Strategy & Business Development Internship, MBA – Fall 2025

Illumination is seeking a Strategy and Business Development Intern for Fall 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!  

• Research and analyze new or evolving markets, potential partners, and competitors, leveraging strong quantitative and analytical skills 
• Comfort working autonomously – a strategic thinker who can execute a broad research request, narrow in on the key players in and key drivers of an industry, and summarize these findings in a presentation all with minimal oversight
• Present findings to senior executives in the company

• Availability to work 8-12 hours per week for the fall term, with some flexibility for student schedule
• Enrolled in an MBA program
• Prior experience required in investment banking, management consulting, or corporate development
• Prior entertainment or gaming industry experience a plus
• Computer Savvy – Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, etc.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• If selected, you must be physically located in the United States for all hours worked. This role can be remote from a US location or in office in our Santa Monica studio.

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.