Sacramento has a wealth of internships and fellowships available. Whether you're a student, or a life-long learner, one of these may be just the opportunity you're looking for!

Keep in mind that for-profit businesses that offer internships may only offer an unpaid internship if they meet these six criteria; if they do not meet all these criteria, the business must pay at least minimum wage:

  1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;

  2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern;

  3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff;

  4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded;

  5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and

  6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.

See more information on the US Department of Labor page on this subject.

Internships and Fellowships

Architecture

Arts/Music/History

Broadcasting

  • CBS13/CW31 Internships
    • Applications are due October 31, 2011.
    • Qualifications
      • Intern applicants must currently be enrolled in college with a minimum of sophomore class standing
      • Applicants must have already successfully completed journalism, communications, or television production courses.
      • Candidates cannot participate in an internship at another TV news station while interning at either CBS Sacramento or Good Day Sacramento.
  • KCRA Student Internships
    • Internships primarily in broadcasting, but not limited to marketing, promotions, and sales.
  • News10 Internships
    • A limited number of unpaid internships are available each semester in the News, Creative Services, Engineering/Production and Sales Departments.

Business and Finance

Capitol (State Capitol)

See Political and Policy

Community and Nonprofit

Engineering

Health and Medicine

Political and Policy

Leadership-building

Science

All Subjects

Volunteer and Intern Opportunities

Advice for interns and applicants

Here are a couple of pointers.

  1. The quality of your resume, application and interview is important. But quantity is important as well. The more places you reach out to, the more the odds that you may find an internship. In addition, your internship seeking skills will improve as your networking starts to increase.

  2. Do not hesitate to call businesses if you are interested in an internship! People really like individuals who actively express their interest.

  3. Even if an internship is not listed on the home page of a business, you should still call. You never know what opportunities are in store. In addition the worst possible feedback you may receive is “we are currently not interested in any interns at this time.”

  4. Always be polite and patient. Today it is harder than ever even to become a volunteer at places. Possessing a positive attitude and enthusiasm may help steer employers in your direction.

  5. Effectively communicate what you want in an internship. Often times, even if you may receive an internship, you may end up receiving work you may not like. Share what you would like to do with a business, so both parties can benefit.

  6. Create a list so that you can track your progress in your internship hunt.

What if you can't find an internship here that I'm interested in? There are other methods to finding internships in the Sacramento region. Here are some tips.

  1. Use Google maps to find businesses in your field and in Sacramento.

  2. Speak with instructors and counselors who may know of different contacts

  3. There might be career/internship fairs at your school and other schools where a lot of recruitment occurs. Make sure you take advantage.

  4. Talk with family and friends as they are one of the best ways to build a network.