Technology & Innovation Internship (Student Wage)

Technology & Innovation Internship

University of Virginia Facilities Management — Summer 2026

About the Program

The Technology & Innovation Internship is UVA Facilities Management’s launchpad for the next generation of innovators. It’s an immersive, hands-on experience that blends creativity, technology, business strategy, and real-world problem-solving.

Over the course of the summer, you’ll explore how one of UVA’s largest and most complex organizations keeps the University running — from maintenance operations, energy & utility systems and construction to IT infrastructure, finance and sustainability. As an intern, you’ll explore how this complex enterprise works, gain exposure to its people and systems, and help envision the next generation of solutions that support UVA’s mission.

Your Mission

You’ll join a structured yet fast-paced innovation experience modeled on design sprints and hackathons. Guided by mentors you’ll work with a team of interns to:

• Learn FM’s business operations and technology tools.
• Generate and refine a broad set of creative ideas – small hacks or big visions – to add value and improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Test, refine, and prototype your best ideas.
• Pitch your top innovations to FM senior leadership at the Innovation Studio, where real projects get green-lit.
• See how selected ideas move forward into development and implementation.

You’ll be supported by mentors, guided by a scrum-style coach for daily stand-ups, and backed by the FM Technology & Innovation team. You’ll learn how ideas evolve from napkin sketch to strategic initiative – and you’ll get to play a part in making it happen.

This is not a typical internship – it’s a hands-on opportunity to practice structured innovation inside a complex, mission-driven organization.

What You’ll Experience

• Real-world exposure to technology and operations across UVA’s Facilities Management -from maintenance operations, energy & utility systems and construction to IT infrastructure, finance and sustainability.
• Skill-building in innovation methods, business analysis, solutions development, data analytics, systems thinking, and creative problem solving.
• Professional development, mentoring, and direct access to FM’s leadership and tech experts.
• A supportive, high-energy environment where experimentation is encouraged – and failure is just part of the process.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand how large organizations drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen technical, analytical, and communication skills.
• Gain exposure to business analysis, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving.
• Learn how to evaluate, prototype, and pitch innovative solutions.

Who You Are

We’re looking for curious, creative and bold thinkers who:

• Love turning “what if…” ideas into “why not?” projects.
• Are passionate about innovation, technology, and real-world impact.
• Thrive in creative, team-based problem-solving environments.
• Are eager to explore how technology drives organizational change.
• Can communicate clearly, think critically, and self-start.
• Are organized, proactive, and collaborative team players.

Details

• Location: In-person, University of Virginia Grounds (Charlottesville, VA)
• Team: University of Virginia Facilities Management – Technology & Innovation
• Schedule: full-time, 10 weeks – during Summer 2026
• Compensation: $17 / hour
• Application details: Applications accepted through January 31, 2026. Interviews during February 2026. Final decision and offers extended by March 1, 2026.

Why This Matters

Every great idea starts somewhere. At UVA Facilities Management, we believe innovation happens when smart people are given the time, trust, and tools to explore. This internship gives you that space – plus the chance to leave a lasting mark on the systems that power the University.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Current undergrad UVA student
Experience: None
Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.