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.  
 

 

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.

 

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.

View Internships

 

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.)

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 an 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 10 weeks long and typically runs from June through August.

  • When are internships posted?

    Internships are posted in mid-January.

  • Will the 2021 internship program be remote or in-person?

    This year’s intern program will be 100% remote. While this is a remote opportunity, student's residency at the time of the internship must be in one of the following states in which National Geographic has an active employer withholding tax account:

    • California 
    • Colorado
    • District of Columbia
    • Georgia
    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • Pennsylvania
    • Virginia

     

  • Can I apply for multiple internships? 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 and limited to states in which National Geographic has an active employer withholding tax account:

     

    • California 
    • Colorado
    • District of Columbia
    • Georgia
    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • Pennsylvania
    • Virginia

  • 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?

    Unfortunately National Geographic is unable to offer housing allowance at this time. We do provide you with a relocation guide to assist you with your search and make things more convenient.

  • When applying for an internship, should I include a cover letter?

    Yes. Please submit a resume and cover letter, UPLOADED AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT 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.