Strategy & Business Development Intern, MBA – Summer 2025

Santa Monica

LA - Overhead – Intern /LA - Internship /Hybrid

As an intern at Illumination, you will take part in cross company learning, partner with innovative leaders and teams, and have a seat at the table in our latest endeavors. 

Illumination is seeking a Strategy and Business Development Intern for Summer 2025 to work closely with our Strategy and Business Development team. If you are someone who enjoys corporate strategy, is analytical, and wants to learn about the business behind the business then this is the internship for you!  This role will can be remote or a hybrid position working in our Santa Monica office a couple of days a week.

Learning and Responsibilities:

• Perform market research, landscape, and sizing analysis to support strategy formulation 
• Research and analyze new or evolving markets for Illumination, potential partners, and competitors, leveraging strong quantitative analytical skills 
• Develop an understanding of how our lines of business operate and the markets we operate in to better support business development opportunities
• Participate in strategic planning processes and initiatives
• Maintain relevant company databases
• Prepare presentations for senior management

Qualifications:

• Availability to work 40 hours per week for 8 weeks
• Students returning to school in the fall are eligible to apply
• Enrolled in an MBA program
• Prior work experience in Investment Banking or Management Consulting required.
• Prior experience in entertainment a plus but not required.

Other:

• This role can be in office in Santa Monica or Remote. No relocation assistance will be provided to be in the Santa Monica office.

The salary for this position is $40.00/hour.

About Illumination

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of event-animated films, including Despicable Me—the most successful animated franchise in cinematic history—as well as Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and The Secret Life of Pets and Sing films. The 2023 release of Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie has joined the studio library, now comprising three of the top 10 animated films of all time. Illumination’s iconic, beloved franchises—infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance—have grossed more than $9 billion worldwide. Illumination has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures.

Illumination is based in Santa Monica, CA and its studio, Illumination Studios Paris, is located in the center of Paris, France.

Illumination's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Illumination will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.