What a General Motors internship is and who runs it

General Motors (GM) runs internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students through its human resources department. These are paid positions, typically lasting 10 to 12 weeks during summer or semester breaks, where you work on real projects within GM's engineering, manufacturing, finance, supply chain, or other business divisions. The internships are not scholarships or financial aid — they are jobs where you earn an hourly wage or salary.

GM posts internship openings on its careers website, which is where you find the current list of positions, locations, and process important date. The company hires interns for facilities across the United States, and some positions may be remote or hybrid. Each internship is tied to a specific team and manager, so the work you do depends on which department and location you are assigned to.

Key Takeaways

  • GM internships are paid positions lasting 10 to 12 weeks, posted on the GM careers website with specific important date for each season.
  • You explore directly through GM's online portal, which asks for your resume, transcript, and answers to role-specific questions.
  • The hiring process typically includes a phone or video screening, a technical or behavioral interview, and an offer call if selected.
  • Interns work on real projects within engineering, manufacturing, finance, supply chain, and other departments, not just shadowing or clerical tasks.
  • Many interns receive return offers to come back the following summer or to transition into full-time roles after graduation.

Where to find GM internship openings and important date

GM's careers website (gm.com/careers) is the official place to search for internship positions. You can filter by location, business area, and job level — look for postings labeled "Intern" or "Co-op" to find the right opportunities. important date vary by position and season; summer internships typically open in fall of the previous year and close in January or February, while spring or fall internships may have different timelines.

You can also set up job alerts on the GM careers site so new postings come to your email. Some universities have partnerships with GM that may give you early notice of openings or dedicated recruiting events, so check with your school's career services office. However, the official GM careers website is always the source of truth for which positions are currently open and when applications close.

how the process works and what documents you will need

To explore, you create an account on the GM careers portal and submit your resume, unofficial transcript, and answers to screening questions specific to the role. The screening questions typically ask about your major, graduation date, relevant coursework, and why you are interested in that particular position or team. Some roles may ask you to upload a cover letter, though it is not always required.

Have your resume ready before you start the process — GM's system lets you upload a PDF or paste text directly. Your transcript does not need to be official at the process stage; a screenshot from your school's student portal usually works. If you are selected to move forward, GM will ask for an official transcript later in the process. Keep your answers to screening questions concise and specific to the role; generic answers are less likely to move you forward.

The interview process and what to expect

If your process passes the initial review, you will typically receive an email inviting you to a phone or video screening with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes and covers your background, why you are interested in GM, and basic questions about your skills and availability. The recruiter is assessing whether you meet the role's requirements and whether you are a cultural fit for the team.

After the screening, selected candidates move to a technical or behavioral interview, depending on the role. Engineering internships often include a technical interview where you solve problems or discuss coursework related to the position. Other roles may use a behavioral interview format, where you describe past experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Some roles include a case study or assignment you complete before or during the interview. If you advance, you will receive an offer call from the hiring manager or recruiter, usually within one to two weeks of your final interview.

What interns actually do at General Motors

GM interns work on projects that contribute to the company's real operations — not filing or data entry. In engineering roles, interns might design components, run simulations, or test prototypes. In manufacturing, you might analyze production processes or work on continuous improvement projects. Finance and supply chain interns often work on cost analysis, forecasting, or vendor management. The specific work depends on the team, but the expectation is that you will produce something meaningful during your 10 to 12 weeks.

You will have a manager and likely a mentor or peer who helps you navigate the role and the company. Most GM interns work on-site at a facility or office, though some roles are hybrid or remote. You are expected to attend team meetings, meet important date, and communicate with your manager about your progress. Many interns say the experience gives them a clear picture of what a full-time role at GM looks like, which helps them decide whether to pursue a job offer after graduation.

Pay, benefits, and what happens after your internship ends

GM internship pay varies by location, role, and your year in school, but interns typically earn between $18 and $28 per hour, or a salary if the position is structured that way. You receive a paycheck on GM's regular payroll schedule, usually biweekly. Some internship positions also include housing information if you are interning at a location far from your home, though this is not universal — check the job posting for details.

At the end of your internship, your manager will evaluate your performance. Strong performers often receive a return offer, which means GM invites you back for another internship the following summer or offers you a full-time position after you graduate. Even if you do not receive a return offer, the internship counts as professional experience on your resume and gives you a reference from a major employer. Many interns who do not get return offers still land jobs at other companies because the GM experience is valued in the industry.

How to prepare for your process and interviews

Before you explore, research the specific team or business area you are interested in. Read about GM's current projects, vehicles in development, and strategic goals — this knowledge helps you answer "why GM" questions and shows genuine interest. Tailor your resume to highlight coursework, projects, or skills relevant to the role, not just a generic list of everything you have done.

For interviews, practice explaining your past projects and experiences in clear, specific language. Be ready to discuss why you chose your major, what you learned from a challenging project, and what you hope to gain from an internship at GM. If it is a technical interview, review fundamentals in your field — data structures for software roles, thermodynamics or circuit analysis for engineering roles, and so on. Mock interviews with your school's career services office or a mentor can help you feel more confident before the real conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certain GPA to be considered for a GM internship?

GM does not publish a minimum GPA requirement, but most interns have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If your GPA is lower, a strong resume and interview can still move you forward, especially if you have relevant project experience or internships. Be honest about your academic record and focus on what you have learned and accomplished.

Can I intern at GM if I am not an engineering major?

Yes. GM hires interns in finance, supply chain, human resources, marketing, manufacturing, and other areas. Check the GM careers website and filter by business area to see roles outside of engineering. Your major does not have to match the role exactly — relevant coursework and skills matter more.

What if I do not get selected after my interview?

Rejection from one role does not close the door. You can explore to other GM internship positions in future cycles, and your previous process may help recruiters remember you. Ask for feedback from the recruiter if possible, and use it to strengthen your next process or interview.

Do I have to relocate for a GM internship?

It depends on the position and your location. Some GM facilities are in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and other states. If the internship is far from your home, check the job posting to see if GM offers housing information. Some interns find their own housing or arrange to stay with family; others use GM's housing program if available.

How soon after my internship ends will I know about a return offer?

Return offers typically come in the final week or two of your internship, or shortly after it ends. Your manager will usually have a conversation with you about your performance and whether a return offer is possible. If you do not hear anything by the end of your internship, follow up with your recruiter or manager to ask about next steps.