Intern / Trainee · Requirements
J-1 Internship Requirements
J-1 internship requirements: student or recent-grad status for Interns, work experience for Trainees, plus English and documents…
Intern / Trainee · Fields
J-1 internship positions: career fields and sample roles
From hospitality to engineering, marketing to culinary arts: J-1 internship positions span 10 career fields. Let's find the role that fits your goals.
- 10 career fields
- 3 departments rotation in 6+ month hospitality programs
- 32+ hrs per week in a full-time program
On this page
- 10 career fields for your J-1 internship
- The most popular fields for candidates from Türkiye
- Hospitality internships in the USA: from front office to F&B
- Culinary internships in the USA
- Business, engineering and IT internships
- Arts, media and other career fields
- Choose a position with your career goals in mind
10 career fields for your J-1 internship
J-1 internship positions cover a remarkably wide range: the Intern / Trainee program spans 10 career fields that suit candidates from almost every major and profession. Your internship takes place in one of these fields, in a position connected to your studies or experience.
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
- Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
- Information Media and Communications
- Arts and Culture
- Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services
- Public Administration and Law
- Construction and Building Trades
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
- Health-Related Occupations
New to the program? Start with our J-1 internship program overview.
The most popular fields for candidates from Türkiye
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Hospitality & tourism
Front office, guest relations, food & beverage, events and housekeeping management.
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Culinary arts
Hot and cold kitchen, pastry and banquet work in hotel and restaurant kitchens.
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Business & finance
Marketing, sales, financial analysis, logistics and human resources.
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IT & digital media
Software development, data analysis, digital marketing and content creation.
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Engineering & science
Mechanical, electrical, civil and industrial engineering, architecture and lab work.
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Arts, media & communications
Graphic design, publishing, public relations, museums and the performing arts.
Hospitality internships in the USA: from front office to F&B
For tourism and hospitality students and industry professionals, a hotel internship in the USA is like a world-class school of hospitality. You'll work in departments such as front office, guest relations, food & beverage, events and banquets, and housekeeping management.
Hospitality programs of 6 months or longer rotate you through at least three departments, so you learn the operation end to end. Trainee programs in hospitality and tourism last up to 12 months. For anyone with seasonal experience in Bodrum or elsewhere on the Aegean coast, it's the most natural next step up the career ladder.
Let's talk about internships in your field
Tell us your major and goals, and we'll review the types of positions that suit you.
Culinary internships in the USA
Culinary and kitchen internships fall under the hospitality and tourism field. You'll gain experience in hotel kitchens, restaurants and banquet operations, across areas such as hot and cold kitchen, pastry, menu planning and kitchen organization. For culinary school graduates and chefs with kitchen experience, it's a chance to discover America's diverse food culture first-hand.
Business, engineering and IT internships
If you're aiming for a corporate career, business, finance and marketing are strong options; on the technical side, engineering, architecture and IT. Sample positions:
- Business and finance: marketing assistant, financial analysis, sales operations, supply chain and logistics
- Engineering: mechanical and manufacturing engineering projects, construction and project management, quality control
- IT: software development, data analysis, web and mobile projects, digital marketing
Positions in these fields tend to be more selective; a strong CV, good English and a clear career story make the difference. We build your profile with exactly that in mind.
Arts, media and other career fields
Agencies, media companies and cultural institutions offer internships in graphic design, publishing, public relations, advertising and museum work. In these fields, your portfolio matters as much as your CV, so we review it with you before you apply.
The other fields on the list keep doors open too: education and social sciences, public administration and law, construction, and agriculture and food. An agricultural engineer might gain experience at a farming operation, for example, or a law graduate on a law firm's research team. Don't see your major on the list? Don't worry; we'll work out together which field it falls under.
Good to know: which positions qualify
A J-1 internship is for positions that build real skills. Unskilled or casual labor, child or elder care and roles involving patient contact aren't part of the program; candidates from healthcare fields may be considered for research or administrative roles. Office support work is also capped at 20% of the program. We check your position against this framework with you.
Choose a position with your career goals in mind
The right position starts with the line you want to write on your CV when you come home. These questions can guide your choice:
- What skill do I want to have gained by the end of the internship?
- Which tasks and departments are in the DS-7002 training plan?
- Will I learn more at a large chain or a boutique business?
- Do the city, season and cost of living fit my budget?
We cover the earnings side in our internship pay and budget guide. For eligibility, see J-1 internship requirements.
Which field is right for you? Let's decide together
Tell us about your studies, experience and goals, and we'll choose the internship field that will give you the most.
Free consultation
Pre-register for 2027 internship positions
Applying early widens your choice of positions. Leave your details, and we'll call you.
- We help you pick the right program
- We check your eligibility and plan your timeline
- We share every cost item in writing
Prefer to talk right now?
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Which departments do hospitality interns work in at U.S. hotels?
Front office, guest relations, food & beverage, events and banquets, and housekeeping management are the most common. Hospitality programs of 6 months or longer rotate you through at least three departments, so you learn hotel operations from different angles. The departments you'll work in are set out in advance, in writing, in your DS-7002 training plan.
Which field does a culinary internship fall under?
Culinary and kitchen internships belong to the hospitality and tourism field. You'll gain experience in hotel and restaurant kitchens, in sections such as hot and cold kitchen, pastry and banquets. Culinary students and recent graduates can apply as Interns, while chefs with kitchen experience can apply as Trainees.
Can engineering students do a J-1 internship in the USA?
Yes. Engineering, architecture and the sciences make up one of the 10 J-1 internship fields. Students and recent graduates in mechanical, electrical, civil, industrial and computer engineering can intern on projects and teams related to their field. Since these positions are more selective, a strong CV and good English help you stand out.
Can nursing or physiotherapy students do a J-1 internship?
Positions involving patient care or patient contact aren't covered by the J-1 internship program. That said, candidates from healthcare fields may be considered for research, healthcare management or administrative roles without patient contact. That way, you can develop your healthcare knowledge in the U.S. from a different angle. We can explore alternatives that fit your field in an initial consultation.
Can I choose the city and company for my J-1 internship?
We always take your preferences into account, but the final match depends on host companies' needs and your profile. You can also go with a company you've found yourself, as long as the sponsor approves it. When choosing a city, we recommend factoring in the cost of living and transportation. Being flexible means you'll see more options.
Are J-1 intern positions paid?
Most positions are paid. Your pay depends on the industry, city, position and your experience; it's agreed with the host company and confirmed in writing during the application. In hospitality and culinary roles, some employers can also point you toward housing options. We cover earnings and budgeting in detail in our internship pay guide.
Keep exploring
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