It’s never easy to break into the workforce, and with the state of today’s economy and job market, it seems like it’s a lot harder than it ever has been for students to get their foot in the door. A lot of students try to get ahead during the summer, often finding themselves in one of three places: turning “searching for a job” into a full-time job, working an on-campus job for minimum wage, or taking on an unpaid internship in the name of having some experience that will help them be (or at least seem) competitive.
It also doesn’t help that when you hop online to scroll during breaks or after a long day — whether you’re perusing LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok — you’re bombarded with peers and creators who seem to have it all figured out. Maybe they’re locking in from early morning to night to work on their small business after their full-time role, or perhaps they’re sitting poolside on a brand trip after a morning of filming content. Either way, you probably can’t help but feel a little envious.
It might feel like you’re falling behind in a race that you didn’t even know you were participating in, but rest assured, there are more opportunities to build up your work experience — and bank account — and work with some of your favorite brands in the process. Here are some popular brands offering career opportunities you can apply to in summer 2026 that you can apply to right now.
Bubble’s “Face the Future” Scholarship
Bubble’s preppy, bright, and dermatologist-tested products have certainly found their home in many Gen Zers’ skincare routines, but their presence in the community doesn’t stop there. The company recently announced its reopening its Face for the Future scholarship, offering a total of $55,000 to 20 college students — and yes, that includes students pursuing their education at vocational or online schools, as well as those attending part-time. One lucky recipient will also receive an internship opportunity at Bubble’s New York City headquarters during the spring 2027 semester. Submissions are due by July 9, and require an essay, proof of enrollment, and a letter of recommendation, as well as an optional video.
Good Molecules’s College Ambassador Program
Another one for the skin care girlies: I’d rush to submit an application to Good Molecules University, which closes in June. For your time and energy in promoting the brand’s science-backed skincare products, Good Molecules will provide ample training and a semesterly stipend of $600.
Grammy U’s “Entertainment Law Initiative” Contest & Scholarship
A scholarship that helps you achieve your dreams not only within academia, but also in seeing some of your favorite celebrities? It might seem too good to be true, but GrammyU’s been doing it for almost 30 years now with its Entertainment Law Initiative Contest. Now through Oct. 8, the Recording Academy is accepting essays from law students about the issues they find to be most prevalent in the music industry, as well as how they’d go about resolving them. The winner will not only receive $10,000 toward their education, but also tickets to the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, hotel and travel accommodations, and luncheon tickets to use while attending the ceremony, as well as professional mentorship. Two runners-up will receive $2,500 toward their education and will be flown out for the opportunity to stay in Los Angeles for a professional mentorship session.
Adobe and the NAACP’s Creative Fellowship Program
Adobe and the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) are joining forces to propel creatives, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, into their careers by training them on post-production multimedia creation and marketing. Fellows will be compensated $14,000 for participating in the 14-week program. The schedule is largely part-time, except for a four-day kickoff retreat in Los Angeles for which travel expenses will be covered. Applicants should have no more than two years of experience in editing (which is a breath of fresh air in a world where entry-level roles seldom expect entry-level experience).
Coca-Cola’s College Ambassador Program
Diet Coke lovers, this one’s for you. Coca-Cola’s looking for college students to join a year-long ambassador program, in which you’ll receive professional training and host various promotional events online and in-person. The program pays $2,000 per school year, and asks ambassadors to work up to 20 hours a month while in the program. All majors are welcome to apply, and the program favors underclassmen who can stay in the program for multiple years and develop further.
Ulta Beauty’s “The Possibilities are Beautiful” Scholarship
If you’re pursuing cosmetology, Ulta is looking to help you achieve your goals with $10,000 in financial aid. Applications are open until July 31, and call for applicants who have been admitted into a cosmetology program to provide a three-minute video response to its provided prompts and certification of their enrollment.
LaCroix Campus Ambassador
Add a little sparkle and pop to your resume — and bank account — with LaCroix’s College Ambassador role. Accepted ambassadors will work to market the beverage across three months, both on the ground at their campus and online, in exchange for monthly supply drops and a weekly stipend of $175.
Red Bull Student Marketeer
Red Bull’s looking to fuel more than late-night study sessions with its student marketeer opportunity, currently available at select universities. Ambassadors will gain experience in coordinating social events and online campaigns to creatively market and share the beverage with their peers, which I imagine is probably an interesting challenge given how popular it already is. The role also has the potential to open doors to future roles in the company, and is compensated between $15 to $21 depending on the school you attend. One of the best perks beyond the professional ones? The chance to drive one of the coveted Red Bull mobiles.