Weird Internships to Apply for Now

It used to be that a “simple” college degree was the only prerequisite for successfully getting a job after graduation. But as college enrollment percentages have generally increased over the last few decades, students must find other ways to stick out in the post-graduate job market. One of the easiest ways to differentiate yourself from other candidates is to have an internship experience or two on your resume before you graduate. Further, the more unique, impactful, or specific to your career path, the better. As you make a college experience map for yourself to help you chart your path, consider one of the below “unusual” internships, which will help to set you apart from your peers as you search for your first job after college graduation.

Unique Internships

Home Depot Summer Internship-PAID

Deadline: 10/31/25
Eligibility: College and graduate students
Internship Details: The Home Depot Summer Internship is available to undergraduate and graduate students. Internships are offered in technology, outside sales and service, merchandising, human resources, marketing, operations, supply chain, corporate communications, finance and accounting, e-commerce, and related fields. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience in a corporate environment, and participate in networking and development activities during an 11-week program. Internships are offered in Atlanta, GA; some may be offered remotely.

Certified Angus Beef Social Media Internship

Deadline: 11/16/2025 Eligibility: College Students The Certified Angus Beef Social Media Internship is available to college students who are interested in the beef industry and communications. To be considered for this role, you must be a self-starter, possess a desire to learn about all facets of communication, and have superior writing and editing skills that connect with audience in their language. As an intern, you will enhance the brand’s online presence by monitoring social media communities and daily engagement across various channels and digital platforms. You may also support content creation, identify emerging trends, and publish content that sparks engaging discussions about high-quality beef and culinary experiences.

Butterfly Wonderland Curatorial Internship

Deadline: 12/1/25 Eligibility: High School Seniors and College and Graduate Students The Butterfly Wonderland Curatorial Internship is available to applicants who are at least 18 years old. As an intern, you will gain knowledge in Lepidoptera husbandry, identification, and education by assisting alongside a team of staff in a supportive and supervised role, with butterfly and moth care, USDA compliance and reporting, and visitor education. You will gain knowledge of rainforest insects, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life by learning about a variety of exhibits at Butterfly Wonderland and will also gain experience in public speaking by interacting with guests to educate them on the importance of conserving our rainforests. This internship, located in Scottsdale, AZ, requires eight hours (two four-hour days) per week for a full semester.

SETI Institute Research Experience for Undergraduates-PAID

Deadline: Applications open in December Eligibility: College Students The SETI Institute Research Experience for Undergraduates is available to undergraduates studying a STEM field who are interested in research related to astronomy, astrobiology, and planetary science. To be considered for this internship, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. As an intern, you will work with scientists at the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center. Research topics span the field of astrobiology, from microbiology to planetary geology to observational astronomy. Additionally, you will engage in a one-week collaborative radio astronomy project focused on the SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array, which will include a field experience studying hydrothermal systems, habitability and other topics in astrobiology. This internship is hosted in Mountain View, CA, and runs for 10 weeks during the summer.

SETI Breakthrough Listen Summer Undergraduate Research Internship-PAID

Deadline: Applications open in December Eligibility: College Students The SETI Breakthrough Listen Summer Undergraduate Research Internship is available to sophomore-level and above undergraduate students who are interested in participating in the search for extraterrestrial life. To be considered for this internship, you should have familiarity and experience with one or more of the following: Python/Jupyter, version control (e.g. git/github), database software (e.g. MySQL), visualization tools (e.g. Bokeh, D3, etc.), GPU programming, visualization, interface design, machine-learning, cloud computing, Unix/Linux scripting, and/or public outreach. Preference will be given to applicants with knowledge or experience of positional astronomy, observational astronomy, radio astronomy, signal processing, and / or data reduction. As an intern, you will work at the cutting edge of the search for extraterrestrial life. Previous interns have written machine learning algorithms to look for anomalous signals, searched data from the TESS spacecraft for transiting megastructures, used observations from the Green Bank Telescope to study fast radio bursts, and more. This internship is hosted in Berkeley, CA, at the Berkeley SETI Research Center at the University of California.

Spencer's and Spirit Halloween Summer Internship

Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Juniors and Seniors in College The Spencer's and Spirit Halloween Summer Internship is available to junior-level undergraduate students and above. As an intern, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your skills, explore your talents, and network with peers and leaders. This internship program offers a challenging, hands-on experience in a rewarding, supportive, and collaborative environment. Interns have access to all home office amenities (collaborative workspaces, fitness center, and subsidized cafeteria), networking opportunities, community events, engagement activities, professional development workshops, and a discount on Spencer's and Spirit Halloween merchandise. Internships are located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

CT Veterans Funeral Care Mortuary Science Internship

Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: College Students The CT Veterans Funeral Care Mortuary Science Internship is available to students enrolled in accredited mortuary science programs. As an intern, you will be exposed to all aspects of the funeral service industry. This opportunity is located in Waterbury or Wallingford, CT.

Holography Internship

Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: College Students The Holography Internship is available to students with an interest in holography. You will assist with work in a laser lab creating and copying holograms. You will also assist with work in an art gallery: fabricating displays, creating sculptural and computer-generated art, work in cinematography and assist in the running of the business of the gallery. A personal holography project may be part of your work.

Exotic Feline Rescue Center Internship

Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High School Seniors and College and Graduate Students The Exotic Feline Rescue Center Internship is open to students who want to further their education in animal care. You must be at least 18 years of age, be capable of lifting up to 60 pounds, and be in good health. You must also be hardworking, dedicated, and self-motivated to be eligible for this internship. Students majoring in animal-related fields are preferred, but it is not required. Interns will be involved in the daily care of about 186 big cats and have the opportunity to observe veterinary procedures. Internship duties also include involvement in: food preparation, feeding, cleaning, maintenance of the enclosures and grounds, construction, veterinary care, guest services and educational programs.

LANL Plasma Astrophysics Undergraduate Student Internship-PAID

Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: College Students The LANL Plasma Astrophysics Undergraduate Student Internship is available to full-time students who are enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or a related field. To be eligible for this role, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, have familiarity with the usage of scientific software packages and how to perform analytical calculations, be able to work within a collaborative team environment, and possess a desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects. As an intern, you will support the information and technology environment within the laboratory. You will provide direct support within operations of the lab to unclassified and classified mission support needs, as well as technical service to the configuration management services for LANL computing environments. Interns will focus on one of the following areas: networking, telecommunications, software development, analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud, cybersecurity, and other related IT roles. This internship is offered in Los Alamos, NM.

LANL Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies Internship-PAID

Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: College Students The LANL Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies Internship is available to undergraduate students majoring in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field. To be considered for this opportunity, you should have experience working in a laboratory setting with special emphasis on conducting operations safely and with professionalism. You should also have technical writing and presentation experience, possess an understanding of the scientific method and basic materials science topics, and have a minimum GPA of 2.75. As an intern, you will support a laboratory directed research and development project on thin films for extreme environments. You will learn PVD thin films synthesis, film metrology, and prepare manuscripts on the findings. This internship is offered in Los Alamos, NM.

CFE Aerial Application Drone Operator Internship-PAID

Deadline: Varies Eligibility: College Students The CFE Aerial Application Drone Operator Internship is open to students currently pursuing a degree in agriculture, engineering, or a related field. To be considered for this role, you should possess a basic understanding of drone technology and software, be detail-oriented, have strong communication skills, and be committed to safety. Additionally, you should hold a FAA Part 107 certification (or willingness to obtain it) and a State Applicator’s License (or willingness to obtain it). You must also pass a Class 3 FAA medical exam. As an intern, you will gain practical experience operating drones for agricultural tasks such as crop spraying, scouting, surveying, and data collection. This role provides valuable exposure to drone technology and its applications in modern agriculture and is offered in various locations in Iowa.

Blumhouse Casting Internship-PAID

Deadline: Varies Eligibility: College and Graduate Students The Blumhouse Casting Internship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who possess a strong interest in casting for the horror genre in TV and films. To be considered for this role, you should have excellent communication, time-management, and organizational skills. As an intern, your responsibilities will include script breakdowns and story synopses, extensive actor research, editing and uploading auditions to casting databases, and watching Blumhouse movies and TV shows. You will also receive opportunities to attend creative company events, gatherings, screenings, company meetings, speaker series, and intern- specific meetings with executives, directors, and talent. Blumhouse is the home of horror across film, television and gaming, and internships are offered in Los Angeles, CA.

Weissman Pattern Making Internship-PAID

Deadline: Varies Eligibility: College Students The Weissman Pattern Making Internship is available to students pursuing a degree in design, merchandising, technical design, marketing, or a related field. To be considered for this role, you should have a strong interest in fashion, apparel, or related industries with a desire to learn and grow professionally. You should also be detail-oriented, organized, and eager to take on real-world projects in a fast-paced setting. As an intern, you will learn digital patternmaking in Modaris by creating and revising patterns under the guidance of the technical design team and assist with pattern revisions and fit sessions to ensure garments meet quality, balance, and production standards. This 10-week internship is offered in St. Louis, MO.

Earthtones Northwest Horticultural Therapy Internship-PAID

Deadline: Varies Eligibility: College Students The Earthtones Northwest Horticultural Therapy Internship is available to students who are on track to complete six horticultural therapy credits from an American Horticultural Therapy Association accredited university or certificate program by the desired start date. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a solid foundation of horticultural skills with a passion to connect with nature, be sensitive and adaptable to the needs of clients, and motivated to build a compassionate and affirming practice with a willingness for growth and expansion. As an intern, you will work in individual and group settings with teens, adults, and elders with dementia, developmental disabilities, and/or mental health needs. Goals commonly addressed for clients in the internship program include: experiencing the joy of interacting with and tending to plants, creative expression, cognitive stimulation, building community and connection, and leisure/enjoyment. This six-month internship is offered in Portland, OR, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Pile Driver Apprenticeship-PAID

Deadline: Varies Eligibility: Trade School Students The Pile Driver Apprenticeship is available to applicants interested in learning a trade. Pile drivers take control of massive machines like piling rigs, diesel hammers, hydraulic impact hammers, and modified excavators to install steel, concrete, and wood pilings during the early stages of construction. Skill, knowledge, and accuracy are crucial because these pilings hold back the earth during excavation; stabilize ground conditions for bridges, tunnels, and docks; and ensure the safety of everyone on the job site. Some pile drivers are also commercial divers who tackle underwater welding and construction projects. As an apprentice, you will participate in a four-year, paid program where you’ll complete 7,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 640 hours of classroom learning. Apprenticeships are offered in various locations.

How to Make the Most of Your Internship

An internship can do more than just open doors for job interviews; it can open a job offer from the company that you interned with. That’s why you need to make the most of this opportunity by doing the following: 1. Network with your coworkers. You’re not just at your internship to do a job. This is also a chance for you to meet individuals in a broad range of fields. Get to know them and ask for their contact information. You never know when you’ll need a recommendation – or a foot in the door at a company that one of your old coworkers goes on to work for. 2. Say “yes.” Make the most of your internship by doing anything and everything. Don’t limit your experience to one role or department. Ask to work across the breadth of the company. Say “yes” to every opportunity provided and ask great questions. 3. Stay busy and organized. Do not spend your days scrolling on social media or gossiping with the other interns. This is your chance to get real-world experience, so make sure you’re always working on a project. Also, use this time to develop your own system for time management, organization, and productivity. These are soft skills that will transfer to any role later in life. 4. Communicate well. Talk with your manager about your workload when it’s feeling too heavy – and too light. Schedule time to talk with different leaders throughout the company and ask questions about what they love about their job, how they got where they are, and what you should take away from the experience. Finally, communicate your future plans with your manager and keep in touch. 5. Be professional. If you’re doing all of the above, you will exude professionalism during your internship experience. Remember that you’re not doing the company a favor by working for them; they’re doing a favor for you. Act grateful, be helpful, and enjoy this investment in your future.