Internships in San Francisco, United States

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a coding guru in order to benefit from an internship in San Francisco. While Silicon Valley is right down the road and many young professionals do work in the technology sector, this city in California offers options for all types of internship seekers. 

Popular types of internships in San Francisco. As a major business hub, San Fran is heavy on internship opportunities in certain sectors, but don’t let that deter you if you’re not studying business or technology. The city is also home to many marketing firms, and as a major tourist destination, there are tons of options in the hospitality sector, too. Even interns who want experience in fields as diverse as environmental issues or human rights will find dozens of hard-working non-profits that could use a hand in the Bay area.

Short term internships and summer internships vs. long-term internships in San Francisco. Internships come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s up to you to determine the best fit. When thinking about how long your internship should be, it’s important to consider factors such as your school calendar, budget, and learning objectives. Sometimes a short-term internship is all you can manage, and while it’s certainly better than nothing, if you’re able to swing a six- or twelve-month internship, go for it! The longer you spend in SF, the more you’ll learn about your industry, the city, and American culture.

Unpaid vs. paid internships in San Francisco. It’s important to consider payment when applying for internships, as life in San Francisco is not cheap. Many internships here are paid, which can help with costs like rent and meals. Opportunities in smaller organizations are more likely to be unpaid, so you’ll need to be honest about your budget before accepting an unpaid internship offer.