We get a lot of questions in email about the internship program and what IDEO looks for when recruiting interns, so we've provided some answers in the FAQ below. Please read this before you send an email to the address at the bottom. (Note, beyond the first question, there's very little repetition with our Recruiting FAQ.)

1. To whom should I address my cover letter?
2. What's this I hear about IDEO's internship program?
3. How long are the programs, and when do they run?
4. Which offices have internship programs?
5. Are any internships unpaid?
6. What kind of students are you looking for?
7. Can I intern at IDEO while on sabbatical or during a career transition?
8. What kind of projects will I work on?
9. Are there other benefits to interning at IDEO?
10. How should I apply?
11. I still have questions. May I talk with someone?

1. To whom should I address my cover letter?

This answer comes first, because it is the most frequently asked question! The answer is: "Dear Recruiting" or "To Whom It May Concern" is just fine. Since, chances are, you don't personally know anyone in the recruiting group, having a name won't make any difference. We promise.

2. What's this I hear about IDEO's internship program?

IDEO brings on dozens of interns from a variety of academic backgrounds throughout the year. We only consider students now in or returning to school. We accept international students on visas.

We truly value our interns, who often make real contributions to IDEO's projects and culture. Many have later become IDEO employees, though there are no guarantees. We think you'll learn a lot and you'll have fun as well.

3. How long are the programs, and when do they run?

The majority of our interns join our somewhat formal and structured programs that run from June to the beginning of the school year. We also have six-month programs we fill throughout the year on an as-needed basis. We do not offer longer internships.

4. Which offices have internship programs?

All of our offices offer internships, but the number and duration vary each year due to changing workload.

5. Are any internships unpaid?

All IDEO internships are paid, but include no further healthcare or 401K benefits. We also offer $100 per month reimbursement for public transportation.

We do not consider applicants who want to work for free.

6. What kind of students do you look for?

Typically, our interns are entering or within a graduate degree program. Successful candidates display exceptional skill and can demonstrate high-quality work in the domain of the internship they have applied for.

All candidates must be passionate about their area of specialization. We look for students who demonstrate a clear point-of-view relating to their work, especially as it relates to the world of design.

IDEO has a team-oriented, collaborative culture, and we want students who play well with others -- but you need to be self-directed toward excellence. An ability to thrive in ambiguity will help, too!

7. Can I intern at IDEO while on sabbatical or during a career transition?

We regret that we can offer internships only to students pursuing degrees.

8. What kind of projects will I work on?

Our interns work alongside senior staff within the mainstream of IDEO projects. Your time will likely include participation in brainstorms, prototyping, in-context observations, and other aspects of human-centered design. It may include client meetings, presentations, and travel. It will not involve sharpening pencils or pouring coffee (unless, you know, you want to.)

9. Are there other benefits to interning at IDEO?

Interns are fully part of cultural life at IDEO, and are included in all company-wide activities.

Our summer internships begin with a two-week design challenge. This exposes the team to a range of people and spaces at IDEO, and involves presenting a deliverable to your colleagues.

In addition, the intern group has casual weekly meetings, goal-setting check-ins, and an exit interview when you leave, because we want to learn from your experience here as well. Interns are assigned mentors, who provide guidance answer questions.

10. How should I apply?

Apply directly for the position you are interested in from our current internship listings. Please make sure you qualify for the internship before applying. It is okay to apply for positions in multiple offices, but applying for positions you do not qualify for will not increase your chances (and will likely raise a red flag within the recruiting team).

Include a cover letter and resume combined into one document for your application. In addition, design applicants should include a PDF or URL of a digital portfolio of your work. (A physical portfolio doesn't work well to give you the most exposure to the people who need to evaluate your work.)

After applying, we will contact you within about four weeks if we are considering your application.

11. I still have questions. May I talk with someone?

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applicants we cannot give informational interviews. If you have a specific question that isn't answered above, please send an email to . Please do not email other people from our Contacts page for internship inquiries.