Graduate Internships
Graduate internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working professionals in the field, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings across Aerospace & Defense, Retail, and Medical Devices are actively listed, with Walgreens, Safeway, and Blue Origin among the employers posting roles now.
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Do something that matters and make a real difference at a world-leading institution that integrates geosciences, atmosphere, hydrology, ecology and data science to provide multidisciplinary Earth science solutions to complex problems. The Earth and Environmental Science (EES) Graduate Student Program offers paid internships for graduate students in a variety of Earth science and data driven disciplines. The program provides mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a formalized work plan complementing your graduate research. Examples of EES projects include, but are not limited to:
- Developing and applying innovative methods and tools to tackle complex Earth science problems in global security, sustainable energy, analytical geochemistry, energy infrastructure and environmental change
- Conducting research and analysis to inform national security missions and decisions
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to design and implement research projects
- Participating in fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and data analysis to advance our understanding of the Earth system
- Staying at the forefront of the latest research and technological advancements in the field, and contributing to the development of new knowledge and solutions
- Applying AI and ML techniques for Earth systems modeling, remote sensing, environmental data assimilation, uncertainty quantification, and predictive analytics
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in any Physical Science discipline. Examples of physical science disciplines in greatest demand include: Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Earth Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Geophysics, Materials, and Physics.
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent) in an accredited degree-granting program.
- Entering graduate students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
- Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Desired Qualifications:
- Students selected for GRA internships are most competitive when they possess the following knowledge and skills:
- Computer programming in support of scientific data acquisition or analysis;
- Experimental techniques currently used within your selected scientific field(s);
- Laboratory experience demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to safety;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context; and
- Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.
- Must be enrolled (6 semester credit hours or full-time equivalent) in an accredited, degree-granting graduate level program (or international equivalent)
- Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
- When applying, candidates must attach:
- A resume,
- Personal statement (not to exceed one page),
- Most recent transcripts (or an acceptance letter if transcripts have not been issued).
Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, personal statement, transcript) will not be considered for employment. Personal statements are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most notable achievements and accomplishments. It should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
- PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
- Dental and vision insurance
- Free basic life and disability insurance
- Paid childbirth and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
- Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Located Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
- Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
- Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
- Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
- Select the Registerbutton if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
- From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
- Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
- Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
Do something that matters and make a real difference at a world-leading institution that integrates geosciences, atmosphere, hydrology, ecology and data science to provide multidisciplinary Earth science solutions to complex problems. The Earth and Environmental Science (EES) Graduate Student Program offers paid internships for graduate students in a variety of Earth science and data driven disciplines. The program provides mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a formalized work plan complementing your graduate research. Examples of EES projects include, but are not limited to:
- Developing and applying innovative methods and tools to tackle complex Earth science problems in global security, sustainable energy, analytical geochemistry, energy infrastructure and environmental change
- Conducting research and analysis to inform national security missions and decisions
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to design and implement research projects
- Participating in fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and data analysis to advance our understanding of the Earth system
- Staying at the forefront of the latest research and technological advancements in the field, and contributing to the development of new knowledge and solutions
- Applying AI and ML techniques for Earth systems modeling, remote sensing, environmental data assimilation, uncertainty quantification, and predictive analytics
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in any Physical Science discipline. Examples of physical science disciplines in greatest demand include: Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Earth Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Geophysics, Materials, and Physics.
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent) in an accredited degree-granting program.
- Entering graduate students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
- Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Desired Qualifications:
- Students selected for GRA internships are most competitive when they possess the following knowledge and skills:
- Computer programming in support of scientific data acquisition or analysis;
- Experimental techniques currently used within your selected scientific field(s);
- Laboratory experience demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to safety;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context; and
- Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.
- Must be enrolled (6 semester credit hours or full-time equivalent) in an accredited, degree-granting graduate level program (or international equivalent)
- Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
- When applying, candidates must attach:
- A resume,
- Personal statement (not to exceed one page),
- Most recent transcripts (or an acceptance letter if transcripts have not been issued).
Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, personal statement, transcript) will not be considered for employment. Personal statements are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most notable achievements and accomplishments. It should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
- PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
- Dental and vision insurance
- Free basic life and disability insurance
- Paid childbirth and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
- Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Located Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
- Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
- Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
- Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
- Select the Registerbutton if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
- From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
- Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
- Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
Graduate Internship Market
Who's Hiring
- Walgreens58
- Safeway10
- Blue Origin10
- Albertsons5
- Harris Teeter5
Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense
- Retail
- Medical Devices
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Tips for Your Graduate Internship Search
Apply earlier than the posting suggests
Large employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, and many structured programs close before most candidates realize recruiting has started. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so check listings regularly across the year rather than waiting for a single recruiting season.
Build proof before you need it
Graduate intern hiring teams want something concrete to assess. Finish two or three projects you can document fully, note the tools used, the problem you solved, and where to see the output. A linked repository, published analysis, design portfolio, or written case study gives a recruiter an artifact to evaluate instead of a list of classes.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach and catches openings that never appear at a fair.
Practice the actual intern screen out loud
Graduate intern interviews are format-specific: engineering roles typically include a coding screen on data structures and algorithms, product roles use case or product-sense conversations, and data roles run technical or analytics exercises. Practice your answers aloud and talk through your reasoning, interviewers at the intern level weigh how you think as much as whether you reach the right answer.
Target structured programs built for new entrants
Larger companies run rotational, university-cohort, or associate-level internship programs designed to train people new to the field. These programs recruit significantly earlier than standard postings and fill fast. Identify the ones aligned with your background and apply in the first wave of their recruiting cycle, not after you've finished applying everywhere else.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 58% of the graduate internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start reviewing listings, then filter by location and work type so you're not spending time on roles you can't take.
Graduate Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a graduate internship?
Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams at the intern level expect limited experience and want something concrete to assess. A linked GitHub repo, published analysis, design portfolio, or case study gives recruiters a real artifact to evaluate. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for candidates they meet in person.
Can a graduate internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it is performance on real deliverables, available headcount when the internship ends, and whether you've communicated interest early enough for the team to plan around you. Position for a return offer by doing the work well, but don't count on it as a job search strategy.
When should I apply for graduate internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers, especially in finance, consulting, and tech, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, with some programs closing applications by October or November. Smaller companies and co-op programs post much closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly means you won't miss a cohort that filled before you noticed it was open.
Are graduate internships paid?
Most professional graduate internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show pay where the employer chooses to disclose it. Nonprofit and government internships are more likely to be unpaid or stipend-based, so check each listing individually rather than assuming.
What should a graduate internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools used and link to the work, a GitHub repository, a published analysis, a case study, a design or CAD portfolio, or whatever fits the role. Add relevant coursework, keep descriptions results-focused, and hold the whole document to one page.
Are there remote graduate internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 42% of the graduate internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before the cycle closes.
What is a rotational internship program for graduates?
Rotational internship programs place new graduates across two or more teams or functions during a single internship, giving broad exposure to how a company operates. They're designed for people new to a field, competitive to get into, and recruit significantly earlier than standard internship postings. Identify the programs that fit your background and apply in the first wave of their recruiting cycle.
Can international students get graduate internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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