Internships with Relocation Assistance Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

Many organizations recognize the value of internship programs as a means of attracting and building connections with prospective employees. Employers consider internship programs to be among the most effective methods for recruiting early career talent and strive to convert their interns into full-time hires. To drive conversion, employers carefully craft their programs to include a range of offerings, such as the type of work interns perform, supports like employee resource groups and mentors, activities designed to build connections between the organization and interns and among the interns themselves, and salaries and benefits, including relocation assistance.

The Growing Importance of Relocation Assistance

Corporate relocation packages have long been associated with executives, employee transfers, and global mobility assignments. However, companies are increasingly using relocation assistance to entice the most promising recent graduates. In industries such as technology, medicine, law, finance, and consulting, specialized skills are in high demand and local talent pools are limited. Therefore, relocation assistance for internships or recent graduates in these roles is becoming common.

NACE Survey Insights

Analysis of results from NACE’s Internship and Co-op Survey suggests that most benefits have a positive effect on conversion rates. More than half of responding organizations have reported offering relocation assistance. According to results of the survey, organizations that offer relocation assistance converted an average of 53% of their interns to full-time hires, compared to about half for organizations that do not provide such assistance. Nearly two-thirds of organizations providing assistance rated themselves as very/extremely effective in converting interns, compared with about 36% of those not providing it.

What is Relocation Assistance?

Among respondents to the NACE survey, most provide their interns with a lump sum for housing expenses, based on a cost-of-living analysis of the job site or on the length of the program. The support is most commonly provided to interns who are beyond a 50-mile radius of the job site. The provision of relocation assistance is a means to achieving a better pool of applicants as it removes a barrier for students who have to relocate for the position. Many organizations that do not offer relocation assistance cite budget constraints, while others say they hire interns locally.

The Impact of Relocation Assistance on Intern Cohorts

Results suggest that relocation assistance yields a better applicant pool. There is a wide gap in the average offer rate between organizations with and without relocation assistance, perhaps as a result of that better pool. Moreover, there appears to be a connection between relocation assistance and the diversity of the intern cohort, notably among Black and Hispanic students. More than half of the organizations providing interns with assistance rated themselves as very/extremely effective at recruiting a diverse cohort, far exceeding those who don’t provide it.

Implications for Internship Programs

The data suggest that organizations invested in using their internship programs to attract and recruit full-time early career talent should consider the role relocation assistance could play for them and how offering this support could enhance their program and cohort.

Entry-Level Relocation Packages: Tailoring to Needs

Entry-level relocation packages are typically tailored for recent university or trade school graduates. However, not all entry-level hires fit this conventional profile. Some entry-level employees may be entering a new industry or changing careers later in life. Flexibility is crucial for attracting and retaining valuable talent whose needs may diverge from the typical entry-level employees. Ultimately, when it comes to relocation, the employee’s individual needs should take precedence over their seniority within the company.

Differentiating Entry-Level Benefits

Entry-level relocation packages typically offer fewer benefits than those offered for higher-level positions within the company. Entry-level hires typically have different needs compared to their more senior counterparts. Some benefits commonly provided to senior-level employees, such as home sale programs or extensive temporary housing allowances, may not be offered or scaled down for entry-level hires.

Lump Sum vs. Managed Relocation

In some cases, companies offer entry-level hires a lump sum relocation package to cover their relocation expenses rather than providing a comprehensive managed relocation package. The choice between offering a lump sum or a managed relocation experience with a cap depends largely on the company culture and the preferences of its employees. However, challenges like finding housing or coordinating quality movers may arise without a relocation consultant’s support. The stress of planning a move may delay or complicate a new hire’s start at their new company. The company also relinquishes control of its relocation budget.

Internship Relocation Packages

A typical internship relocation package places more emphasis on transportation and temporary housing arrangements and less on household goods relocation. Internship relocation packages are unlikely to include rental assistance or real estate benefits, as interns are typically in the area for a short time. Overall, an internship relocation package is tailored to meet the immediate needs of interns during short-term assignments.

Read also: Unlock summer legal internships

Examples of Companies and Their Programs

Several companies offer internship and trainee programs with unique features, including those that address the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and those who may require relocation assistance. Here are some examples:

DreamWorks

DreamWorks offers students and recent grads the opportunity to work alongside artists and storytellers in TV and Feature Animation. Interns take a deep dive into real productions, learn the 2D & CG pipeline and get a taste for what it is like to work in a creative environment. Internships are offered annually, three times a year in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Open to students and recent grads (recent grads should apply within the six month window post graduation), Internships are paid, 10 weeks long, and are offered remotely and/or on a hybrid basis, depending on the department. Trainees gain hands-on experience on a Television or Feature production while learning from award-winning artists and working directly on actual productions. Trainees are exposed to a strategically tailored, comprehensive curriculum taught by industry and studio professionals. Directors and Artists mentor the Trainees in this immersive program. The Animator Apprentice Program gives aspiring animators the chance to gain hands-on experience on a real feature production. Apprentices are mentored by the Program Lead and their individually assigned mentors throughout the duration of the program. They are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum and led through multiple assignments that focus on building their animation skills and prepare them for the Cycles Animation Team. At DreamWorks, they are dedicated to fostering inclusion within the animation industry. Introducing the LAUNCH Fellowship Program, an extraordinary opportunity for students to engage with their studio virtually, without the need for relocation! As a LAUNCH Fellow, you will have the chance to build a professional network, attend engaging workshops, and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals at DreamWorks. The program is open to students and recent graduates from various backgrounds. Open to graduates with less than 2 years of work experience in the animation industry, the Animator Apprentice Program gives aspiring animators the chance to gain hands-on experience through a 12 week intensive training program within Feature Animation. Upon successful completion of the 12 weeks of training, Apprentices are given the opportunity to move into cycles animation and from there, Assistant Animators. Apprentices are mentored by the Resident Program Lead and their individually assigned mentors throughout the duration of the program. They are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum taught by industry and studio professionals. Apprentices will be led through multiple assignments that focus on building their animation skills and prepare them for the Cycles Animation Team. Discover DreamWorks Immersion Day, a transformative annual event that embodies their commitment to nurturing inclusivity in animation. Their mission is clear: empower students from communities across Los Angeles, bridging the gap to the animation industry. Experience a behind-the-scenes journey into how their feature films and TV shows are made, sit down with talented artists, and network with creative executives. Founded in 2020, the Summer Speaker Series has grown into an annual, week-long virtual event reaching students and professionals across the globe. This series features a variety of topics and aims to provide an inside look into their studio and the creative minds behind their beloved television shows and feature films.

DreamWorks states: "Interning at DreamWorks was an integral part of building a future for myself not only at the studio, but as a creative and a person. The early careers team played a pivotal role in preparing me for success and encouraging me to chase my dreams no matter what. My experience was fantastic and helped me to build bridges that lead to my conversion to Full time employee at the studio. The early careers program and their belief in young talent and dedication to passionate creatives like me inspired me to pursue a career in animation. “Interning at Dreamworks was amazing! The program exceeded my expectations and provided a supportive environment that encouraged me to grow and explore my interests. “Through my internship I was tasked with various hands-on responsibilities that luckily already made me feel like I was an integral part of the team. I think getting to take on those responsibilities as an intern made the transition into becoming a full-time Production Assistant smooth. The team I interned with were always willing to answer my questions and walk me through any processes I might've had trouble with. “I had applied for the program because I was looking for an opportunity to break into the animation industry after leaving my almost 10 year career in banking , going back to school after an 8 year hiatus and finally graduating. I completed my internship with the Gabby's Dollhouse Team and was offered a permanent position two weeks before it ended and I was absolutely on cloud nine! After many, many years I was finally working in the industry that I had wanted to be in since I was young. “During the 12 weeks, I had the great opportunity to work on Abominable with an amazingly talented crew while building my portfolio pieces under the mentorship of an art director on TV. Every week, I received invaluable feedback on my production/personal work from my art director and mentor. The program provided me with so many helpful learning resources through virtual workshops and lectures. I got to connect with many professionals through the program as well. “The Trainee Program allowed me to refine my work and the skills I already cultivated in a live production environment. I was encouraged to experiment and fail as often as I could by my mentors, and I was willing to do so knowing I had a safety net woven from their vast experiences to lean on. I got to make mistakes and learn quickly, as well as meaningfully contribute to the production. “DreamWorks has always been a staple of my childhood since I watched Shrek in theaters at a young age. Of course, being accepted to the DreamWorks Internship Program was an absolute dream! Working as an intern was a learning experience that eventually prepared me to understand the ins and outs of the industry. There are too many moments that I cherished during my internship but my favorite one has to be the day when the interns collectively painted murals for Franklin Elementary School. Not only was it a day of creativity, but it was also a heartwarming day where we knew that the students would appreciate the outcome of their new library! Not only did this program help me prepare myself production-wise, but it eventually landed me a job as a production assistant, to production coordinator, and ultimately as the new Vis Dev Artist for Gabby's Dollhouse! I am extremely thankful for the journey it took me to where I am now! I honestly could not have done it without the amazing internship program and the people I have met throughout my career.

The Internship Program is 10 weeks long and offered three times a year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Trainee Program is offered once a year for 12 weeks with an opportunity to extend for an additional amount of time based on performance and business need. Their studio is located in Glendale, California. Their Internship and Trainee Programs are offered on a hybrid basis. This will be specified in the job description when applying to specific positions. Yes, all of their early career programs are paid at a competitive hourly rate. The interns will gain exposure to studio leaders and have the opportunity to participate in artistic & bonding events. Yes! While employment is not guaranteed, dozens of interns and Trainees have successfully converted into full time roles at the studio. Depending on the role you are applying for you may be asked to take part in different types of interviews. This may include phone screens, requests for work samples, video or in-person interviews. The recruiter will walk you through each step of the process. Unfortunately, they do not offer housing and relocation assistance. Interns and Trainees are expected to cover their own relocation, housing, and daily transportation. They can however offer suggestions and connect you with other interns looking for housing. In addition to your portfolio, they also place an emphasis on your resume: work experience, community involvement, and student leadership experience. When the Internship you are applying for involves heavy writing and communication skills (i.e. Publicity, Digital Marketing, etc.), the cover letter will be highly scrutinized. Pay close attention to the job description to see if a cover letter for the internship/trainee program you are applying for is required. The cover letter does not need to be addressed to anyone in specific. An ideal visual development portfolio will showcase a strong design foundation of perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory. You can include personal projects, academic projects, or professional projects in your portfolio. An ideal story portfolio will contain strong storyboard samples (the samples can be personal projects, academic projects, or professional projects). Include your story thought process through: sketches, character poses, facial expressions, designs, etc.

Boeing

Boeing is more than airplanes, satellites and cutting-edge cyber solutions. They work together with advanced technology on projects for the defense and intelligence communities.

Boeing's partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund is an initiative supporting HBCUs through campus recruitment, career immersion, scholarships, and more.

They offer a tuition assistance program that pays your institution directly so you don't have to.

Other Companies

Many other companies offer internships and early career programs across various industries. These include:

Mondelēz International (MDLZ): An American multinational confectionery, food, and beverage company.
Block: A global technology company with a focus on financial services.
Grainger: A leading broad line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating supplies and related services.
Atlassian: A company that provides tools to help every team unleash their full potential.
FloQast: The First Accounting Transformation Platform Powered by AI Agent.
Bounteous: An end-to-end digital transformation services consultancy.
TransUnion: A global information and insights company.
Fortune Brands Innovations (FBIN): An industry-leading home, security and digital products company.
MarketAxess: A company that is transforming how the world trades fixed income.
Enova International (ENVA): A leading online financial services company.
ZS: A management consulting and technology firm.
Metropolis: An artificial intelligence company for the real world.
IMC: A global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone.
Dropbox: A workplace that combines the flexibility of a distributed workplace with the power of human connection.
Apex Fintech Solutions: Aims to enable frictionless investing for everyone.
Teragonia: Provides an AI-based Value Orchestration platform for private equity backed mid-market operators.
Pricefx: A 100% cloud-native pricing platform.
ALIS: An assisted living specific software provider.
Hudson River Trading: Brings a scientific approach to trading financial products.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago: Serves as the nation's central bank.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Relocation Assistance

When considering whether to offer or accept relocation assistance, several factors should be taken into account:

Company Recruitment Goals: Companies should consider whether including entry-level relocation packages aligns with their broader recruitment goals.
Competitive Landscape: It’s also necessary to evaluate whether competitors are already offering relocation assistance for internships and recent graduates.
Definition of "Entry-Level": The definition of “entry-level” can vary from one company to another.
Individual Needs: Ultimately, when it comes to relocation, the employee’s individual needs should take precedence over their seniority within the company.
Budget Constraints: Many organizations that do not offer relocation assistance cite budget constraints.

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