National Geographic Unscripted Development Intern, Summer 2025

About the Role & Program

Join us for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how National Geographic decides which unscripted and natural history series we are going to produce, and why. Our mission is to commission gripping, entertaining factual series which drives a deeper connection to our world, come behind the scenes to see the process from the inside. As an intern, you will learn how National Geographic series evolve from initial pitch to greenlight, what it takes to commission a show on our network, and all the various stakeholders who play a role in producing and promoting our premium content.

The approximate dates of this internship are from May/June 2025 through August/September 2025. If selected for the opportunity, you will report directly to the SVP of Global Development. A cover letter indicating your interest in the National Geographic Unscripted Development Intern, Summer 2025 position is required.

What You Will Do

You will have the opportunity to uncover the ingredients that create an entertaining factual series for National Geographic. You will gain insight on the Development process and National Geographic’s strategy for our global programming by doing the following:

• Offer a fresh and creative perspective on ideas that are pitched to the Development Team.

• Read treatments/decks, watch sizzles, and share thoughts on projects in our Development Pipeline.

• Assist with the execution of key processes and workflows, such as organizing project materials, distributing meeting agendas, and recording meeting minutes.

• Attend multiple internal and external meetings to absorb information and contribute to discussions when suitable.

• Build numerous connections across several departments in the company.

• Conduct research as needed.

• Showcase your creativity and key learnings during a mock pitch for a potential National Geographic docuseries at the conclusion of the internship.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Detail-oriented and organized

• Curious and creative

• Ability to handle and prioritize simultaneous projects and meet deadlines

• Self-motivated and resourceful, with the ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise independent judgment

• Proficient in the use of MS Word and Excel and other key MS products

• Strong interest in factual TV and entertainment and enthusiasm for National Geographic content

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to edit video

• Prior development or production experience

Education

• Student working towards their undergraduate degree

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 Unscripted Development Intern, Summer 2025 position is required.

Additional Information

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

• The approximate dates of this internship are May/June 2025 through August/September 2025

• Fully available from Monday through Friday, 9am – 6pm ET for the duration of the internship, 40 hours each week

• Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program in the DC area

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