Sephora Internship 2025 | Beauty Industry Programs

If you’re into beauty, fashion, business, or anything corporate-y but still kinda fun, then a Sephora internship is one of those golden opportunities you don’t wanna miss. And I’m not just saying that to sound fancy. Sephora isn’t just any beauty store. It’s literally one of the biggest names in the global beauty and retail industry. Ever walked into a Sephora store? It’s like stepping into a beauty wonderland, with rows of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance brands you’ve probably seen all over Instagram and TikTok. Now, imagine actually working behind the scenes at a place like that. Pretty cool, right?

This internship is a huge deal for students and fresh grads who wanna dip their toes into the industry without jumping straight into a full-time job. Whether you’re into marketing, finance, tech, law, or retail, there’s a spot to learn, grow, and maybe even land a full-time job later on. The best part? You’re not just gonna be making coffee runs. Interns actually work on real projects, network with big industry pros, and gain hands-on experience that college never really teaches. Plus, having this opportunity on your resume? That’s a major flex in the beauty and corporate world.

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Sephora Internship | Retail and Corporate Summer Openings

What is Sephora? A Quick Company Overview

If you’ve ever been to a mall, chances are you’ve seen (or been hypnotized by) a Sephora store. It’s one of the most famous beauty retailers in the world, selling everything from high-end brands like Fenty Beauty and Dior to skincare faves like Drunk Elephant and The Ordinary. But Sephora isn’t just a store, it’s a whole beauty empire with a presence in over 35 countries and more than 2,700 stores worldwide.

Fun fact: Sephora wasn’t even born in the U.S. It actually started in France in 1969 (yeah, it’s been around for over 50 years!). The goal was to change the way people shop for beauty products, and clearly, they nailed it. Instead of the old-school “salesperson behind the counter” setup, Sephora introduced the self-service beauty experience, letting customers actually test and try products before buying them. This was a game-changer, and it’s one of the reasons why Sephora is so different from other beauty stores.

Types of Sephora Internships: The 7 Best Programs to Apply For

Let’s break down the top 7 types of Sephora internships that you should totally check out if you wanna get some real-world experience in the beauty and business world.

1️⃣ Legal Internship

Okay, so this one’s for the law students out there who wanna see what corporate law looks like inside the beauty industry. Sephora isn’t just about selling makeup and skincare, it also deals with a ton of contracts, trademarks, compliance policies, and legal agreements. That’s where legal interns come in.

If you land this internship, you’ll be working with Sephora’s in-house legal team, helping them handle contract negotiations, intellectual property rights, and regulatory compliance. You might even get to sit in on real business meetings where lawyers discuss brand partnerships, product regulations, and company policies. It’s like getting a behind-the-scenes look at how legal teams protect major companies from lawsuits and other legal issues.

Best for: Law students interested in corporate law, contract law, and intellectual property law.

2️⃣ Marketing Internships

If you’re the type of person who’s obsessed with TikTok trends, influencer collabs, and social media campaigns, then Sephora’s marketing internship is the one for you. This program is all about branding, advertising, and digital content creation, which means you’ll be working on real marketing strategies for one of the biggest beauty brands out there.

Sephora is HUGE on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and they’re always looking for new ways to engage with beauty lovers. As an intern, you might help create social media content, analyze campaign performance, and even brainstorm new ways to promote products. If you’re lucky, you might even get to work on influencer partnerships, helping connect Sephora with big beauty creators.

This is one of the most competitive internships because let’s be honest who wouldn’t want to work on a beauty marketing campaign for a global brand?

Best for: Marketing, advertising, PR, or communications students who love social media and branding.

3️⃣ Finance Internship

Let’s be real, big brands don’t survive without money pros handling the numbers. That’s where the finance internship comes in. If you’re into spreadsheets, data analysis, and business forecasting, this one’s for you.

Sephora’s finance interns work on budgets, revenue forecasting, and financial reports to help the company make smart business decisions. You’ll learn how to analyze market trends, track sales, and figure out how Sephora can grow its profits. It’s actually really cool because you’ll see how a massive global beauty retailer manages its money and stays ahead of the competition.

If you’ve ever wondered how brands decide on product pricing, discounts, and promotional strategies, you’ll get an inside look at that, too. This internship will definitely level up your finance skills and look amazing on your resume.

Best for: Finance, accounting, or business students who love data, numbers, and business strategy.

4️⃣ Sephora Summer Internship

This is the big one. If you’re looking for an intensive training experience, Sephora’s summer internship is the way to go. This program runs for 10-12 weeks and is designed to give interns real work experience across different departments.

The cool thing about this internship is that it’s available in multiple fields, including marketing, finance, tech, and retail. That means no matter what you’re interested in, you can find a summer internship that fits your career goals.

One of the best parts? Networking opportunities. Sephora brings interns together for workshops, team-building activities, and even mentorship programs, so you get a chance to connect with industry professionals. And if you absolutely crush it, there’s a good chance you could get an offer for a full-time job after graduation.

Best for: Students looking for a short-term but impactful internship in any department at Sephora.

5️⃣ Retail & Store Operations Internship

If you’re someone who’s curious about how retail stores actually work behind the scenes, then this internship is a must. Sephora’s retail interns get hands-on training in store operations, learning everything from customer service to sales strategies and inventory management.

You’ll also get to see how Sephora designs its store layouts, chooses product placements, and sets up seasonal promotions to boost sales. Ever wondered why certain products are placed at the front of the store? Or why Sephora employees always seem to know exactly what to recommend? This internship will show you the psychology and strategy behind retail success.

Best for: Business, retail management, or fashion merchandising students who want real-world experience in store operations.

6️⃣ Supply Chain Internship

You probably don’t think about supply chains when you walk into a Sephora store, but trust me it’s a huge part of how the business works. Without an efficient supply chain, products wouldn’t get to stores on time, inventory would be a mess, and customers wouldn’t be able to get their favorite beauty products when they need them.

As a supply chain intern, you’ll learn how Sephora manages inventory, ships products, and forecasts demand. You might even get to work on logistics projects that help improve how Sephora stocks and distributes beauty products across different locations.

This internship is super valuable if you’re into business operations, logistics, and efficiency management.

Best for: Students interested in supply chain management, business operations, and logistics.

7️⃣ Technology & Data Analytics Internship

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got the tech internship, which is perfect for anyone who’s into data, AI, or web development. Sephora uses a ton of technology to make shopping easier, from AI-driven product recommendations to website optimization and mobile app development.

As an intern, you might work on Sephora’s e-commerce platform, helping improve the online shopping experience. Or maybe you’ll analyze customer data to see what beauty trends are blowing up. There’s even a chance to work on personalization technology, which helps Sephora recommend the right products to the right people based on their shopping habits.

Best for: Computer science, IT, and data analytics students who want to combine tech with the beauty industry.

Who Can Apply? Sephora Internship Eligibility Criteria

So, you’re thinking about applying for a Sephora internship but not sure if you actually qualify? Don’t worry, I got you. Sephora’s internship program is open to college students and recent graduates, but there are some key things you need to know before hitting that apply button.

Here’s the full breakdown of who can apply, what majors are preferred, and what skills you’ll need to stand out.

Education: Who is Eligible?

Sephora internships are designed for college students and fresh graduates, which means you must be:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
• A recent graduate (within the past year)

If you’re still in school, most positions are open to juniors and seniors who are close to graduating. Sephora wants interns who are ready to jump into real-world work, so they prefer candidates who have at least some coursework or project experience related to their chosen field.

Pro Tip: If you’re a sophomore or freshman, you might not qualify for all internships, but you can still keep an eye out for early career programs or part-time opportunities at Sephora. Check Sephora’s official careers page for details.

Preferred Majors: What Should You Be Studying?

Sephora isn’t just about beauty and retail, it’s a massive company with jobs across multiple industries. That’s why they look for interns in different fields, depending on the role. Here are the top majors that Sephora prefers:

• 🔹 Marketing & Communications – For those who love branding, advertising, and social media
• 🔹 Finance & Accounting – If you’re into budgeting, business analysis, and financial planning
• 🔹 Law – For students interested in corporate law, compliance, and contracts
  
• 🔹 Business & Management – If you’re looking to understand how global brands operate
• 🔹 Technology & Data Science – Perfect for those who love AI, analytics, and website optimization
• 🔹 Retail & Fashion Merchandising – If you want to work in store management and product curation

Pro Tip: Even if your major isn’t listed above, don’t stress. If you have relevant skills, experience, or passion, you can still apply. Sephora values creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, so having a strong portfolio or past projects can make up for not having a “perfect” major.

Skills Required: What You Need to Stand Out

Just having the right major isn’t enough Sephora is looking for interns who bring value to the team. Here are the top skills that’ll help boost your application:

1️⃣ Strong Communication Skills

• You’ll be working with teams, managers, and possibly customers, so knowing how to communicate professionally is a must.
• Whether it’s writing emails, creating presentations, or collaborating on a project, Sephora wants interns who can express ideas clearly.

2️⃣ Passion for Beauty & Retail

• You don’t have to be a makeup guru, but if you’re applying to Sephora, you should at least care about the beauty industry.
• Even if you’re in finance or tech, showing an interest in how Sephora operates as a brand will give you a huge advantage.

3️⃣ Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

Sephora loves data-driven decision-making, so being able to analyze trends, understand reports, and think critically is important.
Whether you’re in marketing, finance, or supply chain, problem-solving is key to standing out as an intern.

4️⃣ Teamwork & Adaptability

• Internships are all about collaborating with teams and learning from professionals. Sephora looks for people who can work well in a group and adapt to fast-paced environments.
• If you’re someone who thrives on new challenges and loves learning, you’ll be a great fit.

Pro Tip: If you can showcase these skills in your resume and cover letter, you’ll have a much better chance of getting noticed.

Location: Where Are Sephora Internships Available?

Sephora is a global brand, but most of its internship opportunities are based in the United States. The main locations for internships include:

• San Francisco, California – This is Sephora’s HQ, and most corporate internships are based here. If you’re interested in marketing, finance, legal, or tech, this is where you’ll probably end up.
• New York, New York – Some marketing and digital roles are based here, especially those involving social media and influencer partnerships.
• Other US Locations – Some internships may also be available in Los Angeles, Chicago, or regional offices, depending on the department.

Where to Check Openings? You can find the latest Sephora internship locations on their official careers page.

When Do Sephora Internships Open? (Application Deadlines & Timelines)

So, you’re all pumped up to apply for a Sephora internship, but now you’re wondering, “When do applications actually open?” The last thing you wanna do is miss the deadline and have to wait an entire year just to apply again.

Good news? Sephora internships don’t all open at the same time, some have set application windows, while others are open year-round. Here’s a complete breakdown of when to start applying so you don’t miss your shot.

Sephora Summer Internship: When to Apply?

Sephora’s Summer Internship Program is one of the most popular and competitive internships they offer. This program is only available once a year, so the deadlines are super important.

Application Timeline:

• Applications typically open between September and December for internships that start the following summer.
• Most positions are filled by January or February, so don’t wait until the last minute.
• Internships usually begin in June and last around 10-12 weeks.

Why You Should Apply Early:

• Sephora receives tons of applications, so applying early gives you a better chance of getting noticed.
• Some internships close earlier than expected if enough strong candidates apply.
• Applying before the deadline means you’ll have more time to prepare for interviews if you get shortlisted.

Where to Apply: Check out the official Sephora Careers Page for current summer internship openings.

Other Sephora Internships: Open Year-Round

Not all Sephora internships follow a strict schedule. Some departments offer internship opportunities throughout the year, so you don’t always have to wait for summer.

Rolling Applications:

• Some positions, especially in finance, marketing, and tech are available year-round.
• These roles open as needed, which means Sephora posts internship listings whenever there’s a vacancy.
• If you don’t see any open positions now, keep checking back every few weeks.

How to Stay Updated:

• Visit the Sephora Careers Page regularly to see new internship postings.
• Set up job alerts on platforms like LinkedIn so you get notified when new roles are listed.
• Follow Sephora’s official social media pages, where they sometimes announce internship openings.

Pro Tip: If you’re serious about landing an internship at Sephora, it’s a good idea to apply for multiple positions rather than waiting for one specific role.

Sephora Internship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for an internship at Sephora isn’t just about clicking a button and hoping for the best. It’s a process, and if you want to actually get selected, you need to follow each step carefully and make sure your application stands out.

Sephora internships are super competitive, so missing even one step could mean losing your chance. But don’t stress, I’m breaking it down into simple steps so you know exactly what to do from start to finish.

1️⃣ Search for Openings

Before anything else, you need to find the right internship for you. Sephora posts its internship openings on its official careers page, and new positions get added throughout the year.

How to Find Open Positions:

• Visit the Sephora Careers website and search for “internship” in the job search bar.
• Filter by location (San Francisco, New York, or remote roles if available).
• Read the job descriptions carefully to find internships that match your skills and major.

Pro Tip: If you don’t see any internships listed, don’t panic. Some positions open seasonally, so check back every few weeks or set up job alerts on LinkedIn to get notified when new roles are posted.

2️⃣ Create an Account on the Sephora Careers Portal

Once you’ve found an internship you want to apply for, you’ll need to create an account on the Sephora careers portal. This is where you’ll submit your application, track your status, and get updates.

How to Sign Up:

• Go to the Sephora Careers Page.
• Click on “Sign In” or “Create an Account” at the top right corner.
• Enter your email, personal details, and create a password.
• Complete your profile information before applying.

Pro Tip: Make sure your profile is fully filled out before submitting any applications. Some recruiters check your profile details before even looking at your resume.

3️⃣ Submit Your Resume & Cover Letter

This is one of the most important steps because your resume and cover letter are what get you noticed. Sephora gets hundreds of applications, so you need to make yours stand out.

Resume Tips for Sephora Internships:

• Keep it one page long recruiters don’t have time to read multiple pages.
• Highlight relevant experience, even if it’s from college projects or personal work.
• Use keywords from the internship job description to show you’re a good match.
• List any beauty, marketing, finance, retail, or data-related skills that apply to the role.

Cover Letter Tips for Sephora Internships:

• Keep it short and to the point one page max.
• Show your passion for beauty, retail, or corporate business (depending on your role).
• Mention why you’re excited about Sephora and how your skills fit the job.
• Personalize it don’t just copy and paste a generic cover letter.

Pro Tip: If you want to boost your chances, try networking with current or former Sephora employees on LinkedIn before applying. A referral from someone inside the company can really help.

4️⃣ Online Assessments (If Required)

Some Sephora internships require applicants to complete online assessments before moving on to the next stage. This is usually for roles in marketing, finance, and tech, where they want to see how well you perform in real-world tasks.

What to Expect in Online Assessments:

• Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs) – These test how you’d handle real work scenarios.
• Skill-Based Tests – If you’re applying for a finance or tech internship, you might get math, Excel, or coding-related tests.
• Personality Tests – Some roles use behavioral tests to see if you’re a good fit for Sephora’s work culture.

Pro Tip: If an online test is part of your application, you’ll usually receive a link via email after submitting your resume. Check your inbox (and spam folder) regularly so you don’t miss it.

5️⃣ Interview Process

If you pass the initial screening and assessments, the next step is the interview. Sephora usually does one or two rounds of interviews, depending on the internship role.

Types of Interviews at Sephora:

• HR Interview (First Round) – A recruiter will ask about your background, experience, and interest in the company.
• Hiring Manager Interview (Second Round) – This one is more specific to the department you’re applying for. If you’re going for a marketing internship, expect marketing-related questions. If you’re applying for finance, they might ask about your analytical skills.
• Group or Panel Interview (Sometimes Required) – Some roles might have a group interview where multiple candidates speak to a panel of Sephora employees.

Common Sephora Internship Interview Questions:

• Why do you want to intern at Sephora?
• Tell us about a time you worked on a team project.
• How would you handle a situation where you had multiple deadlines?
• If applying for marketing: How would you launch a new product on social media?
• If applying for finance: How would you analyze sales data to predict trends?

Pro Tip: Always research Sephora’s business model, marketing strategies, and recent product launches before your interview. Showing that you understand the brand makes a huge difference.

6️⃣ Final Selection & Offer

Once interviews are done, it’s time to wait for the final decision. If you’re selected, Sephora will send you an official offer letter via email with all the details about your internship.

What Happens Next?

• You’ll get an email with the official job offer.
• You’ll need to accept or decline within a certain deadline.
• You might have to complete paperwork, background checks, or onboarding forms.
• If your role is in-person, Sephora might help with relocation details (if applicable).

Summary: 

A Sephora internship is a golden opportunity for students and recent grads to gain hands-on experience in marketing, finance, law, retail, tech, and more while working with one of the biggest beauty brands in the world. Most internships are paid, highly competitive, and require strong resumes and early applications to stand out. Summer internships open between September and December, while some roles are available year-round, so checking Sephora’s Careers Page regularly is key. The work environment is fast-paced, creative, and highly collaborative, making it a great place to learn and grow. If you’re passionate about beauty, business, or corporate innovation, this internship can open doors to exciting career opportunities, so start preparing your application today!