KEXP’s Internship Program seeks to provide interns from historically under-invited and under-represented communities with hands-on experience. Our program is designed to develop and equip emerging leaders in a variety of fields including music programming, audio production, and nonprofit capacity building.
KEXP interns have a unique position in the operations and programming of a community-supported arts organization. They develop skills in communication, project management, problem-solving, audio editing, database management, and more, while also building relationships and networking with industry leaders in Seattle.
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The Basics
Anyone 18 or older who lives in the Greater Seattle Area and has legal authorization to work in the United States is eligible to apply! If you do not currently live in the Greater Seattle Area, you must reside in the area by orientation day: Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Interns are not required to currently be enrolled in school or be a graduate.
Prospective interns complete their applications through an online application portal called Paylocity. Be prepared to submit personal information (e.g. contact info, education history), an up-to-date resume, and answers to a set of screener questions. The screener questions are very important - this is your opportunity to tell us your story. We want to know your goals, skills and perspective, and we want to understand how your experience connects with the internship you are applying for. KEXP does not accept cover letters for internships, so if it is helpful, you can think of the screener questions as a replacement for your cover letter. There are both long answer (1,000 character limit) and multiple choice questions, and we encourage candidates to take their time when developing their answers. Please note that cover letters will not be evaluated if submitted.
The application will ask if you have legal authorization to work in the United States. All interns are required to have U.S. work authorization.
KEXP receives a large volume of applications each year and the application review process takes time. After you submit your application, you can expect to hear from us between late-February and late-April. We appreciate your patience as we give each application the attention it deserves.
KEXP interns are a part of a cohort, which means the group of interns joins KEXP at the same time and moves through the program together. KEXP offers four internship positions each year, however the positions themselves change year-to-year. In 2025, we are offering internships in Audio Production, Design & Marketing, Latin American Content, and Library & Archives.
The term begins with orientation on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 and ends on Friday, November 21, 2025. In that time interns complete 450 hours of work (average 15 hours/week). Throughout the term, the cohort will have opportunities to go on field trips, make connections with industry professionals, and meet mentors and friends!
Day-to-day, interns have the option to work at KEXP’s offices or remotely during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM PT - 6:00 PM PT). However, interns are required to work in the office at least one day per week and they are encouraged to work in the office as often as they are able. Working in the office provides valuable opportunities to connect with KEXP staff and fellow interns.
We look for life-long learners who are endlessly curious and motivated to make an impact. A successful intern is committed and engaged, and has clear goals that are aligned with the position(s) they apply for. Most importantly, we look for folks who are passionate about KEXP’s mission and have a fanatical love of music!
KEXP’s internship program is committed to creating a welcoming workplace. Hiring interns from underrepresented and under-invited backgrounds enables KEXP to better meet our mission to serve music-loving communities around the world.
If you have faced barriers that have impacted your career path, we would appreciate reading about them in your application so that we can better understand your goals and who you are. Barriers could be related to income, race, gender, sexuality, disability, education, or anything else that has impacted your access to opportunities in your career journey. For example, if you have not completed high school, if you do not see people who look like you in your desired field of work, or if finances have prevented you from pursuing your career interests, we want to hear from you. Everyone is encouraged to apply. Folks who have had a lack of access to opportunities, Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people from working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why isn't there a field to submit a cover letter with my application?
KEXP does not accept cover letters for our internships--the screener questions on the application ask the specific questions we have for candidates. In order to keep all applicants on an even playing field, cover letters will not be evaluated if submitted.
Why do I need to answer screener questions?
Your answers to the screener questions are a very important part of your application. This is your opportunity to tell us your story! Please be thoughtful and thorough in your answers.
I have minimal experience in the internship I am interested in. Should I apply?
Yes! Internships are learning experiences. We look for applicants who are at the beginning of their career or who are about to embark on a career change. That said, it is critical your application clearly states how your experiences will be relevant to the internship you are applying for.
When can I expect to hear back from KEXP?
Each year we receive several hundred applications for only a handful of positions. We read each application thoroughly and that takes time! Expect to hear from us between late-February and late-April. We appreciate your patience.
Can I apply to multiple internships?
Yes! If you are interested in multiple positions that will further your career path and support you in achieving your goals, please apply.
Can I submit supplemental materials with my application? (e.g. letter of recommendation, audio project, writing sample)
No. Unless requested, we do not accept supplemental materials in the application. If you do submit supplemental materials, they will not be considered in the evaluation of your application. This contributes to a fair playing field for all candidates.
I don’t currently live in the Greater Seattle Area. Can I still apply?
Maybe. If you do not currently live in the Greater Seattle Area, we expect that you will reside here by orientation day (Tuesday, May 6, 2025). If you plan to relocate by orientation day, please apply! If you are unable to relocate, you are not eligible for the internship. All of our internships require working in the office at least one day per week, and there are in-person field trips and intern cohort gatherings throughout the term. KEXP does not offer fully remote internship positions.
I am unable to commit to the full term. Can the term be adjusted?
No. Interns must commit to the May 6 - November 21 term; neither the start date nor end date can be adjusted.
How flexible are the hours of the internship?
Interns and supervisors work together to create a schedule and there is general flexibility. Interns are expected to work an average of 15 hours per week during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM PT - 6:00 PM PT). However, interns cannot work more than 20 hours per week and cannot exceed 450 hours of total work.
Can this internship be fully remote?
No. This internship requires working in the office at least one day a week, and there are monthly in-person field trips and intern cohort gatherings throughout the term. In-person participation enables interns to fully experience the KEXP office environment. If you have health barriers that prevent you from doing in-person work, we can make necessary adjustments.
I will turn 18 after the internship term begins. Can I still apply?
No. Please apply next year!
I’m not a student or a recent graduate. Can I still apply?
Yes!
Can I talk to someone over the phone or in-person to ask questions about the internship I am applying for?
Given the high volume of applications we receive, we do not have capacity to chat with individual candidates in this capacity. If you have questions about the internship program or the application process that aren't covered on this page, please email us at internships@kexp.org with your questions. We will get back to you as soon as we are able.
Can I submit my application via email, mail, or in person?
No. We only accept applications via our application portal Paylocity. If you do not have access to a computer or internet, we recommend visiting your local Seattle Public Library or King County Library.
Are KEXP interns eligible for benefits, like a transit pass or health insurance coverage?
KEXP interns accrue sick leave and receive an ORCA card for the duration of their term. KEXP interns are not eligible for health insurance coverage, retirement plan contributions or matching, vacation leave accrual, or other benefits.
KEXP is partner of Alan T. Sugiyama High School's Pathways to Arts and Entertainment class. We hosts an intern from the school during the period of January-June.
