Exploring Opportunities: A Guide to National Geographic Internships
National Geographic, a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society (NGP), has been dedicated to bringing the world premium science, adventure, and exploration content. National Geographic offers a range of dynamic internships designed to provide a well-rounded experience. These internships are offered in the summer. The National Geographic Society's 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.
The Essence of National Geographic Internships
National Geographic internships are designed to offer students educational and work-related opportunities. Interns perform work on a temporary basis to gain job-related skills and engage in other formal learning and educational opportunities. The most valuable aspect of an internship at National Geographic is the exposure to the diverse range of talents and departments within the organization.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for a National Geographic Society internship, an intern should be a student enrolled at an accredited college or university and be a rising sophomore or above.
When completing the online application, a resume and cover letter must be submitted as a single document file. The application should include the applicant's objective, prior and current education (including the accredited college or university they are enrolled in), current GPA, work experience, relevant skills, awards, achievements, and languages. The resume must be two pages or less.
Internship Opportunities Available
National Geographic offers a variety of internships across different departments. Here are a few examples:
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Brand & Franchise Intern
The Brand & Franchise team is dedicated to revitalizing the iconic Nat Geo brand within the Disney portfolio. Interns work side-by-side with talented teams from National Geographic Content, the National Geographic Society, and The Walt Disney Company, gaining hands-on experience in brand strategy, integrated marketing, franchise development, and audience insights.
Editorial Operations Intern
The Editorial Operations team facilitates the production of articles for National Geographic magazine and nationalgeographic.com, as well as Instagram posts. Interns support authors and text editors through copyediting and fact-checking, applying the standards in the Style Manual to ensure accuracy, clarity, and integrity. They also help set and monitor production milestones and schedules by reaching out to assigned story teams. A link to the applicant's portfolio or published writing sample on their resume is required for this position.
Production Management Intern
The Production Management team is responsible for the Unscripted, Feature Doc, and Natural History slate at National Geographic Content. Interns liaise with strategic partners across The Walt Disney Company (TWDC), National Geographic, and third-party production companies to ensure all productions adhere to TWDC best practices and deliver on time, on budget, and to Nat Geo Specifications. They manage the day-to-day production logistics, partnering with the Development and Creative Teams and Executives to achieve the highest production value and editorial quality.
Documentary Films Intern
The Documentary Films team handles all aspects of content management during each film’s life cycle, from pitch through development, production, distribution, and awards. Interns gain insight into all aspects of the business and have the opportunity to attend pitches, internal meetings, and National Geographic events.
Unscripted and Natural History Docuseries Intern
The Unscripted and Natural History Docuseries team commissions gripping, entertaining factual series that drive a deeper connection to our world. Interns have the opportunity to uncover the ingredients that create an entertaining factual series for National Geographic.
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Post-Production Intern
The Post-Production team creates Long & Short Form programs, handling all aspects of post-production, both video and audio, for all content airing on NG, Wild, Mundo, and Disney+. Interns work with in-house producers to create originals, promos, mashups, compilations, as well as format (cut-to-clock) programs to meet technical specifications.
Internship Program Details
Most National Geographic internships are full-time and typically run from May/June through August/September. If selected, interns report directly to a director or manager within their respective teams.
Compensation and Benefits
The pay rate for interns can vary depending on the role and location. For example, the pay rate for the Unscripted and Natural History Docuseries Intern role in Washington DC is $22.50 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
The National Geographic Society's Mission
The employees of National Geographic are a critical force for change, helping to achieve the mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of the world through the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling. The organization seeks bold people who share a passion for exploration, storytelling, science, and education and who want to help spread its mission.
Impact and Experience
Previous National Geographic Society interns have shared their positive experiences, noting the diverse range of talents and departments within the organization and the supportive and welcoming environment. Interns have also expressed how the internship broadened their understanding of exploration and inspired them to see it as a state of mind rather than just a physical activity.
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COVID-19 Considerations
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, all National Geographic Society employees are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Equal Opportunity Employer
National Geographic Partners LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
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