FDA Internships 2025 | U.S. Food and Drug Administration Careers

19 November 2025

By Internships Orbit Staff

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health by ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of food, drugs, biological products, and medical devices. For students and recent graduates passionate about health sciences, policy, and regulation, FDA internships offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful projects that impact millions of lives.

Just as well, read: Edward Jones Internships

An Overview of FDA Internships

FDA internships are designed to provide exposure to the inner workings of a federal regulatory agency. These programs allow participants to explore the diverse fields that the FDA oversees, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food safety, biotechnology, toxicology, public health policy, and scientific research. Internships can be found in both technical and administrative areas, accommodating students with different academic backgrounds—from biology, chemistry, and engineering to law, business, and communications.

Types of Internship Opportunities

The FDA provides several internship opportunities, each tailored to different stages of academic and professional development:

Student Internship Program (SIP): Open to undergraduate and graduate students, this program offers short-term learning experiences within FDA offices and laboratories.
Pathways Internship Program: Aimed at current students, this program offers internships that can potentially lead to permanent federal employment.
Research and Fellowship Programs: These opportunities are available to graduate students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers who want to engage in the FDA’s scientific research initiatives.
Legal and Policy Internships: Designed for law students and those interested in regulatory affairs, these internships involve research and policy analysis.

What Interns Can Expect

Interns at the FDA gain practical insights into how science, policy, and regulation intersect. Depending on the placement, responsibilities may include:

Conducting laboratory experiments or data analysis.
Assisting with regulatory reviews and compliance processes.
Supporting food safety and pharmaceutical evaluation initiatives.
Participating in public health communication and outreach efforts.
Engaging in policy research and drafting reports.

Interns also benefit from mentorship provided by FDA professionals, who guide them in navigating complex scientific and regulatory environments.

Skills and Experience Gained

Participating in an FDA internship helps students strengthen both technical and soft skills. These include:

Technical Proficiency: Exposure to laboratory research, regulatory frameworks, and data-driven analysis.
Critical Thinking: Ability to evaluate scientific evidence and understand its implications for public health.
Professional Development: Experience working in a federal agency and exposure to interdisciplinary teams.
Policy Insight: A deeper understanding of how regulations shape public health decisions.

Benefits of an FDA Internship

An internship with the FDA offers more than just work experience—it provides an insider’s view of how regulatory science protects the public. Benefits include:

Exposure to high-impact projects with real-world significance.
Networking opportunities with professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
Potential pathways to long-term federal careers.
A competitive edge in the health sciences, legal, or public policy fields.

In Closing

FDA internships provide students and graduates with the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s public health mission while gaining valuable professional experience. Whether working in a laboratory, reviewing policies, or engaging in food and drug evaluations, interns play a meaningful role in advancing the FDA’s mission. For those interested in careers at the intersection of science, health, and regulation, an FDA internship is an excellent stepping stone toward a rewarding future.