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Intern Early Stage Startup Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Campus Growth Intern -- Fall 2026, Columbus Are you tired of Instagram feeling the same every day ... Able to move fast, take ownership, and work closely with an early-stage team. Existing connections ...

Sales

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Experienced at a high growth company or an early stage startup * Fast, organized, and on time * Excellent with AI tools and fluent in Claude Code. This is one of the most important skills in the role

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Lead Technical Recruiter

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Recruiting at an early-stage startup * Comfort recruiting into the Midwest manufacturing talent market Compensation * Competitive base salary + meaningful equity in Grounded + comprehensive health ...

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Intern Early Stage Startup information

What does an intern do at an early stage startup?

An intern at an early stage startup typically takes on a variety of tasks, from conducting research and assisting with product development to supporting marketing and customer outreach. Because startups are small and fast-paced, interns often gain hands-on experience across multiple areas, working closely with founders and team members. This environment provides valuable learning opportunities, but also requires flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to tackle new challenges as they arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern at an early stage startup?

To thrive as an Intern at an early stage startup, you need adaptability, a willingness to learn, problem-solving skills, and often a relevant educational background. Familiarity with productivity tools like Google Workspace, project management platforms such as Trello or Asana, and basic knowledge of startup-related tools or programming languages can be beneficial. Strong communication, initiative, and a collaborative mindset help interns stand out in dynamic and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are important because startup interns often wear many hats and must contribute effectively to rapidly evolving projects and teams.

What is the difference between Intern Early Stage Startup vs Intern Established Company?

AspectIntern Early Stage StartupIntern Established Company
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, dynamic, often less structuredMore structured, formal processes, established routines
Required CredentialsBasic education, enthusiasm, willingness to learnSimilar, often with some industry-specific knowledge
Industry UsageCommon in startups across tech, marketing, and innovation sectorsPrevalent in large corporations across various industries

Intern Early Stage Startup roles typically involve a fast-paced environment with broader responsibilities and less formal structure, ideal for gaining diverse experience. Interns in established companies often experience more structured programs with defined roles. Both roles require basic educational credentials, but startup internships emphasize adaptability and initiative.

What are the most commonly searched types of Early Stage Startup jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Early Stage Startup jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Intern Early Stage Startup jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Intern Early Stage Startup job openings:

Infographic showing various Intern Early Stage Startup job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Industrial Design Intern - Portage, MI

Stryker

Portage, MI • On-site

$35/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Stryker rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

SUMMARY

As an Industrial Design Intern at Stryker, you will support a cross-functional team of designers, engineers, researchers, and marketers focused on creating innovative, human-centered medical offerings. You will contribute to concept development, visualization, and user-centered research activities that help shape the next generation of Stryker products. You’ll gain hands-on experience in sketching, prototyping, CAD, design communication, and the medical device development process.

WHO WE WANT

Curious Problem Solvers

Individuals who are eager to explore design challenges, understand user needs, and generate thoughtful, well-reasoned concepts.

Articulate Visual Communicators

Designers who express ideas clearly through sketches, prototypes, storytelling, and supportive visuals.

Collaborative Teammates

People who thrive in cross-functional environments contribute positively to team culture, and build strong working relationships.

Dedicated Achievers

Students with strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for making healthcare better.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Design & Concept Development

  • Create early-stage concepts through sketching, 2D visualization, and physical or digital prototyping.
  • Translate user insights into improved ergonomics, usability, aesthetics, and user experience.
  • Contribute to the definition of form, features, and product look/feel aligned to Stryker’s visual brand language.

User-Centered Design Research

  • Support research activities including trend reviews, ergonomic analysis, and capturing user insights.
  • Assist in preparing materials for user feedback sessions, co‑creation activities, or usability evaluations.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Work closely with designers, engineers, marketing, and human factors partners to advance project goals.
  • Contribute to design reviews through compelling visual and verbal communication.
  • Support creation of presentations, storyboards, diagrams, and visual assets articulating design intent.

Modeling & Visualization

  • Produce sketches, mockups, CAD studies, and visual prototypes to support concept development.
  • Assist in rendering and 3D visualization for communicating form, aesthetics, and experience.

WHAT YOU NEED

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field. Must remain enrolled in a degree-seeking program after the internship.
  • Cumulative 3.0 GPA or above (verified at time of hire)
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and not require sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to collaborate and build relationships
  • Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and eagerness to learn in a dynamic environment.
  • Foundational skills in sketching, model making, CAD, and visual storytelling.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Rhino, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar tools preferred.
  • A portfolio demonstrating creativity, process thinking, and design fundamentals.
  • A positive attitude, empathy for users, and openness to feedback.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

  • Hands-on experience contributing to real medical device product development.
  • Coaching and mentorship from experienced industrial designers and cross-functional teammates.
  • Opportunities to influence early-stage concepts and produce meaningful work.
  • Growth in technical skills, communication, design process knowledge, and professional confidence.

$20 min hourly wage – $35 max hourly wage, sign-on bonus, 11 paid holidays annually, and either paid corporate housing or a living stipend, dependent upon hiring location

Stryker is a global leader in medical technologies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in MedSurg, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes. Alongside its customers around the world, Stryker impacts more than 150 million patients annually.


What Stryker employees say

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