ABOUT OUR INTERNSHIPS
Every year, the National Geographic Society provides a number of students with a paid opportunity to spend the summer exploring and learning with us. We offer a diverse range of dynamic internships that are designed to offer a well-rounded experience. Our goal is to provide engaging, educational, and work-related opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
In 2022, the Society will partner with the Emerson Collective, George Washington University, and Smithsonian Institution to form the Emerson Collective Youth Collaborative (ECYC). The ECYC is an experience, not just an internship. Together we seek to provide young leaders with meaningful and enriching internships, programming, and alumni engagement opportunities that will strengthen their understanding and commitment to social justice, community development, and leadership. We believe that we can leverage the work of each organization through learning and working alongside interns who are ready to lead.
In addition to their internship experience at the Society, interns will have the opportunity to participate in networking and extracurricular opportunities designed to foster peer and professional connections across all ECYC partner organizations. By joining ECYC, you commit to learning and engaging with fellow interns, leaders, mentors, and teams from all partner organizations. All internships are paid and offer both housing and travel stipends.
Note: All ECYC Organizations have a unique application process. You may apply to work with just one or all of the organizations listed. Please review each application to ensure that you are cognizant of their respective parameters and are committed to their scope of work. You can learn how to apply at the other ECYC organizations here.
The program
In addition to gaining extensive professional experience, our internship program seeks to inspire, educate and build lasting connections through regular events with some of the National Geographic Society's staff, Explorers, educators and storytellers. Throughout the program, you will receive support and guidance from a wide array of National Geographic staff as you explore what it is like to help us achieve our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.
KEY DATES:
Application period: January 17, 2022 - February 28, 2022
Start date: June 8, 2022
End date: August 3, 2022
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP
We are looking for bold people who share our passion for exploration, storytelling, science, and education and who want to help spread our mission. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to explore our open positions.
When completing the online application, please submit a resume and cover letter, uploaded as a single document file. (Please review our FAQs, below, prior to submitting your application.)
As a science-based organization, National Geographic Society follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials. To promote the health, safety, and well-being of all staff, as of October 18, 2021, all NGS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or request an exception for a qualifying medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief.
National Geographic is an equal opportunity employer. All employment-related decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship, marital status, or any other legally protected category.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact careers@ngs.org.
Testimonials
Hear from previous National Geographic Society interns in their own words. Click on the cards below to learn about their experiences in the program.
FAQs
- Who can be a National Geographic Society intern?
An intern should be a student enrolled at an accredited college or university and be a rising sophomore or above. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
- When are internships offered at National Geographic Society?
Internships are offered in the summer. The program is 8 weeks long and runs from June through August.
- When are internships posted?
Internships are posted in mid-January.
- Will the 2022 internship program be remote or in-person?
The 2022 internship program will be in person at our Washington, D.C. headquarters for the first 4 weeks, utilizing a hybrid model 𑁋 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely at Society-provided housing. In the final 4 weeks of the program, interns will have the option of working remotely 100% of the time from Society-provided housing or continuing in a hybrid format.
- Can I apply for multiple internships at National Geographic? Is there a limit on how many I can apply for?
Yes, however we encourage students to be selective and strategic and only apply for positions that aligns closely with their academic background and qualifications.
- Can I get academic credit for my internship?
National Geographic Society does not offer unpaid internships for college credit. All internships are paid, however, you would still be eligible to earn academic credit if required by your university.
- Does National Geographic Society offer internships outside of the United States?
At this time, all National Geographic Society internship opportunities are US based.
- Are international students eligible to apply?
A student must be enrolled in a U.S.-based university and be eligible to work in the U.S. in order to qualify.
- Does National Geographic provide housing allowance?
National Geographic will provide housing and travel to and from Washington, D.C. for this year’s program.
- When applying for an internship, should I include a cover letter?
Yes. Please submit a resume and cover letter. Each document must be submitted as a single file. Applications without a cover letter will be deemed incomplete.
- I forgot to attach my cover letter. What do I do?
Unfortunately, once an application is submitted, it cannot be amended. If additional information is required for your application, a member of our Human Resources team will reach out to you.
- Are interns eligible for benefits?
While interns are not eligible for most company benefits, they are eligible to accrue sick days, participate in our 401(k) program, receive discount at our Museum and Store and free membership to our gym.
- If I am accepted, what kind of work will I be doing?
Responsibilities vary for each role, but all of our internships are designed to provide a learning opportunity to our students. Some interns will work on one project throughout their internship and some will work on multiple smaller projects. Interns will have the opportunity to network, receive mentorship, attend meetings and participate in our events.
- Will I be notified if not selected?
Notification will only go out to candidates that are selected or make it to the interview process.
- Are all ECYC organizations using the same application, selection, and interview timeline?
Emerson Collective, George Washington University and Smithsonian Institution will follow a similar timeline but each will use separate applications. Elemental Excelarator and National Geographic Society will follow slightly different timelines. Please review each application above to ensure that you are cognizant of all parameters. Please note that all timelines are subject to minor changes and we will communicate if these circumstances arise.
- Am I allowed to apply and interview for an internship with multiple organizations?
Yes. You are encouraged to apply for a summer internship position within each ECYC organization. You may take as many interviews as you are offered, though you may only accept one offer from an ECYC organization.
- What should we know about COVID-19 and vaccine requirements?
As a science-based organization, National Geographic Society follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials. To promote the health, safety, and well-being of all staff, as of October 18, 2021, all NGS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or request an exception for a qualifying medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief.