day responsibilities of your internships. Instead, make sure it is crystal clear not only what you worked on, but the impact this had on you, the organization, and the team you worked with.
Don’t be afraid to promote yourself.
Tap into your network: get your connections to vote for you and get the word out there. We’ve even created a template for you to share your nomination with your network. Engage with your friends, family, and connections by marketing yourself. Make sure you’re using the hashtag #NationalInternDay in your social media posts.
Apply Early (seriously)
Lastly, the worst thing you can do if you’re trying to make it on the “Top 100 Interns” list for 2026 is wait to apply. The sooner you get your application in, the better, so fill out an application and see if you have what it takes to make the cut!
Be the intern you’d want to vote for.
In your day-to-day, don’t just go through the motions; stay curious, ask questions, and speak up when you have ideas. Show up on time, be reliable, and carry yourself professionally, but also make an effort to build real connections with the people around you.
Be sure to keep track of what you’re working on and what you’ve accomplished (you’ll thank yourself later). When you consistently show up this way, your work speaks for itself, and people will naturally want to support you and see you win!
You’ve got the tips, tricks, and expert advice to be a Top Intern in 2026! We’re looking forward to your nomination, so make sure to be the first to know when nominations open by signing up fore early access here.
