Student Interns

Student interns must meet certain eligibility requirements, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• U.S. citizenship for positions that require security clearance or as stated in the job posting
• At least 16 years of age
• Full-time enrollment status at an accredited college, university, or high school
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) – 2.5 for clerical and laborer internships, and 3.0 for all other internships
• Favorable pre-employment background review and drug screening results

When you join Sandia as a student intern, you will have a certain work assignment and schedule. Your manager will work with you to establish expectations and guidance for your success, including:  

• Duration of employment – how long you may participate in Sandia’s student intern programs during your undergraduate or graduate degree programs 
• Work assignment – your specific internship position, role, and responsibilities. Sandia requires research and development (R&D), technical, and business students at the undergraduate junior and higher academic levels (61 or more college units completed) to work on an assignment that closely relates to or matches your degree program.
• Work schedule – identifying a balanced work schedule and understanding the guidelines and procedures related to the minimum and maximum hours you can work.
• Performance reviews – you are not required to complete Sandia’s performance evaluation process as an intern; but, you should work with your manager to complete our goal setting process and regular check-ins.
• Transcript reviews – help determine your ongoing eligibility for the internship program, appropriate pay level, and confirm your progress toward a degree

You will keep track of your time on the job. You may also be eligible for Sandia benefits. Be sure to review the following information:

• Reporting your time – how to prepare and submit time sheets using the time-reporting application system; your manager will verify and approve your timesheet before you are paid. 
• Pay structure and processes – your pay rate, how and when you receive your paycheck, and when you are eligible for a pay raise
• Transitions and pay – how your pay is affected if you change degree programs (for example, from a two-year to a four-year institution), receive your degree(s) and progress through your graduate studies
• Benefits – your eligibility for Sandia benefit programs and perks, including medical benefits, our onsite health clinic, and fitness centers; networking and research collaborations with top scientists and engineers; and opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, tours, and social activities

Most of Sandia’s policies and procedures apply to your student internship, and here are a few that you should pay particular attention to:

• Conflicts of interest – to help Sandia ensure that all business transactions and relationships, including internships, are free from conflicts of interest and nepotism
• Safety and security – requirements and reminders for maintaining safe work environments, including security badges and security clearances
• Computer, electronics and social media – appropriate and allowed use of Sandia-issued computers and electronics 
• Dress code – Sandia does not have an official dress code, but we do maintain a professional working environment. Always use your best judgment and dress appropriately. If you are uncertain, check with your manager.
• Travel and vehicle use – you may travel on official business for Sandia with your manager’s approval. You may also be eligible to use government vehicles for official business purposes only.

You can ensure your success as a Sandia intern by following these tips:

• Discuss expectations and milestones with your manager or mentor. Check in at least once a week to make sure you’re progressing as planned and getting help with any questions or concerns.
• Don’t hesitate to discuss any issues or questions with your mentor or manager, who is your best guide for navigating through Sandia’s policies and getting the most out of your internship.
• Participate in the intern professional development and social activities planned, and do informal networking to understand more about the expertise and opportunities at Sandia.

Read more at Intern Central (requires access to Sandia’s internal web).

Your internship is your opportunity to network and gain direct experience by working with experts. 

We encourage you to take advantage of all the professional development and networking activities planned for interns, such as presentations, tours, and lunchtime social events. 

You can also network informally, and here are a few tips for doing so:

• Ask your mentor or manager for contacts with expertise in your area of interest. Request short information meetings with these people. Come prepared with questions that address your topics of interest.
• Check the intern events page for your location (NM or CA), and make plans to participate in activities that interest you. Be sure to register by the deadlines, and always obtain your manager’s approval to attend activities held during work hours. 
• Join a leadership or employee resource group at Sandia.
• Create or participate in after hours or weekend intern social activities when possible.
• Join the Sandia Students Facebook Group to connect with other Sandia interns. 

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the documents you need to submit when you graduate. 

After your graduation, you have many options for where to go and what to do next, for example, transitioning to the next academic level or applying to full-time positions at Sandia.