1 Popular internship programs at Chipotle
If you want an internship that’s more than just busywork, Chipotle’s programs deliver real projects, direct mentorship, and exposure to every corner of the business-from sourcing ingredients to driving marketing campaigns and innovating menu items. Interns don’t just observe; they contribute to meaningful work, collaborate with experienced professionals, and get a firsthand look at how a mission-driven company operates at scale.
1.1 Summer Internship Program
Chipotle’s flagship Summer Internship Program is a 10-week immersive experience designed for students to engage directly with the company's mission to "Cultivate a Better World." Interns are placed in departments such as marketing, IT, supply chain, and business development. They work on real projects, gaining insights into Chipotle's operations, from sourcing ingredients to delivering customer experiences. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to the company's innovative culture. Internships are available at the Newport Beach, CA, and Columbus, OH, Restaurant Support Centers.
1.2 Finance Internship
The Summer Finance Internship is a specialized track within the broader Summer Intern Program, tailored for students interested in finance and business. Over 10 weeks, finance interns dive into financial analysis, budgeting, investment strategies, and the integration of finance with other business functions like marketing and sustainability. The program is rigorous, expecting interns to contribute to projects that impact company strategy and operations. By the end, interns leave with a solid grasp of how finance supports a fast-paced, mission-driven company and how financial decisions tie into broader business objectives.
1.3 Marketing Internship
Chipotle’s Marketing Internship is a hands-on role focused on digital content creation and social media strategy. Interns are responsible for generating engaging content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube Shorts, and Facebook. Interns are expected to bring creativity, strong communication skills, and a passion for brand storytelling. The position is ideal for students in marketing, communications, or design, offering exposure to real-time campaign management and analytics.
1.4 Supply Chain Internship
The Supply Chain Internship gives students a front-row seat to Chipotle’s renowned supply chain operations. Interns assist with traceability and supplier management programs, supplier engagement, market research, and project management. This internship is suited for students in supply chain management, business, or related fields who want to understand sustainable sourcing and logistics in a high-volume, quality-driven business.
1.5 Other Internship Tracks
Chipotle also offers internships in Human Resources, Culinary, Design and Development, Facilities, Information Technology, Purchasing, and Quality Assurance. Each program is designed to provide practical experience in its respective field, with interns expected to contribute to ongoing projects and business operations. These roles are less publicized but offer opportunities for students to build specialized skills and gain insight into Chipotle’s corporate structure.
2 Popular roles for interns at Chipotle
1. International Business Development Intern: Interns in this role support Chipotle's global expansion efforts. Responsibilities include conducting market research to identify potential new markets, assisting in developing market entry strategies, analyzing financial data to evaluate feasibility, and exploring potential partnerships. This position offers a blend of strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and data analysis.
2. Information Technology Intern: IT Interns support Chipotle’s technology infrastructure, working on projects related to software development, systems support, and cybersecurity. They assist with troubleshooting, participate in tech rollouts, and help optimize digital tools used across the company. The role is technical and requires problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
3. Supply Chain Procurement Intern: In this role, interns work on projects related to procurement and supply chain management. Tasks may include supporting national product rollouts, conducting cost validation research, and automating data tracking systems using tools like Power BI. Interns gain experience in project management, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.
4. Human Resources Intern: HR Interns assist with recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and compliance projects. They help coordinate training sessions, support HR analytics, and participate in initiatives to enhance company culture. The role is people-focused and requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Interns gain exposure to HR best practices and contribute to projects that impact employee experience.
5. Culinary Intern: Culinary Interns work with Chipotle’s culinary team on menu innovation, recipe testing, and quality assurance. They help develop new menu items, conduct taste tests, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. The role is hands-on and ideal for students in culinary arts or food science, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Chipotle maintains its food quality and innovation pipeline.
6. Design and Development Intern: In this role, interns contribute to store layout projects, branding initiatives, and digital design tasks. They work with the design team to create visual assets, support renovation projects, and help maintain Chipotle’s brand standards across physical and digital spaces. The role is creative and project-based, requiring proficiency in design software and an eye for detail.
7. Quality Assurance Intern: QA Interns assist with food safety audits, process documentation, and compliance monitoring. They work with the QA team to ensure products meet Chipotle’s high standards and regulatory requirements. The role is detail-oriented and critical for maintaining Chipotle’s reputation for quality and safety.
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