15 Internships for Undergraduates in California
College is a great time to test out your interests, and internships make that possible. As an undergraduate student, doing an internship can strengthen your resume, build your professional profile, and improve your chances of landing a full-time job after graduation. You’ll get to explore areas like tech, healthcare, media, finance, and public policy, as well as apply what you learn in professional settings. Internships also help you understand what a typical workday in your field looks like and decide what you want to pursue long-term.
Why should I do an internship in college?
Internships help you develop practical skills employers look for, like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Participating in internships will allow you to form connections with mentors, coworkers, and industry experts who can guide you, recommend you, and even let you know about job openings. These experiences can make you stand out in job interviews because you’ll have projects to talk about instead of just classes.
If you’re looking for internships in California, you can check out media and entertainment options in Los Angeles, tech and engineering roles in Silicon Valley, research at major universities, environmental projects along the coast, and public policy roles in Sacramento. It has a mix of startups, nonprofits, research centers, and global companies that offer a variety of opportunities for undergraduates. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 15 internships for undergraduates in California across industries that offer structured learning and exposure to professionals.
1. UC Berkeley Social Origins Lab Summer Internship
Location: Social Origins Lab at UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $2,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 8–15 interns
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students enrolled at a U.S. college or university who are U.S. citizens
The UC Berkeley Social Origins Lab Summer Internship gives you hands-on experience in developmental and comparative psychology research. Over eight weeks, you will help with ongoing studies and collect data at local museums and camps. You will study how social and cognitive skills develop across cultures and species under Dr. Jan Engelmann. Your work could include studies with young children, analyzing results, recruiting participants, coding video data, and helping with basic administrative tasks. You will collaborate with graduate students, postdocs, and other undergraduates. Most of the research focuses on children of different ages. You will also attend weekly professional development sessions.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts run throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, fully virtual program where you’ll work with startups and nonprofits from around the world across many industries. You will complete smaller assignments, build a personal project tied to the organization’s goals, and present your final work at the end of the internship, including to the board. You’ll be guided by a startup manager, a Ladder Coach, and a company coach as you take on a real project that the organization genuinely needs. You can choose from fields like consulting, finance, media & journalism, software engineering, tech, mental health, nonprofit, environmental science, and more. The program will also help you gain real professional experience and develop both soft and technical skills. Apply now!
3. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program
Location: Multiple locations, including San Francisco and Newport Beach, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; small cohorts
Dates: 9–10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the opportunity
Eligibility: Students in their third year of college or in the second-to-last year of their degree program
The Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program is a 9- to 10-week internship that gives you a close look at how the firm operates. You’ll start with an orientation that covers the firm’s culture, expectations, and benefits of being part of the organization. After that, you’ll receive detailed training and work alongside full-time professionals in areas such as investment banking, human capital management, engineering, asset management, wealth management, global markets, legal, risk, and strategy. Depending on your placement, you might conduct market research, help with live deals, analyze risk, or contribute to technical builds. You’ll also join firmwide training sessions, attend networking events, and receive mentorship opportunities.
4. The San Francisco Chronicle Summer Newsroom Internship Program
Location: The San Francisco Chronicle headquarters, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 10 interns per summer
Dates: 12 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: January 11 (Standard) / November 17 (Visuals/Specific tracks)
Eligibility: Community college, undergraduate, and graduate students who are currently enrolled in a degree program or have recently graduated
The San Francisco Chronicle offers a paid 12-week internship for college and graduate students in its fast-paced digital newsroom. You will work full-time in the downtown San Francisco office and get hands-on experience, structured training, and mentorship. You will join newsroom teams and report for sfchronicle.com and the print edition, take photos in the field, design projects, assist with audience engagement, and help with other newsroom tasks. You will also attend training sessions, learn how a digital news operation runs day to day, and connect with experienced journalists. Roles are available in areas such as Breaking News Reporting, Audience, Datebook, Digital Design and Development, Data Reporting, Food and Wine Reporting, Sports Reporting, Metro Reporting, and Visuals.
5. Television Academy Foundation Summer Internship Program
Location: Hybrid, remote, or in-person at various organizations across Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: $18–$19/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; approximately 50 interns
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: Students enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university who are taking at least 6 units can apply if they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; those in their final spring quarter or semester may still qualify even if they are enrolled in fewer than six units
In this internship, you can work in areas like digital media, directing, cinematography, design, editing, music, business management, news, production, sound, visual effects, public relations, and writing. For example, if you choose the News track, you will intern at a local Los Angeles TV news station and see how broadcast journalism works each day. You may rotate through the web team, control room, assignment desk, and field reporting, working with editors, producers, anchors, and reporters. You will join seminars on branding and job searching, attend weekly evening professional development sessions with industry leaders, and connect with Foundation alumni as you plan your next steps.
6. California Academy of Sciences' Summer Systematics Institute (SSI)
Location: The California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: $6,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 8–12 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents who are undergraduate students, have not graduated before the start of the fall semester, and have not previously accepted an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
The California Academy of Sciences Summer Systematics Institute is a 10-week paid research internship at the museum and research facility in Golden Gate Park. You’ll spend the summer conducting museum-based research and learning how it connects to current societal issues. You’ll work with one or more advisors on a project that matches your interests. You’ll also join workshops on natural history research, professional development, field methods, and science communication, plus take part in community science and field experiences. The program includes lectures and labs on topics like phylogenetics, data analysis, systematics, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, molecular techniques, global change, and collections curation. You’ll also get behind-the-scenes tours and access to writing workshops.
7. UC Berkeley’s Cognitive Development & Learning Lab Summer Internship
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: For students unable to secure external funding, a limited number of $2,700 stipends are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 5–10 students per lab
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Undergraduates, graduating seniors, and recent graduates can apply
The UC Berkeley Cognitive Development and Learning Lab Internship gives you hands-on experience studying how children develop language, thinking, and social skills and how these abilities connect over time. You’ll work with graduate students, the lab manager, postdocs, and Professor Srinivasan on different parts of research projects. Your tasks may include creating study materials and stimuli, collecting and analyzing data, recruiting participants, reading research papers, and preparing study materials. You might also test participants at local schools or children’s museums. You’ll join weekly lab meetings and reading groups where you’ll discuss research ideas and present updates on your projects.
8. Los Angeles Times Internships
Location: Los Angeles Times headquarters, El Segundo, CA
Stipend: At least $20 per hour, or about $800 per week, in the full-time summer program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; Summer: 14 interns, Spring: 5 interns
Dates: 10-week internships; Spring: January and March; Summer: Begins on May 26 or June 22
Application Deadline: November 15
Eligibility: Students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree who are authorized to work in the U.S. and have not previously worked as professional staff journalists; recent graduates may also be eligible if they completed their degree within six months before the internship begins
In this program, you’ll be placed in different newsroom departments that focus on clear reporting, audience engagement, and visual storytelling. Roles are available in Metro and Local, Sports, Entertainment and Arts, Politics, Features and Lifestyle, Business, Foreign and National, De Los, Editorial and Op Ed, Fast Break (the breaking news desk), Photography, Video, Multiplatform Editing for copy editing, Audience Engagement, Data and Graphics, Design, and Image (fashion magazine). The summer program lasts 10 weeks, and the spring option is more flexible, with a total of 400 hours required for the full internship. The experience will help you develop skills, grow your portfolio, and understand how a major newsroom works.
9. Los Angeles Port Police Cadet Program
Location: Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, CA
Stipend: Community college students and university freshmen, sophomores, and juniors: $17.28/hour; university seniors and graduate students: $25.51/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Year-round opportunities are available
Application Deadline: Year-round
Eligibility: Students attending an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.5 GPA; legal right to work in the U.S.
The Los Angeles Port Police Cadet Program allows you to assist the Los Angeles Port Police with a range of tasks, making it a solid option if you are interested in a career in criminal justice or law enforcement. You’ll handle general office support, prepare documents, collect and enter data, and create or update spreadsheets. You’ll be required to wear a department-issued uniform while on duty. As a cadet, you’ll also gain training and career development, work a schedule that can fit around your classes, and spend time alongside law enforcement professionals to see how the job works day to day. You’ll also provide minor systems support, track computer inventory, help troubleshoot issues, and manage correspondence distribution.
10. The Wall Street Journal Summer Internship
Location: Wall Street Journal newsrooms in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; maximum 17 interns
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors who are 18 or older and authorized to work in the U.S.; applicants must have at least one previous job or internship in professional news media, or solid published work from a campus publication, or freelance writing experience
The Wall Street Journal internship gives you hands-on newsroom experience, including placements in San Francisco and Los Angeles. You’ll work with reporters and editors, receive mentorship throughout the program, and take part in structured training. You can intern in areas like sports, technology, business and finance, personal finance, real estate, video, media, photography, graphics, platform and publishing editing, or WSJ Magazine. You’ll learn how to write with your audience in mind, follow solid journalism standards, and meet deadlines on your own. Past interns have reported front-page stories, produced videos and podcasts, curated cross-platform content, created long-form narrative episodes, worked with audience strategists to increase subscriber engagement, and designed interactive graphics.
11. The State Bar of California’s Internship Program
Location: Hybrid; State Bar Court, San Francisco (Main Office), CA, or Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: $24/hour; some interns may be eligible for a monthly transit reimbursement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Summer cohorts typically run from June through August; duration can be adjusted based on the specific office's needs and students' availability
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates
The State Bar internship program allows you to gain hands-on experience along with coaching, mentoring, workshops, and training in areas like law, policy, data analysis, public administration, research, human resources, finance, IT, and community outreach. Projects may include building dashboards, creating data guides, conducting research, drafting memos and reports, reviewing case files, and supporting legal documents or rule updates. Most roles are hybrid and may require up to 40 hours per week between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with flexible duration depending on the office. You’ll also gain access to development sessions, executive networking, virtual intern events, and mentorship.
12. LA County Department of Arts and Culture’s Arts Internship Program
Location: Hybrid, remote, or in-person across Los Angeles County, CA
Stipend: $7,148
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 228 students
Dates: June 1 – March 1
Application Deadline: Varies by host organization
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at two- or four-year colleges and community colleges who live in or attend school in Los Angeles County; legally authorized to work in the U.S.; have not participated in the program before
The LA County Arts Internship Program allows you to work in the nonprofit arts world with organizations focused on performing arts, film, media, literary arts, social justice, municipal arts, and more. The goal is to give you real, hands-on experience in nonprofit arts settings. Each host organization sets its own start and end dates, weekly hours, and whether the role is on-site, remote, or hybrid, so you need to check each posting carefully and confirm the details. Along with your placement, you will also join peer group activities organized by the Department of Arts and Culture, held once or twice a month in person or virtually.
13. Port of Los Angeles Student Engineer Program
Location: Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, CA
Stipend: Between $23.48–$26.18/hour based on academic level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size varies by division
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Year-round
Eligibility: Sophomores who have completed 9 semester units or 12 quarter units at an accredited college or university, are majoring in engineering or architecture, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and have working knowledge of AutoCAD
In this program, you’ll be placed in divisions like Construction, Engineering, or Goods Movement based on hiring needs and may help with major Port and LA Waterfront projects. In the Construction Division, you’ll help managers by reviewing plans, taking meeting notes, checking shop drawings, preparing cost estimates, assisting with field investigations, and helping with material testing. In the Goods Movement Division, you’ll work with transportation engineers on traffic analysis, grant applications, regional studies, and roadway or rail concepts. In the Engineering Division, you’ll help prepare plans and permits for projects like roadways, buildings, storm drains, wharves, and marine facilities, and assist with document processing and coordination.
14. NBCUniversal News Internship Program
Location: In-person or hybrid at NBCUniversal offices, including San Diego, Glendale, and San Jose, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically, hundreds of interns per cycle
Dates: 3 to 8 months; full-time during the summer (June – August); part-time during the academic year (September – April)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the opportunity
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years old, enrolled in an accredited associate, bachelor’s, or graduate program, are sophomores or higher, and have unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S.; some internships may also require a minimum GPA
The NBCUniversal Internship Program is designed for students interested in entertainment, media, and technology. You’ll join a newsroom or media team and help with digital content, reporting, or editorial work while learning how industry workflows operate. You can intern in departments such as News, Production, Marketing, Digital News, Tech Ops, Weather or Meteorology, Brand and Strategic Marketing, Video Editing, and Multiplatform Creative. You’ll develop practical skills, receive mentorship, and connect with professionals across the company. The program also includes networking opportunities and benefits like access to mental health counseling, free admission to Universal Parks, and a Peacock subscription. It may also lead to a full-time position after graduation.
15. Port of Los Angeles Student Worker Program
Location: Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, CA, or Port facilities in Wilmington, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Community college students and university freshmen, sophomores, and juniors: $18.33/hour; university seniors and graduate students: $25.01/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Year-round opportunities are available
Application Deadline: Year-round
Eligibility: University and community college students who are enrolled in at least 12 quarter units or 9 semester units, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
The Port of Los Angeles Student Worker Program gives you paid, year-round experience while you’re in college, whether you’re an undergrad or grad student from any major. You’ll work in person at one of the world’s busiest seaports, with roles in areas like Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, Environmental Management, Marketing, Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Customer Relations. You’ll assist with technical tasks like reading blueprints and supporting infrastructure projects. You’ll use tools such as Excel for data analysis and administrative work and learn how daily port operations function. You’ll also build connections with professionals across logistics, maritime, and public sector fields.
Image source - University of California, Berkeley logo