Tempe, Arizona, is more than just home to Arizona State University; it’s a growing hub for tech companies, startups, arts organisations, and thriving industries. Whether you’re looking to gain hands-on experience, build your resume, or explore career options, securing an internship in Tempe can set you up for future success.
This guide will walk you through everything from finding opportunities to making a great impression, with tips tailored to the local job market.
1. Why Choose Tempe for an Internship?
Tempe offers the unique combination of being a bustling student community and a business-friendly city. Located within the Phoenix metropolitan area, it gives students access to both a vibrant local market and a broader corporate network.
Key Advantages of Interning in Tempe:
- Proximity to ASU – Easy access to career resources, research centres, and student employer fairs.
- Diverse Industries – Opportunities in technology, healthcare, education, finance, creative arts, and hospitality.
- Startup & Innovation Scene – Home to innovation hubs like ASU SkySong and various incubators supporting new ventures.
- Lifestyle Benefits – A walkable downtown, numerous student-friendly cafés, and a strong arts and culture scene.
2. Understand Tempe’s Internship Landscape
Before you start applying, it’s essential to know what kinds of opportunities are available in the area.
Key Industries Offering Internships in Tempe:
- Technology & Innovation – Software companies, app development firms, and research labs.
- Finance & Business – Banking institutions, consulting agencies, and corporate offices.
- Healthcare & Biosciences – Hospitals, medical research facilities, and wellness startups.
- Arts & Media – Local production houses, marketing agencies, and creative studios.
- Hospitality & Tourism – Event planning companies, hotels, and attractions.
Many of these roles are concentrated around Downtown Tempe, the ASU Innovation Center, and nearby Phoenix’s business districts.
3. Start Your Search Early
Tempe’s internship market gets competitive, especially in summer, so aim to start looking 3–6 months before your desired start date.
Where to Find Internships in Tempe:
- University Career Centres – Arizona State University’s career portal is a great starting point.
- Online Job Boards – Websites like Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Internships.com list local openings.
- Networking Events – Tempe Chamber of Commerce events, career fairs, and industry meetups.
- Company Websites – Check out local employers like Honeywell, State Farm, and Insight Enterprises.
- Local Business Incubators – ASU SkySong often posts internships for startups and innovation projects.
4. Crafting a Stand-Out Application
Tempe employers value adaptability, enthusiasm, and community involvement. A strong application can help you outshine the competition.
Resume Tips:
- Tailor it for each role, highlight coursework, skills, and relevant experience.
- Use quantifiable results (“Increased club membership by 30%” rather than “Helped grow club”).
- Include local volunteering or extracurricular work; Tempe companies appreciate community-minded candidates.
Cover Letter Tips:
- Mention why you want to work in Tempe or with that specific company.
- Show awareness of the company’s current projects and values.
- Keep it concise but enthusiastic.
Portfolio & Extras:
- For creative roles, attach a digital portfolio or link to your work.
- Include LinkedIn and professional social media profiles.
5. Network Your Way In
Tempe’s professional community is tight-knit, and many internships are filled through personal connections.
Ways to Build Connections:
- Join student organisations and industry clubs at ASU.
- Attend career expos like the ASU Fall & Spring Career Fairs.
- Follow local companies and recruiters on LinkedIn and engage with their content.
- Volunteer for local events like the Tempe Festival of the Arts, a great networking opportunity.
6. Prepare for Interviews
Many Tempe employers conduct behavioural and situational interviews to assess your cultural fit.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s projects, culture, and community involvement.
- Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Dress professionally but keep Arizona’s warm climate in mind; light fabrics and neat presentation work well.
- Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the local community, as many Tempe companies value civic engagement.
7. Consider Paid vs. Unpaid Internships
While Arizona allows unpaid internships under certain conditions, weigh the benefits carefully.
Paid Internships:
- Offer financial stability and often more structured training.
- More competitive but worth pursuing.
Unpaid Internships:
- May offer college credit.
- It can be a stepping stone to a paid role if you perform well.
Tip: If unpaid, ensure the role offers real skill development, not just menial tasks.
8. Make the Most of Your Internship
Getting the role is just the first step; how you perform will define your long-term career prospects.
Maximise Your Experience By:
- Taking initiative and asking for more responsibilities.
- Seeking feedback regularly to improve your skills.
- Building professional relationships with supervisors and peers.
- Keeping a portfolio of your work for future applications.
9. Housing & Transportation Tips for Interns
If you’re moving to Tempe for your internship, planning your living arrangements early is important.
Housing Options:
- Student housing– Convenient for those already in ASU apartments.
- Student apartments in Tempe– Popular in Downtown Tempe and near Mill Avenue.
- Short-Term Rentals – Ideal for summer internships.
Transportation Tips:
- Valley Metro Light Rail & Bus – Affordable and connects key areas.
- Biking – Tempe is bike-friendly with extensive cycling paths.
- Driving – Parking can be limited in downtown; check with your employer for parking passes.
Final Thoughts
Securing an internship in Tempe requires planning, persistence, and networking. By starting early, tailoring your applications, and making the most of local opportunities, you’ll be well on your way to landing a role that builds your skills and career network.
Remember: every conversation, application, and follow-up email is a step closer to your goal, so keep at it!
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About author
Bhavna.S is a storyteller at heart who loves weaving words into engaging narratives. When not writing, she can be found sipping chai while lost in a book, taking long walks to clear her mind, or planning her next travel adventure – only to end up binge-watching a documentary instead.
