About the Role & Program

Step into the heart of storytelling at National Geographic! Our archive is a globally renowned, comprehensive record of exploration, science, wildlife, and culture, spanning over 137 years and featuring published images, outtakes, and stock submissions. As an Archive Intern, you’ll help preserve and curate the incredible material captured by our photographers and filmmakers—ensuring it’s ready to shine in today’s projects and tomorrow’s big ideas.

You’ll join the team that keeps the archive alive and accessible, from accessioning digital files to adding rich, descriptive data that makes discovery a breeze. You’ll also support stock footage research, helping creators find the perfect shot and strategizing smart ways to use our content. Think of yourself as the bridge between the past and the future of storytelling—making magic happen, one asset at a time. If selected, you’ll report to the Director of Archive Services.

This is a full-time internship, and the approximate dates of this internship are from May/June 2026 through August/September 2026. If selected for this role, you will report directly to the Director, Video Archives. A cover letter indicating your interest in the National Geographic Archives Intern, Summer 2026 position is required in order to be considered for the opportunity.

What You Will Do

As a National Geographic Archive Intern, you’ll play a key role in transforming our legendary archive into a cutting-edge resource for creators and storytellers. Working alongside Nat Geo staff and our partners at Lucasfilm, you’ll help build a single, accessible tool that unlocks decades of exploration, science, and culture.

On any given day, you might:

• Curate and Organize: Review data, prepare, and upload media into our Asset Management System to ensure assets are easily discoverable.

• Collaborate with Experts: Work side-by-side with experienced archivists to expedite projects involving the packing and transportation of physical photography assets

• Master Best Practices: Learn and apply industry-leading techniques for curating digital assets, gaining hands-on experience in digital preservation.

• Enhance Accessibility: Help improve access to legacy documents by scanning and digitizing important materials such as Shotsheets and footage declarations.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

• Experience working in collaborative environments and managing multiple projects

• Experience with researching and/or using a range of tools to acquire information and present findings

• High attention to detail and experience multitasking in a fast-paced environment

• Previous experience working in the entertainment industry

Preferred Qualifications List bullet points with qualifications/skills that are a bonus to have, but not required.

• Background in Digital Asset Management

• Experience handling older physical mediums such as film negatives and slides

• Familiarity with Airtable and Adobe Creative Cloud

Education

• Junior or Senior year preferred 

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science or related field

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements: 

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.

• Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program.

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Possess unrestricted work authorization

Additional Required Documents

• A cover letter indicating your interest in the National Geographic Archives Intern, Summer 2026 position is required in order to be considered for the opportunity.

Additional Information

• Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship

• The approximate dates of this internship are May/June through August/September 2026

• Fully available from Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm ET for the duration of the internship

• Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program in the Washington D.C. area

• Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work

The pay rate for this role in Washington D.C. is $22.50 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.