MacNest is Building a New Generation of Entrepreneurs
At Print Profit, Thakurdas was asked to spearhead a number of high-priority projects, giving the aspiring entrepreneur multiple hands-on opportunities to learn and grow.
MacNest Summer
Summer Internship Program
MacNest
The MacNest program provides summer internship opportunities for students to work closely with Twin Cities’ founders in a complex, demanding work environment while deepening Macalester’s connections and influence in the Twin Cities startup ecosystem.
MacNest is a 10-week summer internship program where students receive funding for unpaid internships with Twin Cities startups. Students receive $6,600.00 to work 35 hours per week and participate in cohort based workshops to support personal and professional development.
10-Week Program Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, July 31, 2026
Student looking to work with a Twin Cities startup?
MacNest interns lean into a world of innovation and entrepreneurship supporting founders in all aspects of their work – from ideation and prototyping to marketing and operations.
- Are you a rising sophomore, junior, or senior looking for dynamic work experience this summer?
- A curious and independent problem solver hoping to build skills in a variety of areas through a hands-on learning?
- Interested in working hand-in-hand with a founder of a local startup and seeing what life is like in the first 5 years of operation?
Important Dates for STUDENTS
| Application Open | Thursday, January 22 |
| Virtual Information Session: E&I, MSIG & OSRC Register: Handshake | Thursday, January 29: noon – 1 p.m. |
| Office Hours + Drop-in Information Sessions in the Idea Lab | Tuesdays, February 3, 10 & 17: noon – 1 p.m. |
| Feeding Innovation: Pane| Discussion RSVP | Thursday, February 12: noon – 1 p.m. |
| Application Close | Monday, February 23: 5 p.m. |
| Acceptance Notification | Monday, March 2 |
| If accepted, mandatory student onboarding. | Thursday, March 5: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. |
| Match Event | Thursday, April 2: 5-6:30 p.m. |
| MacNest Internship Begins | Tuesday, May 26 |
| Summer Social (For students, startup supervisor/founders and faculty sponsors) | Tuesday, July 14: 5-6:30 p.m. |
Twin Cities startup looking to work with a student?
- Are you a local startup, NGO, or non-profit in your first five years of operation?
- In need of a highly motivated and dynamic problem solver to support your work but don’t have the funding for a new team member?
- Have a stretch project you wish you could dedicate time to this summer but don’t have the capacity?
We’re seeking a diverse set of local startups to host amazing MacNest interns for 10 weeks every summer. Best part is, we cover the costs! Reach out to Linda at [email protected] to learn more.
Important Dates for STARTUPS
| Application Open | Thursday, January 22 |
| Application Close | Monday, February 23: 5 p.m. |
| Notification if selected to Match Event | Thursday, March 12 |
| Match Event (via Zoom) | Thursday, April 2: 5-6:30 p.m. |
| Finalists Notification | Thursday, April 9 |
| If selected, mandatory Supervisor Training (via Zoom) | Thursday, May 7: noon-1 p.m. |
| MacNest Internship Begins | Tuesday, May 26 |
| Summer Social (For students, startup supervisor/founders, and faculty sponsors) | Tuesday, July 14: 5-6:30 p.m. |
MacNest News & Highlights
Beyond the Classroom: Adapting and Transitioning
“Long’s honest approach and willingness to tackle difficult problems, even when the solution isn’t immediately clear, sets him apart.”
Students & Startups
Questions?
Email [email protected], Erik Halaas, Program Manager.