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SMUD are hiring a

2026 Summer College Internship: User Experience Content Intern

Apply by Date: 01/30/2026

Hourly Minimum Pay Rate: $23.63

Hourly Maximum Pay Rate: $28.80

The Digital & UX department is responsible for the development and implementation of UX strategies, foundational technology and tactics across SMUDs digital channels to support our customer experience goals and 3-year operational plans. The department is responsible for adoption, engagement, satisfaction and retention of SMUDs digital tools.

Cover Letter Requirements:

To be considered for this position, please ensure your cover letter includes responses to the following questions. Failure to submit the required cover letter may preclude you from moving forward in the process:

  • Please include a brief writing sample (200–500 words) with your cover letter that demonstrates your ability to create engaging, clear, and well-structured digital content. The sample can be from a class project, blog post, article, or any relevant work showcasing your writing style and attention to detail.

About SMUDs College Internship Program

SMUDs College Internship Program provides college interns with an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to SMUD while gaining valuable work experience. Workshops and activities will also be part of the program where interns will have the opportunity to be immersed in SMUDs culture and learn leadership skills as well as develop their professional skills.
SMUD was also recognized by Interns 2 Pros for the 2020 Internship Program of The Year Award in recognition of excellence in internship strategy, implementation, and impact and was one of five finalists for the 2023 Internship Program of the Year from Interns 2 Pros along with Paramount, Fox Corporation, Intuit, and Toyota.

Purpose

Under staff direction, incumbents in this classification are full-time students in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program who perform research and analytical tasks for projects and assignments that utilize specific and acquired academic skills and knowledge in alignment with their educational disciplines.

Nature and Scope

The work performed in this classification calls for regular application of analytical and independent research skills. Work is closely related to the employees academic major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Performs tasks of an analytical or research nature for suitable projects or ongoing assignments which call for specific acquired academic skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.
  • May locate sources of information; collect and organize data.
  • Makes computations and analyzes data for degree of confidence and for alternative courses of action.
  • May develop computer programs relating to assignments and may code material for established programs.
  • May develop written, graphical and/or oral reports.
  • May assist staff analysts and technical personnel by performing elements of their work under close supervision.

Required Education

Registration as a full-time student (minimum of 12 units) at an accredited college or university in a declared curriculum with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) emphasis that will provide the specific skills and knowledge that will contribute to available work assignments.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Majoring in: Digital Media, Multimedia Studies, or Human Computer Interactions (HCI)/User Experience Design
  • College Status: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
  • Familiarity with CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or similar for managing digital content
  • Experience with SEO tools and keyword research to enhance content visibility and user intent alignment
  • Completion of communication courses
  • Basic HTML/CSS knowledge
  • CMS platforms
  • Web design
  • UX improvements/knowledge/experience
  • Completion of courses exploring AI applications
  • Adobe Creative Suite, Canva

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Application Deadline:

It is guaranteed that the online system will accept applications until 5 PM on January 30, 2026. It is highly encouraged that applications are submitted well before the due date and time mentioned to make sure that they are submitted successfully.

Official SMUD Title: STEM Student Assistant

Students must be able to commute to the SMUD Offices in Sacramento, CA when requested to come in.
To have a student position at SMUD, you must not have any relatives working at SMUD.
Internship dates are as follows: Semester students (May – August) and Quarter students (June – September) of this year.
Students must be enrolled as a full-time student, complete and pass at least 12 undergraduate units OR 8 graduate units and receive at least a 2.0 GPA in the Spring Semester/Quarter of 2026. Students must be graduating in Summer 2026 or later.
If the student is graduating in Summer 2026, they must be enrolled as a part-time student in the Summer of 2026.
If the student is graduating in the Spring Semester/Quarter of 2026 but is pursuing another degree in the Fall Semester/Quarter of 2026, you will still be eligible. However, please make sure that it shows it clearly on your resume to show that you are eligible.
During the summer internship, students can work up to 130 hours per month.
Currently, SMUD is not hiring candidates for its student internship positions who require sponsorship from an employer either now or in the future. Such sponsorship is not needed for citizens, a U.S. National, a permanent resident, or one granted refuge or asylum status by the U.S. government. Visa holders typically require sponsorship in one form or another at some point in time.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation and will be based upon the candidates qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence.

Remote Work

This position will be required to work in the office at least one day a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work. The work schedule will be determined by the Hiring Manager.