Psychology 195B: Fieldwork in Cognitive Science
Babash Rug Services
Contact: Ali Hafezi
E-mail: info@babashrug.com
Address: 10941 1/2 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90064
Phone: (818) 963-9153
Website: babashrug.com
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Babash Rug Services is California’s #1-rated** rug care company, specializing in premium rug cleaning, repair, and restoration. Based in Los Angeles, we provide exceptional quality and expertise to discerning homeowners who value craftsmanship, sustainability, and personalized service. Our mission is to preserve the beauty and integrity of heirloom-quality rugs by combining cutting-edge technology with timeless artisanal techniques.
** Based on total number of five-star reviews for a rug company on Google.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
We believe internships should be meaningful and contribute to your personal and professional growth.
That’s why we begin with a guided, ikigai-inspired self-assessment designed to help you clarify your strengths, passions, and long-term goals. We’re here to support you in realizing your vision and take real steps toward it. Many interns use this opportunity to define their unique path, combining their interests in areas like design, business, and tech to create something entirely their own.
This internship is exciting and unique because it operates at the forefront of AI innovation. We’re actively using emerging technologies to build real, high-impact products with minimal prior expertise. Past interns have helped develop fully functional apps, gaining hands-on experience with AI that is rapidly reshaping the business landscape.
Opportunities may include, but are not limited to:
AI-POWERED INNOVATION:
— Leverage cutting-edge AI platforms to build functional tools, develop working prototypes, automate workflows, and accelerate creative problem-solving.
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT:
— Film and edit story-driven video content that aligns with the brand’s purpose for our social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
SALES:
— Collaborate on high-level sales strategy by identifying value-aligned client types and crafting pitch decks supported by behavioral insight.
WEB DEVELOPMENT:
— Use WordPress and/or HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build and refine client-facing webpages that are responsive, accessible, and aligned with current web best practices.
ANALYTICS:
— Set up analytics dashboards, track user behavior data, work with relevant KPIs, and analyze website data to extract insights and drive improvement.
USER INTERFACE DESIGN:
— Use UX and behavioral principles to improve digital touchpoints, reduce friction, and optimize key conversion paths such as landing pages and checkout flows.
OPERATIONS:
— Develop internal SOPs using Notion or Google Docs, with a focus on clarity, cognitive structure, and adaptability for cross-functional training.
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
— Create graphic assets using AI platforms like Adobe Firefly or Midjourney in combination with Canva, refining outputs for use across social media, email campaigns, and web pages.
Special Qualifications:
No technical skills required — we’ll help you learn what you need.
That said, you'll thrive here if you are:
— A curious problem-solver
— A fast, eager learner
— Self-motivated and proactive
— Ambitious and growth-minded
— Excited by challenges
— Ready to contribute and take initiative
— A Notion user
Bonus: A natural curiosity about emerging AI tools and an understanding that it will be the #1 most important technology to understand for the rest of your career is a huge plus.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 7
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
Attention & Visual Processing:
— Design digital content and interfaces using principles of contrast, color theory, and spatial hierarchy to guide user focus and improve clarity.
Perception & Cognitive Load:
— Simplify web and social media layouts to reduce mental effort, enhance readability, and streamline user navigation.
Learning & Decision Strategies:
— Inform sales and retention frameworks using theories of motivation, framing, and heuristics to influence user behavior.
Data Interpretation & Pattern Recognition:
— Analyze user behavior data to identify trends, optimize key performance metrics, and support design improvements.
Social Cognition & Communication:
— Apply insights from social psychology to improve documentation and craft persuasive messages for external users.
ParetoHealth
Contact: Kai Hallberg
E-mail: info@paretohealth.com
Address: FMC Tower Suite 1500, 2929 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19104
Phone: (215) 240-6529
Website: https://paretohealth.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Traditional health insurance is failing small and midsize employers. ParetoHealth unites employers with 50-1,000 employees into one strong, like-minded community that unlocks a better way to eliminate volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. More than 3,000 employers have joined ParetoHealth on the right side of the fight, representing over 1 million covered lives and $6.6 billion in healthcare spend under management. Learn more at paretohealth.com.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
The intern will support a data-driven project focused on addressing a real-world business problem within the stop-loss insurance industry. Using data from internal systems, the intern will apply data science techniques to generate insights that inform business decisions. The intern will also contribute to ongoing initiatives undertaken by the broader analytics and tech teams.
Over the course of the internship, the student will gain exposure to the field of healthcare analytics, develop proficiency in data science and visualization tools, and strengthen their ability to communicate insights effectively through presentations and cross-functional collaboration. The experience will culminate in a final presentation of findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
Special Qualifications:
Data Analysis, Data Visualization Tools (e.g. Tableau, Looker), Scripting Language (e.g. Python, R), Statistics
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 40 hours (summer only) - please follow up directly for academic year hourly commitment
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This position applies cognitive science principles in data interpretation and decision-making. The intern will be analyzing complex healthcare data patterns and translating them into actionable business insights, which requires understanding how humans process and make sense of information, a core area of cognitive science.
Furthermore, the role involves data visualization and communication, which is very important and draws heavily on cognitive psychology research about how people perceive, interpret, and understand visual information. Creating effective dashboards and presentations will require applying principles of human attention, memory, and visual processing to ensure that stakeholders are able to quickly grasp the complex data patterns.
Healthcare analytics relates to human behavior patterns in healthcare decision-making. There is involvement of cognitive processes like risk assessment, decision-making under uncertainty, and behavioral economics principles.
This role bridges the gap between cognitive science concepts and their application in business analytics and data science.
TikTok
Contact: Stephanie Vazquez
E-mail: stephanie.vazquez@bytedance.com
Address: 900 Corporate Pointe, Culver City, Los Angeles, California 90230
Phone: (661) 755-7731
Website: https://www.tiktok.com/about?lang=en
Description of Organization and Population Served:
TikTok is a global short-form video platform that empowers users to create, discover, and share content that inspires creativity and drives cultural trends. With over 1 billion active users across more than 150 countries, TikTok serves a highly diverse, global population spanning all age groups, with a particular focus on Gen Z and Millennial users. The platform supports creators, businesses, educators, and everyday users by providing tools to tell stories, express identities, and engage with communities. TikTok also prioritizes accessibility, safety, and cultural representation, making it a leading space for authentic digital connection and social impact.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
1. Write and edit UI text to help creators navigate our product (TikTok, TikTok LIVE);
2. Collaborate closely with product managers, product designers, engineers, ops, and localization to set a high bar for the overall user experience;
3. Manage and prioritize projects with multiple stakeholders across the target market;
4. Lead content audits to identify opportunities and drive consistency across the product. Contribute to our content standards and be a champion for best practices;
5. Understand how to balance business requirements and customer needs in building features. Ability to critique the visual style, interface, and interaction flow of applications and experiences;
6. Synthesize internal and external feedback. Complete high-quality work in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
Special Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Most recent portfolio must be submitted with application to be considered: Writing portfolio including, but not limited to: user interface copy, microcopy, user education, direct or transactional emails, style guides, glossary additions or product launch content.
- Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
- Entrepreneurial attitude, ability to deal with rapid changes and situations that are not ideal;
- Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and stay focused when faced with changing requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working on a global product with international partners
- Experience collaborating with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Localization teams
- Experience using Figma.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 40 hours (summer only) - please follow up directly for academic year hourly commitment
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
Cognitive Science is concerned with understanding how users process information, make decisions, and interact with digital interfaces. It explores how people perceive, think, learn, and communicate, making it highly relevant to content design. Concepts like cognitive load, mental models, decision-making, and language processing help inform how users interact with digital products. In the context of UI writing, Cognitive Science provides a framework for creating content that aligns with how users process information, navigate interfaces, and form understanding, ultimately leading to more intuitive and user-friendly experiences.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Contact: Lisa Flacke
E-mail: lisa.flacke@thermofisher.com
Address: 1151 Stellar Way, Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: (669) 770-5104
Website: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home.html
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in serving science, providing innovative technologies, services, and solutions to accelerate scientific discovery, improve patient diagnostics, and enhance laboratory productivity. The organization operates across various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental and industrial testing, academic research, and government sectors.
Thermo Fisher serves a diverse population ranging from scientists and clinical researchers to public health professionals and laboratory technicians. Their mission—"to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer"—reflects a commitment to supporting communities through life sciences research, diagnostics, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable practices. Customers include hospitals, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies worldwide.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
As a Product Manager Intern at Thermo Fisher Scientific, I supported the development and optimization of digital products that enable scientists and lab professionals to conduct research and diagnostics more efficiently. My fieldwork project focused on enhancing user experience and operational performance within a cloud-based laboratory information system (LIS) platform.
Key responsibilities included:
Conducting market and user research to gather insights on customer needs, pain points, and emerging trends across biotech and pharmaceutical segments.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams—including engineering, UX/UI design, and data analytics—to define product requirements and align on agile development priorities.
Developing and maintaining product documentation, roadmaps, and competitive analyses to support strategic planning and go-to-market initiatives.
Assisting in the execution of A/B tests, usability studies, and KPI tracking to measure product adoption and user satisfaction.
Participating in daily standups, sprint planning, and stakeholder meetings to ensure timely delivery of features aligned with customer and business value.
Special Qualifications:
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in data-driven decision-making.
Proficient in product management tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Figma; familiar with Agile and Scrum methodologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business requirements.
Background in life sciences, biotechnology, or healthcare-related domains (optional, if applicable to you).
Experience conducting user research, competitive analysis, and market assessments to inform product strategy.
Comfortable working cross-functionally with engineering, UX design, and marketing teams in fast-paced, regulated environments.
Passion for innovation and mission-driven work that contributes to advancing healthcare and scientific discovery.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 40 hours (summer only) - please follow up directly for academic year hourly commitment
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This internship closely aligns with key areas of Cognitive Science, particularly in how it applies human-centered design, decision-making, and human-computer interaction (HCI) to real-world product development. As a Product Manager Intern, I leveraged principles from cognitive psychology and user experience to understand how scientists and researchers interact with complex digital tools in high-stakes environments.
Through user research, usability testing, and persona development, I applied cognitive science methodologies to analyze users' mental models, workflows, and information processing patterns. This helped inform the design of intuitive interfaces and workflows that reduce cognitive load and improve task efficiency.
Additionally, the internship involved interdisciplinary collaboration—mirroring cognitive science’s integration of psychology, computer science, neuroscience, and linguistics—to develop data-driven product strategies that optimize user experience and engagement. The experience enhanced my understanding of how cognitive principles can be applied to create more effective, accessible, and human-centered technologies in the life sciences domain.
YoBe
Contact: Hawkins Golden
E-mail: hawkins@yobe.co
Address: 20 29th Ave #203, Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 525-0000
Website: https://yobe.co/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
YoBe is a Protein Smoothie company. Our healthy creamy convenient product is a protein bar and drink alternative with 20g of Protein. We sell at Erewhon, Bristol Farms, Gelsons and will have 100 stores by end of year. We will be on Shark Tank in September.
Our Mission is to empower people with healthy convenient protein snacks to pursue their most authentic and AWESOME self.
YoBeAWESOME!!
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Marketing is Manipulation: The positive kind 😉
Its using persuasion psychology to trigger a desired outcome. This internship will be focused on learning how to make an unconscious connection with our audiences and then learn sales tactics to persuade people to purchase.
Social Media Creation: Create psychologically engaging social media content that hooks viewers to watch our content and engage with it. Main duty is to help film the founder making entertaining, inspiring, and informative content that gets shared. We will help teach you how to use data analytics and virality to create engaging content. Please see our IG @YoBeAwesome if you want to help and add value.
Grocery Store Demos: Intern could help do in-person demos at stores like Erewhon or Bristol Farms for 3 hour blocks. You will learn how to persuade people to purchase and psychology tactics to make people interested and dismantle their defences. This sales training will be a highly valuable skill that can be transitioned througout life whether you are selling or not.
Special Qualifications:
Need a car.
Know fundamentals of IG and Tik Tok.
Not be shy.
Not be camera shy.
Be excited and willing to try new thing
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 7
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
Sales and marketing are closely related to cognitive science because both fields rely on understanding how people think, feel, and make decisions.
Decision-making & Buying Behavior: ie heuristics and biases, cognitive load, emotions.
Attention & Perception: Cognitive science explores how people perceive information and what captures or holds their attention.
Memory & Branding: improving brand recall and experiences
Language and Framing: cognitive linguistics and use of story telling.
Social Cognition: influencing people with social proof and credibility cues.
MIND~SET ONSITE LLC
Contact: Diane Harris
E-mail: Diane@mindsetonsite.com
Address: 7901 Vicksburg Ave.
Phone: (310) 717-9223
Website: Mindsetonsite.com
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Mind~Set is the first mind and body wellness offering built specifically for the Motion Picture Industry. We serve as a built-in support system for cast and crew, providing efficient and effective in-person wellness services that are always within reach. Our goal is to transform the industry's approach to health and wellness on set and at the studio, ensuring that essential wellness is never out of reach.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
As an intern, you will play a key role in strengthening our brand presence by creating and managing engaging social media content across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. You will research and implement best practices to increase followers and engagement while optimizing digital strategies based on cognitive principles. Responsibilities include designing, recording, and editing visually compelling posts, stories, reels, and videos, as well as creating eye-catching graphics to enhance our social media presence.
Special Qualifications:
The ideal Mind~Set intern is passionate about health and wellness. Familiarity with the fast-paced nature of the entertainment industry is a plus, as is experience in support. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, along with adaptability and the ability to work seamlessly within production environments. A commitment to mental health advocacy and an interest in bringing wellness to high-stress industries make this role perfect for someone eager to make a meaningful impact.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 7
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This internship bridges cognitive science with real-world applications in marketing, branding, and user experience by leveraging insights into human decision-making, perception, and attention. Cognitive science involves studying how people perceive, think, and act, which is directly relevant when creating social media strategies and optimizing engagement.
SaveMySchoolwork
Contact: Eric Quinn-Owner
E-mail: eric@savemyschoolwork.com
Address: 9 Long Hill Road, Smithtown New York 11787
Phone: (516) 375-7830
Website: http://www.savemyschoolwork.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
SaveMySchoolwork preserves the school projects and artwork that students come home with every day. Our target customers are parents of children in preschool, kindergarten and elementary school. An estimated, 1.5 million children, were enrolled in preschool this past year alone, so our potential customer base is very large. At SaveMySchoolwork, we digitize schoolwork and make photo books, videos, and digital files that preserve the memories that children create at school. SaveMySchoolwork is in an exciting phase because we are totally revising the brand. We are building an APP where parents can upload the files themselves and we are allotting a nice amount of capital towards a social media campaign.
As an introduction- Hello my name is Eric Quinn. I am the founder of multiple businesses including SaveMySchoolwork.com. I am former pro soccer player, with an MBA, and am in the Dissertation stage of my Doctorate in business administration with a concentration in Finance. I am also employed by SUNY Old Westbury College as an Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
A total of 3-5 internships will be awarded for Fall 2023 placement. The main responsibilities of the interns will be to expand their knowledge of coding, web design, App building, and cloud-based computing. The interns will be working in a TEAM setting, with individual tasks assigned accordingly. Students will have decision making responsibility and will explain their reasoning to the group. Additionally, the interns will cross over into other areas of the business, devoting 10-15% of their time into areas such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and strategy sessions with the owner.
Special Qualifications:
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Student must possess a positive attitude and be willing to work in a team setting.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 10-25 hours/flexible
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
An objective of the internship is to provide a framework where cloud computing, APP building, and the company website work as a cohesive unit. Organizing and melding these different areas will require problem solving and decision making, while at the same time selecting the proper programming disciplines and computer languages to implement. The internship program will allow students to approach their tasks from a wide lens as they will be contributing to the company and its online presence. Furthermore, the interns will try and understand how their choices affect potential customers and how the customers view their work and creativity that will be on display.
TONY, LLC
Contact: Abad Morel
E-mail: admin@topofny.com
Address: 147 Burhans Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701
Phone: (929) 377-0485
Website: ShopOnlineNewYork.com (under construction)
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Introducing SONNY (Shop ONline New York)
SONNY, short for Shop ONline New York, is a bold new e-commerce platform founded by proud New Yorker Abad Daniel Morel.
With deep roots in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Yonkers, Abad has witnessed firsthand the challenges local communities face when big corporations take without giving back. SONNY seeks to revolutionize online shopping by creating a hyper-localized experience that uplifts and supports New Yorkers.
Mission
SONNY's mission is simple yet impactful:
Deliver high-quality home decor products sourced directly from trusted manufacturing partners.
Reinvent e-commerce for New Yorkers by emphasizing local connections.
Reinvest 100% of profits into neighborhood projects to promote community and economic growth.
Key Objectives
Hyper-Localized E-Commerce: Bringing curated home decor products to New Yorkers with progressively faster delivery—from 5–7 days now to same-day delivery by 2027.
Community Investment: Uplifting neighborhoods by reinvesting all profits into local development projects.
Internship Programs: Offering real-world experiences across 12+ fields, including HR, cybersecurity, marketing, and software development.
Data Protection & Ethical Practices: Ensuring zero data breaches, transparent financial reporting, and ethical marketing with no sale of user data.
Why SONNY Matters
SONNY isn’t just about selling products—it’s about redefining e-commerce, creating job opportunities, fostering talent, and giving back to New York communities.
Through sustainable, community-focused practices and ethical operations, SONNY is set to become a model for what localized online shopping can achieve.
By 2027, SONNY will stand as a testament to resilience, innovation, and community impact—an e-commerce platform truly built for and by New Yorkers.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Key Responsibilities:
– Plan and conduct user research activities such as interviews, surveys, usability testing, and ethnographic studies.
– Analyze user feedback and activity to identify pain points and opportunities for enhancing the user experience.
– Collaborate with UX designers and product managers to translate research findings into actionable design improvements.
– Prepare detailed reports and present findings to the design team and stakeholders, providing insights that drive product strategy.
– Assist in the creation of user personas, journey maps, and user flow diagrams.
– Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in UX research to continuously improve our research methods and outputs.
Special Qualifications:
Fimiliarity with Figma.
Determination, availability and a willingness to learn.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 20
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
We want to understand the New York shopper exclusively.
This includes tourist as well as the native New Yorker.
This requires a cognitive scientific approach to understand the users we are dedicated to.
UniShack (formerly BruinShack)
Contact: Danny Tang
E-mail: danny@unishack.org
Address: Remote
Phone: (909) 522-7742
Website: https://www.unishack.org/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
UniShack is a rapidly growing student housing marketplace started at UCLA, that connects students with off-campus housing while helping property managers fill vacancies efficiently. Our platform simplifies the housing search process, making it easier for property managers to manage listings, generate leads, and market their properties.
We’re looking for motivated students to join our Marketing Internship Program. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in marketing, outreach, and business development, with flexible part-time and full-time opportunities.
Why Join UniShack?
• Gain real-world marketing experience in the fast-growing proptech industry.
• Work directly with property managers and students to improve off-campus housing accessibility.
• Develop skills in digital marketing and outreach
• Expand your professional network in real estate and marketing.
This internship is fully remote, but there are opportunities to attend in-person events, meetings, and collaborations.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Internship Responsibilities:
• Student Outreach – Engage with students through social media, events, and marketing campaigns to help them find housing.
• Social Media Management – Create and manage content for UniShack’s social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Special Qualifications:
Examples of prior experience with social media
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 7-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This internship applies cognitive science principles to marketing, outreach, and user experience by leveraging insights into human decision-making, attention, and social influence. Interns will engage with property managers and students, optimize digital content for engagement, and analyze marketing data to improve outreach strategies. This is a great opportunity to apply behavioral science, communication, and UX principles in a real-world setting.
improper
Contact: Ryan Parks
E-mail: ryan@improper.org
Address: 1106 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (310) 650-1867
Website: http://improper.org/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
improper is a Los Angeles-based organization created in 2019 by a team of USC, UCLA, and UC Berkeley students.
Our work originated in Skid Row, one of the largest homeless populations in the world, where access to water (and other essential services) is critically inadequate.
We produce sustainable clothes and other goods inspired by LA’s coastal and urban cultures to fund planetary health projects in the U.S., Uganda, and Madagascar.
Our clothes are made of organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo, and hemp.
The name improper celebrates irreverent authenticity.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
improper is looking for a storyteller to communicate our mission of producing sustainable goods to fund planetary health solu6ons in a way that engages viewers of these stories to want to support this mission. The main roles of a marketing intern at improper are to 1) improve improper’s social presence, engagement, and growth across all active platforms, and 2) provide an opportunity to an aspiring marketing professional to develop and demonstrate their skills.
The fundamental responsibility as a marketing intern is to create original, engaging content to post on social media.
Special Qualifications:
Proficiency in content creation that is successful in building engagement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 8-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
The skills and experiences you will develop during our marketing internship—ranging from data-driven decision making to applied psychology—offer a strong complementary background for a cognitive science internship. This interdisciplinary connection can help you stand out by demonstrating a practical grasp of how cognitive principles influence everyday human behavior, particularly in social media and other digital contexts.
evoAi, Inc. (Melo)
Contact: Roxie Li
E-mail: roxie.li@hellomelo.co
Address: 130 Bishop Allen Dr., Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 251-8487
Website: hellomelo.co
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Melo is a telehealth platform dedicated to making quality neurodivergent care more accessible. We connect licensed occupational therapists with neurodivergent individuals across the United States, simplifying the process of finding and receiving care. By streamlining insurance and administrative tasks for therapists, Melo ensures that both providers and patients can focus on meaningful, effective therapy.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Interns will take the lead in executing effective Content Marketing and Influencer Marketing campaigns to boost traffic and drive conversions for our platform. Responsibilities include:
(1) Assisting in identifying and reaching out to potential influencers who align with the brand’s values and goals.
(2) Working closely with influencers and internal teams to create compelling and engaging content.
(3) Evaluating influencer campaign performance by tracking engagement, reach, and conversion metrics.
(4) Creating compelling and impactful short-form video ads to boost conversions and revenue.
(5) Supporting the development of brand narratives and fostering audience engagement through captivating content.
(6) Learning about traffic algorithms to optimize product placement and improve content visibility.
Special Qualifications:
Candidates should possess:
(1) A basic understanding of digital and social media marketing.
(2) Strong analytical and communication skills.
(3) creative mindset with keen attention to detail.
(4) A willingness to learn and adapt in the dynamic field of digital marketing.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 15
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This internship focuses on developing effective marketing strategies by integrating in-depth research on neurodivergent conditions and the role of occupational therapy as a solution. Through this process, students will enhance their understanding of cognitive science while gaining hands-on experience in strategic marketing.
This internship also provides insights into the cognitive aspects of consumer behavior and decision-making in the digital space. It explores how visual content and storytelling shape perceptions, attitudes, and actions by examining the interaction between attention, memory, and emotion in advertising. Students will have the opportunity to apply cognitive science principles to develop effective marketing strategies and analyze consumer responses, contributing to progress in applied cognitive science.
Develop for Good
Contact: Mary Zhu
E-mail: mary@developforgood.org
Address: 584 Castro Street #3117
Phone: (603) 858-1457
Website: http://www.developforgood.org/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Develop for Good is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports teams of underserved and underrepresented college student volunteers as they work on tech projects under professional mentors for other nonprofits. We accelerate the careers of the diverse tech leaders of tomorrow through hands-on projects with real-world impact.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Develop for Good Volunteer Designers' Responsibilities will consist of:
User experience (UX) research
User interface (UI) design
Wireframing and prototyping
Conducting usability tests
CMS (Content Management System) development using Webflow or similar platforms
Designing layouts and visual elements for websites
Collaborating on project ideation and feature development
Assisting with high-fidelity design handoff to clients and development teams
Develop For Good Designers are responsible for contributing to all stages of the design process, from gathering user feedback to wireframing and prototyping UI/UX designs. Designers will implement their design skills, testing prototypes, and working with CMS platforms for website development. They will also have the opportunity to assist in user research, such as conducting surveys and interviews, and help with refining the website or app's visual and functional design.
Special Qualifications:
User experience research and design
User interface design
No/low-code Content Management System development with platforms like Webflow.
Demonstration of resilience and passion.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 5-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
UX/UI Design: Understanding how users process information and make decisions is a fundamental aspect of cognitive science. Cognitive psychology provides insights into visual perception, attention, memory, and human-computer interaction, all of which inform design choices to create intuitive and efficient interfaces.
User Research: Cognitive science methods, such as cognitive task analysis and usability testing, are used to understand user behavior and identify pain points in the user experience. Designers will apply these methods to improve the overall usability of the product.
Wireframing and Prototyping: The cognitive principles behind visual hierarchy, spatial memory, and cognitive load will guide the design of prototypes and wireframes, ensuring that the layout and flow of the application are optimized for ease of use.
VLTED
Contact: Zania Jackson
E-mail: zania@vlted.com
Address: Westwood, CA
Phone: (404) 263-1922
Website: vlted.com
Description of Organization and Population Served:
VLTED is a social media app for sports! Our innovative platform combines sports, community, and competition. We are a tech start-up company full of passionate innovators and leaders. Our marketing team creates social media and event campaigns to share our app and mission. Our engineering team continually optimizes user experience by adding features and improving upon those existing. We always strive to be better and value our growth, success as a team, and belief in ourselves and our app.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Campus Marketing Coordinators are students who would like to be the voice of VLTED at their respective schools during the college school year. Their role is to create excitement and engagement on campus for and within the VLTED app by creating marketing initiatives on campus. We are looking to offer students an opportunity to utilize skills in marketing, management, sales, and social media to gain experience and show off a variety of skill sets.
This internship looks to provide students with an opportunity to show their creative skills in marketing to help VLTED generate sales and provide professional feedback and guidance. This is a paid internship.
Special Qualifications:
Creativity and innovation: The internship program thrives on creativity and innovation from the marketing interns. We are looking for interns who can bring us fresh marketing ideas and oversee them from initiation to execution.
Adaptability: Interns must know how to problem solve and think quick on their feet. This is a fast-paced start-up environment where things are constantly changing.
Time management: The hybrid structure of the internship gives interns a lot of autonomy. They must be able to manage their time wisely in order to complete tasks on strict deadlines.
Understands how to build and maintain relationships: Interns must know how to cultivate strong, long-term relationships with organizations on campus.
Self-starter: Interns should be self-starters who do not need to always be told what to do. Interns should be tenacious and self-motivated enough to take initiative when needed. A strong internship candidate is someone who knows how to seize a good opportunity and has an inquisitive nature.
Marketing and event-planning experience: Interns should be comfortable interacting with diverse groups and working with teams to implement marketing strategies.
Knowledge of current media trends: Interns should always be on the pulse of what's currently trending both online and on-campus.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 10-15
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
The internship utilizes the Cognitive Science skills developed by the students in their creation of marketing campaigns on campus. Students will be challenged to explore how the target market thinks, learns, remembers, perceives, and makes decisions. They will use these insights to inform their marketing strategies, experiments, and efforts as a team. Through their marketing initiatives, interns will be in charge of gathering data to organize and analyze. All of this contributes to the user experience (UX) that we are providing with our digital product. Because we are a start-up, interns have access to the engineering department and are able to contribute to the design and development of the app as well. The internship program gives interns a lot of creative freedom to apply what they learn in several areas within the discipline of Cognitive Science, including but not limited to pattern recognition, design and analysis of an experiment, visual communication, and decision making.
Red Light Management
Contact: Jacob Smolen
E-mail: jacob.smolen@redlightmanagement.com
Address: 5800 Bristol Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90230
Phone: (310) 273-2266
Website: https://www.redlightmanagement.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Red Light Management is the largest artist management company. Red Light Management strives to build and break their artists to greater heights, serving both the artist in telling their story and the audience.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Red Light Management is an artist management company where marketing and psychology are used. In this position as an intern, they also look at data regarding revenue and audience engagement which goes hand in hand with Cognitive Science. Erin will be working on the electronic team which has the intern working with clients, different teams, and audience metrics.
Special Qualifications:
Working in the music industry
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 15
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This internship relates to Cognitive Science because the intern will be constantly looking at data and also aiding in marketing tactics and calendars for artist promotion. The intern will use individual intakes from audience members as well in order to apply that information to artist promotion or how the artist can appeal to their fans. In this internship, they will also tasked with thinking critically, interacting with many people.
Gigos
Contact: Ryan Estes
E-mail: support@itsgigos.com
Address: Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (949) 899-5739
Website: http://itsgigos.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
GIGOS is a community-driven platform created to help college students and young professionals connect with peers for jobs, services, and collaborative projects. It serves a diverse population of students across various universities who seek an informal yet reliable space to find gig opportunities, internships, and freelance work tailored to the college lifestyle. The platform offers categories like music, events, and professional services, which resonate with the needs of college communities. By focusing on ease of use and a peer-reviewed system, GIGOS builds trust and convenience in networking. With its user-friendly design, GIGOS empowers students to expand their skills and build connections right on their own campuses.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Marketing Intern (Startup)
As a Marketing Intern at our startup, you'll play an essential role in building brand awareness, driving engagement, and supporting the growth of our platform. Your responsibilities will include assisting in the creation and management of social media content across various channels, executing targeted marketing campaigns, and analyzing metrics to assess performance. You'll work closely with the founder to brainstorm innovative strategies, conduct market research to understand our target audience, and engage with the community through online and offline channels. Additionally, you’ll contribute to the development of marketing materials, manage outreach initiatives, and support the team in organizing promotional events. This role offers hands-on experience in a dynamic environment where your insights and creativity are highly valued, providing a unique opportunity to learn and grow in a fast-paced startup setting.
Special Qualifications:
Strong Communication Skills: Ability to craft clear and engaging content across various platforms, with an understanding of different tones and brand voices.
Social Media: Experience with platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook, including understanding trends, analytics, and best practices for engagement.
Analytical Skills: Familiarity with marketing tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) to evaluate campaign performance and adapt strategies based on data.
Creativity and Innovation: A knack for brainstorming creative marketing ideas and the flexibility to adapt in a fast-changing startup environment.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively within a team.
Understanding of Digital Marketing Fundamentals: A background in or knowledge of SEO, email marketing, and content marketing is highly beneficial.
Graphic Design and Content Creation Skills: Basic proficiency with tools like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar programs for creating social media content and marketing materials.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 7-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
The Marketing Intern role at GIGOS connects strongly with cognitive science by applying insights into human behavior and decision-making to marketing strategies. Understanding user behavior allows the intern to craft campaigns that resonate with college students, aligning with how they process information and engage with content. Cognitive science also emphasizes effective communication, which helps in designing messaging that appeals to the emotions and cognitive patterns of GIGOS’s audience. Analyzing data to drive decisions is another key component, with cognitive science providing tools to interpret metrics and understand the psychology behind successful marketing. Additionally, social cognition insights help in fostering a sense of community, appealing to group identity, and encouraging peer recommendations. Finally, the intern’s knowledge of attention and cognitive load supports user experience optimization, making the GIGOS platform intuitive and engaging.
Develop for Good
Contact: Mary Zhu
E-mail: mary@developforgood.org
Address: 584 Castro Street #3117
Phone: (603) 858-1457
Website: http://www.developforgood.org/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Develop for Good is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports teams of underserved and underrepresented college student volunteers as they work on tech projects under professional mentors for other nonprofits. We accelerate the careers of the diverse tech leaders of tomorrow through hands-on projects with real-world impact.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Develop for Good Volunteer Designers' Responsibilities will consist of:
User experience (UX) research
User interface (UI) design
Wireframing and prototyping
Conducting usability tests
CMS (Content Management System) development using Webflow or similar platforms
Designing layouts and visual elements for websites
Collaborating on project ideation and feature development
Assisting with high-fidelity design handoff to clients and development teams
Develop For Good Designers are responsible for contributing to all stages of the design process, from gathering user feedback to wireframing and prototyping UI/UX designs. Designers will implement their design skills, testing prototypes, and working with CMS platforms for website development. They will also have the opportunity to assist in user research, such as conducting surveys and interviews, and help with refining the website or app's visual and functional design.
Special Qualifications:
User experience research and design
User interface design
No/low-code Content Management System development with platforms like Webflow.
Demonstration of resilience and passion.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 5-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
UX/UI Design: Understanding how users process information and make decisions is a fundamental aspect of cognitive science. Cognitive psychology provides insights into visual perception, attention, memory, and human-computer interaction, all of which inform design choices to create intuitive and efficient interfaces.
User Research: Cognitive science methods, such as cognitive task analysis and usability testing, are used to understand user behavior and identify pain points in the user experience. Designers will apply these methods to improve the overall usability of the product.
Wireframing and Prototyping: The cognitive principles behind visual hierarchy, spatial memory, and cognitive load will guide the design of prototypes and wireframes, ensuring that the layout and flow of the application are optimized for ease of use.
Besa Mi Vino
Contact: Amelia Cohen-Smith
E-mail: amelia@drinkbesa.com
Address: 110 N Doheny Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: (510) 822-9027
Website: https://drinkbesa.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Besa Mi Vino is a Los Angeles-based company focused on organic hard seltzers that are sustainably produced, vegan, and gluten-free. As a woman-owned company, Besa Mi Vino is committed to providing a modern, eco-friendly wine experience tailored to younger, health-conscious consumers who value quality and sustainability. The company serves a broad range of customers through retail and events, particularly targeting the Gen Z and millennial markets.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
Interns at Besa Mi Vino will engage in various aspects of the company’s operations, including market research, event coordination, brand promotion, and software development. Responsibilities include assisting in retail and event partnerships, promoting the brand both in-store and online, managing customer accounts, and supporting content creation for social media. Additionally, interns may contribute to software development projects that involve analyzing consumer data or improving internal processes. The role also involves analyzing consumer behavior to better understand decision-making and preferences, tying into cognitive science concepts related to decision-making and perception.
Special Qualifications:
Candidates should be passionate about sustainability and have a keen interest in better-for-you consumer products. Prior experience in sales, marketing, or customer service is a plus. Familiarity with social media platforms, especially TikTok, is beneficial for creating content. Basic programming knowledge or experience with software development will be helpful for tech-related tasks. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, interested in entrepreneurship, and eager to learn about brand strategy within a dynamic environment.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 7
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This internship involves analyzing consumer behavior, decision-making, and engagement, which are core areas in Cognitive Science. Interns will apply theories of perception and motivation in a real-world setting, learning how branding and marketing strategies influence consumer choices. Additionally, the use of social media and data-driven marketing connects to Cognitive Science’s focus on how humans process information and interact with digital platforms. For those involved in software development, this role also connects to the computer science side of Cognitive Science, where interns can explore the intersection of human cognition and technology through various development projects
kommu
Contact: Cynthia Panez Velazco
E-mail: cynthia@gokommu.com
Address: 9538 W Pico Blvd Ste 204 Los Angeles, CA 90035
Phone: (310) 622-2954
Website: https://www.gokommu.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
kommu is a social home-sharing marketplace that connects users through their personal and professional networks, providing trusted hosting and stays at a fraction of the cost of traditional lodging solutions. By leveraging and centralizing these networks, kommu creates substantial annual savings for both consumers and companies.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
kommu is hiring a social media intern! The intern will be focused on visual storytelling on social media for kommu’s Instagram and TikTok channels.
The ideal candidate will be familiar with our community across our current platforms, including the kommu app. This candidate will have an eye for curation and design, and a knack for making personal connections. We are seeking a storyteller who strives to showcase the most inspiring neighborhoods and homes from the kommu community around the world.
Responsibilities:
● Manage daily posting to social media platforms, including:
○ image selection
○ content creation/sourcing
○ copy editing
● Creative ideation for content pillars,
● Interact with the community on social platforms to build relationships.
● Data analysis and reporting
● Liaise with current marketing team members
Special Qualifications:
Qualifications:
● Available 15 hours per week, as well as for team calls
● Community-minded people-person with strong skills in written communication. The ideal candidate will be engaging with community members each day.
● Knowledge of social media platforms and analytics.
● Interest in testing strategies to increase community and involvement.
● Detail-oriented and a self-starter.
● Prior experience in copywriting or social media community management a plus.
● Creative, solution-oriented ideas and the drive to execute them.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 15
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This social media internship at Kommu is closely related to cognitive science through its focus on visual storytelling and community engagement. Cognitive science explores how people perceive and process visual information, making it relevant to creating effective social media content. Understanding cognitive principles helps in designing compelling visuals and narratives that capture attention and resonate with audiences on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Additionally, managing social media interactions and analyzing engagement metrics involves applying cognitive science insights into how people respond to and interact with content. This practical application of cognitive theories aids in crafting strategies that enhance community involvement and build meaningful connections.
Strength, Love, and Motivation LLC
Contact: Tatyanna Fuller
E-mail: strengthloveamdmotivation@slmtherapy.com
Address: PO Box 764, Jonestown, PA 17038
Phone: (717) 673-8277
Website: https://www.strengthloveandmotivation.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served:
Strength, Love, and Motivation, LLC (SLM), is a private counseling and consultation practice. Our services aim to introduce clarity and self-motivation. We also teach techniques to better manage the emotional stress of everyday life. We also facilitate workshops that focus on anti-racism, equity, and understanding. We provide diversity and equity trainings to institutions, corporations, and organizations. We also host programs for the community including our Dig Deep Series, Sunday Brunch, and Mental Health Retreats. Our work at SLM, is designed to strengthen the mental health of the individuals we work with, pour love into their cup, and motivate them to reach their potential by mastering their life goals. We want to strengthen our community and promote resilience and prevent self-destruction. We serve individuals from various backgrounds from the age of 3 through adulthood.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
The marketing and communications intern position at Strength, Love, and Motivation LLC involves assisting in the development and implementation of marketing strategies to promote the company's services and increase brand awareness within the target audience. The intern will work closely with the team to execute various marketing initiatives aimed at attracting new clients and engaging existing ones. This project offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of marketing within the context of a counseling organization, where the focus is on promoting mental health and well-being. We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about mental health and looking to engage in projects intended to bring together the community and bring new ideas to strengthen SLMs social media initiatives. *Internship will be remote
Responsibilities:
Develop content for social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik-Tok and other digital platforms.
Provide virtual event support and assist the team with event planning and community relations.
Generate e-newsletter and social media content.
Designing flyers for upcoming events, and advertising on social media
Brainstorming creative ways to bring people to our events and engage with the community.
Special Qualifications:
Marketing Skills: Basic understanding of marketing principles, including market research, content creation, social media management, and campaign coordination. Familiarity with digital marketing tools and platforms is a plus.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for various marketing channels and effectively communicate ideas and information to team members and external stakeholders.
Creativity: Creative thinking abilities to generate innovative marketing ideas and approaches that resonate with our target audience and differentiate the company's services in the market.
Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently when required, to achieve common goals and deliver successful marketing initiatives.
Passion for Mental Health: Genuine interest in mental health and well-being, along with a commitment to promoting positive mental health through counseling services.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: 7-10 hours/week
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
Cognitive science explores how individuals perceive, process, and respond to information. In this internship, knowledge of cognitive science can help interns understand consumer behavior better. By understanding how people think and make decisions, interns can develop marketing strategies that resonate with the target audience on a deeper level, ultimately increasing engagement. Cognitive science principles can also inform how messaging and communication strategies are developed. This internship provides opportunities to apply principles from cognitive science to better understand and connect with consumers, optimize user experiences, and design effective marketing strategies that promote mental health and well-being.
Total Tutor
Contact: Alexandra Polansky
E-mail: ali@mytotaltutor.com
Address: Remote
Phone: (818) 292-2006
Website: mytotaltutor.com
Description of Organization and Population Served:
My Total Tutor, founded and managed by a UCLA Cognitive Science graduate (Class of 2023), is a dynamic K-12 tutoring and test prep company recognized as one of the 2024 Bruin Business 100 honorees by the UCLA Alumni Association. We serve students across various grade levels, providing personalized tutoring services to help them achieve their academic goals. Our mission is to offer high-quality, tailored educational support, empowering students to excel in their studies.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern:
As a Cognitive Science Intern at My Total Tutor, you will play a crucial role in expanding our digital presence and driving engagement through social media. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing and growing our social media channels.
- Creating engaging content, including reels and posts, that resonates with our target audience.
- Analyzing performance metrics and providing insights to optimize our social media strategy using Meta Suite.
- Assisting in sales efforts, with the opportunity to earn commission for clients you bring in.
- Collaborating with our team to ensure consistent branding and messaging across platforms.
Special Qualifications:
- Proficiency in using Meta Suite for social media management, content creation, and analytics.
- Strong understanding of social media trends and best practices.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Interest in the intersection of cognitive science and education.
Hourly Commitment Per Week: This position requires a commitment of 8 hours per week, with flexibility around your academic schedule.
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?:
This internship offers a unique opportunity to apply cognitive science principles in real-world settings, particularly in understanding human cognition and behavior. You'll leverage your knowledge of attention, memory, and decision-making to create engaging social media content that resonates with our audience. By analyzing user behavior data, you'll apply research methods to optimize strategies, ensuring that our messaging is both effective and persuasive. Your understanding of cognitive processes will also inform your approach to sales, allowing you to craft tailored pitches and build strong client relationships.
Additionally, this role integrates psychology and technology, placing you at the intersection of human behavior and digital tools like Meta Suite. You'll use insights from cognitive science to enhance user experience, design user-friendly interfaces, and make data-driven decisions that improve our digital presence. This experience will be valuable in any future career, providing you with hands-on skills that are directly applicable to fields such as marketing, education, or UX design.