Join IRC San Diego as an Intern This Spring

The IRC San Diego office is proud to be a hub of learning, offering internship positions across multiple departments each semester. 

We are kicking off 2026 with 11 exciting internship opportunities at IRC San Diego! These roles span across food security, digital literacy, refugee field work, case management, workforce integration, career development, women’s empowerment, and program quality and assurance.  

Our internships are a 3 to 5-month commitment, involving close collaboration with IRC professionals to support clients. This is a valuable learning opportunity to gain insights into local non-profit structures, develop familiarity with cross-cultural communication, and understand the operational aspects of humanitarian work 

Logistics & Application

We offer a variety of working environments, including in-person, remote, and hybrid positions. Click on each link for further details and learn how to apply now! 

 

Refugee Field & Administrative Work  

Start your career in refugee services by joining IRC San Diego’s Reception and Integration Program this spring. Interns can choose between two focus areas: 

Field Work Internship (Open) 

Work directly with caseworkers to welcome newly arrived families, assist with apartment setups, accompany clients to appointments, and help them navigate community resources. This internship option offers hands-on experience in client support and the resettlement process.

Administrative Internship (Open) 

Support the Reception and Integration team behind the scenes by coordinating appointments, preparing case files, drafting communications, and contributing to office operations. This internship option provides insight into nonprofit administration and the organizational side of refugee resettlement. 

Both options offer valuable learning opportunities, including exposure to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, an introduction to refugee populations in San Diego, and practical experience in the daily operations of a humanitarian nonprofit. 

Make an impact in the lives of refugees while building skills for your career—Apply Today! 

 

Integration & Career Development  

Workforce and Integration Internship (Open)

Begin your learning and development in 2026 by stepping into the field of workforce and contributing to IRC San Diego’s comprehensive employment services for refugee and immigrant communities. The Workforce and Integration Department provide clients with employment services, career development, and financial education. As an intern, you’ll work closely with Employment Specialists, supporting them with tasks such as resume development, employer communications, and application preparation. This is an incredible opportunity to gain workforce experience while helping clients achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency — Apply Today! 

Career Programs Internship (Open)

Shape your future while guiding refugees and immigrants as they build meaningful careers in the United States. The Career Programs staff works to assist clients interested in earning industry-recognized certifications in fields such as Healthcare, IT, Manufacturing, and more. Interns will work closely with clients, building resumes, searching for jobs, identifying opportunities, and preparing for interviews. This internship offers valuable experience in delivering direct employment services, receiving training in data entry and analysis, and gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a large non-profit organization – Apply today! 

 

Case Work Services 

Asylum Seekers and Families Program Internship (Open)

Develop your career in casework while supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals and families seeking asylum in San Diego. Interns play an integral role in assisting the Asylum Seekers and Families Program caseworkers—helping asylum-seekers meet their basic needs, including access to legal representation, safe housing, public benefits enrollment, school enrollment, and more. Interns’ day-to-day work consists of developing community engagement and outreach material and providing case management services to clients. Through this experience, you will gain exposure to case management, learn about the asylum processes, and develop cross-cultural communication skills. Join the team in providing these vital support services—Apply Now! 

Education & Training 

 Digital Inclusion Internship (Open)

Gain hands-on experience in digital inclusion, community outreach, and client support while supporting refugees, newcomers, and low-income families in developing digital skills to improve their lives and job opportunities. In this role, interns will support the Digital Inclusion Program and work alongside the Sr. Digital Inclusion Specialist in delivering trainings, developing resources, and supporting clients in building confidence with technology. Through this role, gain exposure to digital inclusion strategies, case management, cross-cultural communications, and much more. Develop your career while helping individuals in your community overcome digital barriers – Apply Now! 

Data Automation Internship (Open)

Apply your knowledge in data analysis and visualization towards data-driven decision making within the Digital Inclusion Program. Interns will develop and optimize tools that streamline data processes and improve program efficiency. This internship offers valuable experience in designing and presenting visual reports, CRM systems, and information management. Support digital inclusion of underserved populations – Apply Now! 

Community Engagement & Basic Needs 

Community Fridge Internship (Open)

Start your professional journey in non-profit program management by leading the Community Fridge initiative at IRC San Diego. This initiative plays a vital role in improving clients’ access to nutritious food, while also offering hands-on experience in community-based program coordination.In this internship, engage with community partners to procure food donations, sort donations, upkeep the fridge, and develop community outreach materials. This is an incredible opportunity to gain experience in providing direct client services, donation outreach and procurement, and non-profit project management. Gain hands-on experience in non-profit program management while supporting food security, public health, and community well-being across San Diego – Apply Now! 

Women Empowerment  

Women's Resilience Center Internship (Open)

Become a facilitator at the IRC San Diego’s dedicated community center for women—a safe, creative space that encourages expression, community connectedness and enhanced well-being. As an intern, you will co-facilitate wellness workshops and presentations, support outreach efforts for WRC programs, and contribute to monitoring and evaluation of these programs. This role offers the opportunity to enhance your facilitation skills, experience providing healing-centered and culturally humble services, and develop strong team and interpersonal skills. Join the WRC and make a meaningful impact in the lives of women and girls— Apply now! 

 

Resource Development Openings 

Development Intern  (Open)

Join IRC's San Diego Development team this Fall as the Communications and Development Intern. You will have a vital impact supporting our annual fundraising event ‘Taste the IRC’, developing comprehensive outreach plans, overseeing social media accounts, coordinating client success stories and website content, supporting the Development and Community Relations Coordinator in procurement of in-kind donations. Through this internship you will acquire substantial knowledge and experience in strategic communications, event planning, and nonprofit administration. Take the first step towards making a significant contribution to the San Diego community— Apply Today!

Monitoring & Evaluation  

Reception and Integration Quality Assurance Intern  (Open)

Join IRC’s San Diego Reception and Integration team this Spring as the Reception and Integration Quality Assurance Intern. In this role, you’ll strengthen program quality by supporting case management and client services. Key responsibilities include assisting with client feedback surveys, implementing secure document storage policies, conducting case file audits to ensure compliance, contributing to grant reporting, and providing general program support. Through this internship, you will gain practical experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities, learn best practices for incorporating client feedback into program design, develop skills in database and documentation processes, and build a strong understanding of IRC’s Resettlement, Asylum, & Integration programming. Take the first step toward advancing impactful refugee support in San Diego— Apply Today!