Social Research Internship - Summer 2026

🇺🇸In-Person - New York, NY$24–$26/hr5h ago

Corporate Research Social Media Research Brand Strategy Market Research Sentiment Analysis Communications Research

Role Snapshot

A full-time summer internship focused on conducting in-depth research into Reddit communities and corporate engagement strategies for TurnItIn's Corporate Communications and Brand Strategy team. The intern will develop a comprehensive digital community playbook that shapes the company's long-term social platform strategy.

Key Responsibilities: Map and audit relevant subreddits and Reddit communities, analyze organic user sentiment and emerging trends, research brand engagement best practices through case studies, and translate findings into actionable strategic recommendations for corporate communications and marketing teams.

Skills & Tools: Strong analytical and research abilities with expertise in social media, internet culture, and digital community dynamics; proficiency in social listening, sentiment analysis, and data synthesis; excellent written and presentation skills for communicating findings to executive leadership.

Qualifications: Currently enrolled or recent graduate in communications, marketing, sociology, data analysis, or related field with demonstrated interest in internet culture and social media research; experience with social media analysis, community engagement, or digital marketing preferred.

Location: In-Person - New York, NY

Compensation: $24–$26/hr

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Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic, analytical, and social media savvy Summer Intern to join our Corporate Communications and Brand Strategy team for a full-time, 10-12-week internship. This role is uniquely tailored for a researcher who is ready to dig in on the nuances of digital subcultures, internet community dynamics, and platform-specific governance—specifically on Reddit.

The successful candidate will spearhead an in-depth research initiative mapping out relevant Reddit communities, analyzing corporate engagement best practices, and evaluating how our brand, competitors, and industry are perceived within the Reddit ecosystem.

Position Type: Full-Time, Internship
Duration: 10-12 Weeks (Summer)
Location: Remote
Salary: $24-$26/hour

Key Responsibilities:

Reddit Ecosystem Mapping: Identify, track, and audit relevant subreddits, communities, and highly active discussion threads related to our industry, brand, and core product offerings.
Landscape & Sentiment Analysis: Analyze the current state of Reddit community conversations, synthesizing organic user sentiment, emerging trends, pain points, and advocacy patterns.
Best Practices & Framework Development: Research and compile case studies on how major brands successfully (and unsuccessfully) navigate corporate engagement on Reddit, examining elements like AMA (Ask Me Anything) structures, community moderation partnerships, official brand accounts, and organic outreach.
Strategic Recommendations: Translate research findings into actionable recommendations and frameworks for corporate communications, brand marketing, and customer advocacy teams regarding safe, authentic, and high-value platform participation.
Ad-Hoc Communications Research: As capacity allows, support the broader team with secondary research projects spanning general corporate communications, media monitoring, competitor brand tracking, and executive positioning analysis.

Note on Scope Flexibility: While the primary anchor of this summer internship is the deep-dive Reddit research project, our team manages an agile portfolio. As capacity and project timelines allow, additional brand and corporate communications research projects could be added to expand your portfolio and exposure.

What You Will Gain:

Direct ownership over a high-visibility, executive-level research project that will shape the company's long-term digital community playbook.
Mentorship from seasoned communications, public relations, and brand strategy professionals.
Practical experience applying internet sociology and social listening metrics to real-world corporate strategy.
Opportunities to network and present your final research deliverables to cross-functional leadership teams.