15 Paid Internships for College Students in the Bay Area
- Stephen Turban
- 28 minutes ago
- 14 min read
As a college student, an internship is one of the most effective ways to build professional experience. You contribute to projects, practice skills such as analyzing data, enhancing workplace communication, collaborating with professionals, and managing responsibilities within deadlines. These experiences make your resume stronger, give you concrete stories to use in future interviews or graduate school applications, and help you clarify what kind of work environment fits you best as you prepare for full-time roles after graduation.
Why should you attend an internship in the Bay Area?
In the Bay Area, you will find many paid, in-person internship opportunities that place you inside leading organizations across technology, finance, research, design, and business operations. These roles can help you build skills and gain experiences that support both early career exploration and future applications, providing you with direct exposure to one of the most dynamic professional ecosystems in the country. Whether you are a local student or travelling to the region, you can find internships that help you build your profile and explore professional opportunities.
To help you find the right fit, we have curated a list of 15 Paid Internships for College Students in the Bay Area.
If you are looking for paid online internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Google, Mountain View, CA
Stipend: Hourly wage varies by role
Dates: 12-14 weeks, typically May/ June to August/ September
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, typically late October or early November of the year before the internship.
Eligibility: Must be a current student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.
The Google Internships program allows you to work alongside Google's engineers, designers, and product teams on real projects that matter. You will be placed in a full-time role where you’ll contribute to software engineering, product development, or data analysis while receiving mentorship from experienced Google professionals. In addition to your project work, you’ll attend workshops and networking sessions that help you develop your technical skills, communication abilities, and understanding of what a tech career can look like. This immersive experience enhances your résumé, builds a professional network, and provides concrete examples that you can use in your future job or graduate school applications. If you’re ready to move beyond coursework and see how your knowledge can translate into impact at one of the world’s leading technology companies, this internship offers a meaningful way to start.
Location: Meta, Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Approximate $40 - $60/hour and $8,000 - $10,000/month, depending on position
Dates: Summer internships: 12 weeks from June to August | Other Internships: Up to 24 weeks from March through November.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a degree program relevant to the field. Specific requirements vary by role (e.g., software engineering, research), but strong technical skills and relevant coursework are standard for most technical positions.
The Meta Internship Program gives you a hands-on opportunity to work on high-impact projects that reach billions of users across Meta platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. You will join a specific team, such as software engineering, data science, product design, or research, and take ownership of a project that directly contributes to Meta’s mission of building community and advancing technology. The program emphasizes learning by doing, pairing you with a dedicated mentor and offering workshops, tech talks, and intern-exclusive networking events. You’ll strengthen your technical and problem-solving skills while collaborating with full-time engineers and designers in Meta’s fast-paced environment. Along with housing assistance and competitive pay, you’ll gain real industry experience, professional growth opportunities, and the potential to return as a full-time hire after graduation.
Location: Salesforce, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid (competitive hourly wage, e.g., $52-$59/hour for technical roles)
Dates: Summer Internship lasts for 8-12 weeks from June through August
Application Deadline: Applications open very early, often in the fall (e.g., October) for the following summer.
Eligibility: Open to university students globally, across majors such as technology, sales, customer success, AI research, and corporate functions. Applicants must typically be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program and return to school after the internship.
Futureforce University Internship at Salesforce puts you at the heart of innovation, giving you the chance to work on projects that directly impact millions of users worldwide. You will join real teams in technology, sales, marketing, or product, where your contributions are treated as meaningful and valued from day one. During your internship, you will write code, manage products, design customer experiences, or conduct AI research, gaining practical skills that translate to real-world business impact. You will also have access to professional development through workshops, executive speaker sessions, and networking events that prepare you for future career growth. By the end of the program, you will have hands-on experience with Salesforce technologies, collaborative teamwork, and a strong understanding of how your work contributes to the company’s progress, all while being supported by mentors and a community that celebrates innovation.
Location: Apple Park, Cupertino, CA (and other Bay Area campuses)
Stipend: Paid, with an average of $46.16 hourly wage.
Dates: 12-16 weeks, full-time during the summer or academic year.
Application Deadline: Applications open in the fall (September/October) and are accepted year-round on a rolling basis; apply early for summer roles.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, and returning to your academic program after the internship.
Apple Software Engineering Internship invites you to join one of the world’s most innovative technology companies and work on projects that shape products like iOS, macOS, Siri, Apple Maps, and iCloud. You will be placed on a small, focused team where your contributions matter from day one, writing code, developing applications, designing architectures, or supporting systems that power millions of users. During the internship, you will gain hands-on experience in backend development, Core OS, iOS, and macOS app development, user interface and user experience design, information systems, and information security, all while collaborating with highly skilled engineers. Apple offers mentorship, networking events, and workshops that help you refine your technical skills, tackle complex problems, and gain insight into how large-scale products are developed. By the end of the program, you will have practical engineering experience, insights into cutting-edge technologies, and the confidence to take on ambitious projects in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
Location: Intel, Santa Clara, CA
Stipend: Paid (hourly wage according to role and education level)
Dates: Flexible, with sessions in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Summer internships are typically 12-14 weeks.
Application Deadline: Applications for summer roles are typically open in the fall of the prior year.
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in a relevant STEM field (e.g., Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science).
The Intel Internship lets you start your career at a company where innovation, challenging projects, and a vibrant culture come together. From day one, you will work on critical projects in electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, chip design, validation, software development, or artificial intelligence, contributing ideas that make a real impact. You will engage with processes and systems across entire factories, applying what you’ve learned at university and proposing creative improvements while learning from experienced engineers. Intel’s inclusive environment encourages you to solve fascinating problems, expand your network, and gain recognition for your achievements. You can also join Intel Involved, a global volunteer program, and explore new experiences through Intel Gigs, short-term projects tailored to your skills and interests. By the end of your internship, you will leave with technical expertise, professional confidence, and the experience of shaping projects that impact millions worldwide.
Location: Genentech, South San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid internship (hourly wage varies by role)
Dates: 10-12 weeks, typically between May and October.
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in early January; this varies by position.
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of university and are within two years of their last degree by the start of the internship.
The Genentech Summer Internship Program gives you the chance to explore innovative biotechnology and drug development while contributing to meaningful scientific projects. You will be placed in departments such as Research and Early Development (gRED), Product Development, or Business, where you can apply skills in molecular biology, protein engineering, clinical research, manufacturing science, or biochemistry to help advance therapies for serious diseases. Mentors support your learning as you engage in projects, present your findings at a poster symposium, and participate in professional development and networking events with scientists and company leaders. Genentech’s collaborative and inclusive culture encourages you to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, and experience how research translates into real-world impact. Along the way, the program equips you with practical scientific expertise, exposure to advanced lab techniques, and insight into working in a leading biotechnology company.
Location: Bank of America, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid (hourly wage varies by role)
Dates: 10 weeks, typically starting in June through August
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Must be a current student in their penultimate year of study (graduating between November and August of the following year) with a preferred 3.5+ GPA.
Bank of America Global Technology Analyst Internship provides you with the opportunity to explore the intersection of finance and technology while contributing to real-world business challenges. You will be placed on teams such as software engineering, cybersecurity, business analysis, or mainframe engineering, where you will work on projects that support mobile and online banking, payments processing, technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise data management. The program offers a formal orientation, mentorship from senior leaders, hands-on experience with leading technology platforms, and access to networking and professional development events across the firm. You will gain technical and financial skills, learn how banking systems operate, and collaborate with professionals on emerging technical trends in a dynamic environment. Through these experiences, you will develop practical skills, expand your professional network, and gain a deeper understanding of how technology drives global banking operations.
Location: Autodesk, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid internship, hourly wage depending on roles.
Dates: A 12-week internship, May 18 - August 7 or June 15 - September 4.
Application Deadline: Recruitment for summer roles typically occurs during the fall (September - November) and spring (February - April).
Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old, enrolled in a degree-granting academic program or an accredited boot camp, and meet specific skill requirements of the applied job.
The Autodesk Internship Program allows you to work on meaningful projects that directly impact the company and its customers while building your professional skills. You will own a project from start to finish, working alongside mentors and an “intern buddy” who guide you through real-world challenges in software development, user experience, product design, or business analytics. The program provides access to tech talks, project showcases, and networking with colleagues across Autodesk’s global teams, enabling you to expand your professional network and gain insight into collaborative, innovative work environments. As an intern, you can access nearly all the same benefits as full-time employees, including paid holidays, volunteer time, access to Autodesk software, and employee discounts. Throughout the internship, you will develop hands-on experience, technical expertise, and professional confidence while being part of a diverse and inclusive culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, and impact.
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Competitive stipend of around $5,000.
Dates: 10 weeks, May 31 - August 7.
Application Deadline: February 2.
Eligibility: Must have completed at least four semesters (or six quarters) of undergraduate study and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a desire to pursue a PhD.
UCSF Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) invites you to join a summer research experience at the University of California, San Francisco, where undergraduate students in the life sciences engage in up to ten weeks of graduate‑level research alongside faculty mentors. You will work on a defined project in disciplines such as biochemistry and molecular biology, bioengineering, neuroscience, genetics, or pharmaceutical sciences, participate in weekly seminars and professional‑development workshops, and present your findings in an oral or poster symposium attended by scientists and peers. You’ll become part of a tight‑knit community of motivated undergraduates from across the U.S., living on campus, collaborating in labs, and connecting with graduate students and postdocs. This is your opportunity to build real‑world research skills, deepen your scientific knowledge, expand your network, and explore whether a PhD‑track career in biomedical sciences is right for you.
Location: TikTok, San Jose, CA (or Mountain View, CA)
Stipend: Paid (~$17.04 hourly wage)
Dates: 12 weeks during the summer (May/June start)
Application Deadline: Applications are often open in the summer/fall for the following summer and are reviewed quickly.
Eligibility: Must be a current student pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline, with strong algorithm and coding skills.
The TikTok Undergraduate Internship Program offers you the opportunity to explore impactful tech experiences at one of the fastest‑growing platforms in the world. You will dive into meaningful projects where you might work on optimizing video ranking models, enhancing search relevance, or improving performance in large‑scale distributed systems, all while collaborating with globally distributed engineering teams. You’ll benefit from hands‑on exposure to cutting‑edge AI/ML technologies, formal professional development workshops, and social events designed to deepen your network and sharpen your skills. Mentors and intern buddies will guide your journey so you can gain real confidence solving challenging problems and seeing how your work contributes to products used by millions. With approximately 12 weeks of immersive experience, this program is open to undergraduate students in their penultimate year with valid work authorization in the country of hire and right‐to‑work status.
Location: Adobe, San Jose, CA (or San Francisco, CA)
Stipend: Paid hourly wage ($25.00 - $30.00 USD).
Dates: 12‑week summer internship (May - September).
Application Deadline: Varies by position; typically opens in the fall for summer roles
Eligibility: Rising seniors enrolled at a college or university currently, interested in business/sales roles, and able to intern in the U.S. Bay Area
Adobe Sales Academy Internship invites you to launch your sales career at a company redefining digital experiences. You will take ownership of real enterprise sales activities, from nurturing inbound leads and crafting strategic messaging to engaging with senior clients across Adobe Creative Cloud, Document Cloud, and Experience Cloud while supporting upsell, cross-sell, and renewal opportunities. The program includes structured onboarding, advanced sales training, one-on-one mentorship from senior sellers, shadowing sessions, team competitions, networking events, and a national intern summit at Adobe headquarters. Across the 12-week experience, you will build hands-on skills in customer engagement, pipeline development, and sales operations, along with opportunities to present your project outcomes and gain exposure to full-time paths in Business Development, Renewals, or Account Executive roles. This internship gives you the chance to develop real sales acumen, grow your professional network in Silicon Valley, and position yourself for a successful future in technology sales at Adobe.
Location: Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA (and other Northern California locations)
Stipend: Interns can earn $25.09 - $29.16 per hour.
Dates: 8 weeks, June 8th - July 31.
Application Deadline: January 9.
Eligibility: Must be a current community college or four-year university student and have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area.
KP LAUNCH College Program invites you to explore the healthcare field with meaningful, paid work at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. You’ll spend eight paid weeks working full-time in non-clinical roles in departments like IT, human resources, finance, or hospital administration, leading meaningful projects that contribute to Kaiser Permanente’s mission. You will receive guidance from mentors and senior leaders, participate in professional development and personal growth workshops, and have job shadowing and community service experiences throughout your internship. Along the way, you’ll connect with peers and build a professional network while gaining exposure to the inner workings of a healthcare organization committed to diversity and inclusion. You will not only earn competitive pay but also gain exposure to careers you may never have considered and strengthen your path toward future success in healthcare through this experience.
Location: NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA
Stipend: Stipend amount is based on academic level and session length.
Dates: Three sessions are offered per year (Spring, Summer, Fall). 15 weeks for the spring and fall sessions, and 10 weeks for the summer session.
Application Deadline: The deadlines for the Summer and Fall sessions are February 27 and May 22.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, enrolled at least half-time in a college program (undergrad or grad), and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
NASA (OSTEM) Internships invite you to engage directly with the frontier of space exploration and science in a role where you work side-by-side with seasoned experts on real NASA missions. You will tackle projects that support aeronautics, space science, engineering, information technology, business, or other mission-relevant domains, gaining hands-on experience, technical skills, and career readiness. Mentors from NASA guide your progress, helping you navigate meaningful work, develop professional competencies, and connect to a network of peers and professionals in a high-impact agency. You’ll learn the inner workings of a multi-disciplinary environment where scientists, engineers, technologists, and administrators collaborate to advance humanity’s reach into space. This experience equips you with industry expertise, exposure to federal research operations, and the confidence to pursue future opportunities in STEM or beyond.
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA
Stipend: Paid, provides a weekly stipend of $650.
Dates: 10 weeks in the Summer (May - August) or 16 weeks in the Fall (August - December)/ Spring (January - May).
Application Deadline: January 7.
Eligibility: Must be a current undergraduate student or recent graduate in a STEM field and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) invites you into a world of hands-on scientific discovery at U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, where you collaborate directly on research that drives national missions. You’ll work under the guidance of a research mentor on a well-defined project, gain access to advanced scientific instruments and facilities, and conduct work in fields such as materials science, computing, instrumentation, energy, or environmental science. You will deepen your technical toolkit while also sharpening professional skills like scientific communication, project planning, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The program connects you with a community of peers and professionals across labs, enriching your network and opening doors to future opportunities in science and technology. Engaging in real-world research in an elite environment, you’ll leave with a clearer vision for your STEM career path and the experience to pursue it boldly after SULI.
Location: Tesla, Palo Alto, CA, or Fremont, CA
Stipend: Paid (competitive hourly wage, e.g., $50–$57/hour + benefits)
Dates: Minimum 12 weeks, full-time, on-site, offered in Winter/Spring and Summer terms.
Application Deadline: Tesla hires year-round; applications for summer should be submitted in the fall/winter.
Eligibility: Must be a current student pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field; embedded C experience is highly preferred.
Tesla Internship invites you to work in one of the most dynamic tech and automotive environments, where you’ll tackle real engineering challenges and contribute to vehicles used by millions. You will engage with cross-functional teams spanning hardware, software, and manufacturing to test, debug, and validate systems such as Autopilot and Battery Management. You will write test plans, automate validation processes, and work on actual vehicles. Mentorship and hands-on support are built into the experience: you’ll receive one-on-one guidance from experienced engineers, join networking events, and access resources typically reserved for full-time employees. The internship emphasizes immersive learning and high responsibility, enabling you to sharpen your technical skills, understand large-scale system integration, and prepare for future opportunities in cutting-edge automotive technology.
Bonus Option - Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Winter, Spring, Fall, and Summer
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.