What it does: National Geographic started off as a monthly photojournalism magazine which has then expanded into a global company operating the magazine, TV channels, a website, event and other media operations showcasing topics ranging from geography, and archaeology to the environmental and historical conversation.
Mission: National Geographic is committed to pursuing and celebrating exploration, scientific excellence, education and protecting the planet all while telling unforgettable stories to build awareness and spur action.
Size and presence: Based in Washington, DC, The company currently employs 1,500 employees and continues to remain a key player in the media industry with its magazine and other forms of media reaching more than 500 million people worldwide.
Best known for: National Geographic was best known for its stunning and pioneering photojournalism showcased in its monthly magazine, making it one of the most widely read magazines of all time. And, as time passed, it is now known for its various TV channels, websites and events focused on the wonders of the world.
The good bits: National geographic continues to be a key leader in the media industry, funding numerous individuals dedicated to uncovering new sights of the natural and cultural world through its media outlets all while using 27% of its proceeds towards non-profit work.
The not-so-good bits: There have been complaints of long hours and a heavy workload during some projects which can make it difficult to maintain a good work-life balance.
The National Geographic was founded in 1888 by a group of scholars, explorers and scientists with the aim of the increase and diffusion geographic knowledge and promoting conserving the world’s cultural, historical and natural resources. Then, nine months after its founding, the first issue of the National Geographic Magazine was published for a price of 50 cents with no pictures and most of its content written by in-house members. However, these articles truly conveyed the enthusiasm for science and exploration and were met with eagerness by the masses. A magazine that was meant to be sent to only 165 charter members has now reached the hands of 40 million people a month!
As the years passed, National Geographic became one of the first magazines to produce coloured photographs and became known for its richly illustrated articles on the various geographical regions of the world alongside providing readers with substantial information about environmental, cultural and social aspects of the world.
Presently, National Geographic is now part of a joint-venture partnership with The Walt Disney Company. Providing global television channels, publications, media and other products globally with its proceeds funding various non-profit work as they continue to expand and share the world's stories.
National Geographic offers interns and graduates a unique opportunity to be part of a world-class institution that is a strong global brand brimming with a rich history of science and exploration. They are committed to guiding every member of their organisation with its internal values: being inclusive and respectful, curious and innovative, empowered and accountable, proactive, and team players.
At The National Geographic, interns and graduates aren’t expected to stay stagnant but rather are encouraged to continuously grow, learn and develop by offering internal professional development and training alongside tuition assistance. Moreover, you will experience an environment that thrives on a community mindset wherein your success depends on embracing your interdependence on each other, days of being isolated and alone are over as here at The National Geographic, collaboration is the key to innovation and growth.
So, whether you’re an intern looking to get your feet wet or a fresh graduate ready to explore the world of science, the company is dedicated to providing you with work that truly matters and be surrounded by encouragement and enthusiasm that you all share the same mission: to inspire, to illuminate and to teach the world the power of science through exploration and storytelling.
In terms of recruitment, both the National Geographic Society and the National Geographic Partners offer summer internship opportunities alongside graduate opportunities mainly based in their headquarters in Washington, DC with the aim of providing both interns and graduates with a well-rounded experience to kick off the start of their career.
This internship aims to provide interns with a chance to gain extensive professional experience and build up long-lasting connections. In order to apply for internships, you may navigate to the career section on the National Geographic website and click on the internship section.
The application period typically begins from January to February with the program lasting 8 weeks long from June through August. In order to be eligible, an intern should be a student enrolled at an accredited college or university and be a rising sophomore or above, alongside being authorised to work in the United States.
Here you may pick your internship of choice and complete an online application wherein you provide your personal details alongside your resume and cover letter which must be submitted as a single file. Applications without a cover letter will be deemed incomplete. Then, the company may contact you for an initial phone interview where you will be interviewed by the hiring manager/ direct supervisor of your position or they may ask you to come to their headquarters for an interview. Here, you will be asked a variety of questions regarding your resume and skills.
If the company wishes to have you on board, they will notify you through email or phone if you are selected and will begin the onboarding process.
Fresh graduates can get a chance to apply to the world-renowned company by navigating to the National Geographic website and clicking on the careers section. Here, you will see a list of open positions wherein you can filter according to job type, location and position. Each job listing will provide a description of the job and responsibilities and you may click on the apply button to proceed.
You will be directed to an online application where you will be asked to fill in your details alongside providing your resume. Typically, the company would take approximately 1-2 months before offering an interview if they are interested. Chosen applicants will be contacted by HR through email for an initial screening interview through Zoom and other interviews will be followed up with your positions managers and department heads for further inspection before being offered a job. Once you receive a job offer, the onboarding process may begin.
Fresh graduates will have the chance to be provided with various training and support as the company aims to encourage continuous growth, learning and development to all staff through various work-related courses which can boost your skills and make you more attractive to managers to receive greater remuneration and a possible step up the career ladder. The company mainly promotes staff internally so, in order to increase your prospects, you as a fresh graduate must do your best to stand out and produce good results.
At The National Geographic, fresh graduates and entry-level employees can expect an annual salary ranging from $25,00 to up to $57,000 depending on their position. Whereas, interns can expect to get an annual salary of $16,000 up to $21,00 depending on their position.
National Geographic has led to the founding of the National Geographic Society, a non-profit organisation that has supported the work of over 14,000 scientists, educators, storytellers, conservationists, technologists, and many others across all seven continents. Moreover, the company continues to shine a light on pressing concerns regarding topics such as the ocean, land and wildlife to history & cultures through the creation of tailored programs so the world can learn how to save the planet, while also using the donations they receive to fund the protection of marine life, big cats and even those affected by COVID-19.
National Geographic has recently faced up to its racism allegations, with popular news sites confirming with former employees that their professed inclusive and diverse culture was not being held up as there have been instances in which employees tried to speak up about racial insensitivity in coverage but had their concerns brushed aside. However, the company has announced plans to diversify its staffing in response to nationwide protests against racism and police violence.