Finding an internship or entry-level position at a Catholic institution can be a rewarding and meaningful experience for individuals who are passionate about their faith and committed to positively impacting the world. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for those seeking to begin or advance their careers within this community. However, knowing where to look can be a challenge. To help you get started, here are seven excellent Catholic institutions offering internship or entry-level positions, each of which can provide valuable experience, skill-building, and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
The EWTN Summer Academy – Spiritual and Personal Development
Location: Rome, Italy
Applicant Eligibility: Students and young professionals aged 21-35
Duration: July 4th – 14th
Compensation: Food and lodging
The EWTN Summer Academy is a truly unique and unparalleled experience for those seeking to build their skills and knowledge in the Catholic media industry. Not only does it provide a dynamic platform for developing hard skills such as journalism, but it does so within the breathtaking and inspiring backdrop of Rome. The opportunity creates a truly immersive and transformative personal and professional growth environment. Participating in the EWTN Summer Academy allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, hone their journalism skills, and be a part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Che Dio vi benedica!
USCCB Internships
Location: varies by position
Applicant Eligibility: must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
Duration: Varies
Compensation: varies by position – paid, unpaid, or academic credits
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers a variety of internship opportunities for students interested in gaining hands-on experience within a non-profit, mission-driven organization. Interns will have the chance to work with staff to support various departments and gain a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church and its mission to develop and aid people through its programs. Internship tasks may include establishing and maintaining relationships, developing and implementing programs, reviewing information, creating educational resources and activities, revising web resources, and assisting with special projects.
The USCCB offers internships in several areas, including
- Catholic Campaign for Human Development,
- Catholic News Service,
- Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs,
- Evangelization and Catechesis,
- Finance and Accounting,
- General Counsel,
- International Justice and Peace,
- Justice,
- Peace and Human Development,
- Laity,
- Marriage,
- Family Life and Youth,
- Migration & Refugee Services,
- and Pro-Life.
Each is a valuable opportunity for individuals to learn and grow professionally while being a part of the Catholic Church’s mission to impact the world positively.
Catholic Relief Services
Location: Varies
Applicant Eligibility: must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or have graduated within the past year.
Duration: 11 Months
Compensation: paid and unpaid opportunities
CRS internships offer valuable learning experiences for students pursuing careers in international development, often fulfilling academic requirements for their respective fields of study. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and understanding of best practices in international relief and development through exposure to one of the leading faith-based non-profit organizations in the United States. This internship provides professional growth and allows you to build networks and gain insight into working for a faith-based institution. Through mentorship and guidance from your supervisor, you will receive personalized support and make the most out of your internship experience.
The Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations Internship
Location: New York
Applicant Eligibility: Catholic college graduates or graduate students – up to age 35
Duration: fall, spring, and or summer cycle
Compensation: Contact for Details
The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York offers an internship program for Catholic college graduates or graduate students to assist in the Mission’s work at the UN. Interns receive orientation on the Holy See’s diplomatic work, attend UN meetings and events, and assist in running conferences.
Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the intern; however, the Mission provides information on possible housing options and has established fellowship programs with Catholic colleges and universities for funding for housing and living expenses. The Viscogliosi Brothers Fellowship is also available for interns who show financial need, with an application process shared upon request.
Arlington Catholic Herald – Summer Intern
Location: New York
Applicant Eligibility: current undergraduate students
Duration: Summer
Compensation: Paid
The Arlington Catholic Herald offers a summer internship program designed for college students pursuing a degree in journalism or a related field who are passionate about sharing news from a Catholic perspective.
As an intern at the Herald, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced journalists and contribute to the newspaper’s mission to evangelize. You will be responsible for various projects and assignments, including writing and editing content for the website and print edition, contributing to the newspaper’s social media channels, and covering diocesan events.
The ideal candidate will possess strong writing, editing, and digital/social media skills and extraordinary attention to detail. Previous experience working for a media publication is preferred but not required.
This internship is an excellent opportunity for aspiring journalists to gain hands-on experience and make a positive impact in the world. If you are passionate about journalism and the Catholic Church, the Arlington Catholic Herald may be the perfect place. Apply today and take the first step to become a journalist.
5 Stones Graphic Design Internship
Location: Sycamore, Illinois
Applicant Eligibility: Student majoring in Graphic Design or Visual Communications with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and two or more years of academic coursework or work experience.
Duration: Summer
Compensation: Paid
The 5 Stones company offers a full-time, paid graphic design internship during the summer. Interns work with their creative department. Students pursuing a degree in graphic design or visual communications are the target audience for this gig. It offers a unique opportunity to grow as a designer while supporting Catholic organizations with design work.
The responsibilities include working with various departments to create digital and print designs, using the Adobe Creative Suite, and delivering consistent design work across multiple projects.
Junior Fellows, First Things
Location: New York
Applicant Eligibility: Recent college graduate
Duration: Two Years
Compensation: Stipend and Housing
First Things established the Junior Fellows program in 2001 to provide young, talented graduates with hands-on experience in print journalism. Selected from a pool of highly competitive applicants, these fellows spend two years learning from top editors while supporting various aspects of editorial operations, including podcast production, digital media, copy-editing, and research support.
First Things attracts top-notch talent and has produced a long list of successful alums, including Matthew Rose, Ryan T. Anderson, Stefan McDaniel, and current editors Ramona Tausz and Veronica Clarke. Each year, two talented recent graduates have the opportunity to join the program and embark on a transformative experience at First Things.
Let us know your area of interest, and we’ll make every effort to find a suitable opportunity for you!