Early-in-career programs at J&J: Internships, apprenticeships, co-ops and LDPs explained
Starting your career in healthcare, pharma or MedTech? J&J offers multiple early-in-career pathways for students and recent graduates eager to shape the future of health, including:
Read on to find the right program for you. As opportunities and program requirements vary by region, your country’s location page may also have information about early-in-career programs in your area.
Internships
Internships at J&J are paid, purpose-driven programs for students and recent graduates who want to explore career paths and contribute to healthcare innovation. Interns work on meaningful projects, share ideas and help solve real-world challenges in a collaborative, supportive environment.
- Best for: Students enrolled in degree-seeking programs who want to explore career paths, build new skills and grow while contributing to healthcare innovation
- Who can apply: Undergraduate, graduate, MBA and Ph.D. students
- Program length: 4-12 weeks
- Hiring cycle: Typically takes place during the fall and spring semesters, although hiring cycles occur on a rolling basis globally
- Work model: Hybrid with select remote internships in digital and technology
- Pay and benefits: Competitive hourly pay
- Where offered: Global
- Eligibility: Legal authorization to work in the host country
Co-ops
Co-ops are longer and more immersive than internships, allowing students to take on deeper responsibilities, develop technical and professional expertise—and experience what it’s like to be a fully embedded member of our team. Participants often progress to full-time roles or LDPs at J&J.
- Best for: Students seeking extended, immersive professional experience before graduation
- Who can apply: Undergraduate, graduate, MBA and Ph.D. students
- Program length: 6-12 months, varies by program
- Hiring cycle: Fall/spring recruiting for roles starting the following year
- Work model: Full time, typically onsite or hybrid
- Pay and benefits: Competitive pay with select roles offering housing or cost-of-living support
- Where offered: U.S.
- Eligibility: Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
LDPs
LDPs are full-time rotational programs designed to help students at all levels accelerate their path to leadership roles in healthcare, pharma and MedTech. Each program has a specific focus area, such as finance, HR or R&D, but you'll also gain end-to-end business perspective by rotating across functions—building up confidence, competencies and your future professional network.
- Best for: Graduating students and recent graduates seeking accelerated leadership careers
- Who can apply: Undergraduates, graduates, MBAs and Ph.D. students, depending on the program
- Program length: 24-48 months
- Hiring cycle: Fall recruiting for roles starting the following year
- Work model: Full-time rotational
- Pay and benefits: Competitive salary and amazing employee benefits
- Where offered: Global
- Eligibility: Legal authorization to work in the host country
Apprenticeships
Only available in Germany and Switzerland, apprenticeships at J&J are earn-while-you-learn pathways to careers in healthcare, pharma and life sciences. Participants in these structured, multiyear programs benefit from a combination of on-the-job and in-class learning while earning industry-recognized qualifications. Apprenticing at J&J is often a bridge to a full-time, growth-oriented role on our team. .
- Best for: Hands-on learners seeking paid, skills-based pathways to meaningful careers with significant growth potential
- Who can apply: Early-in-career professionals in Germany and Switzerland who have completed compulsory schooling or an equivalent basic secondary education
- Program length: 24-48 months
- Hiring cycle: Rolling
- Work model: Full time, typically onsite
- Pay and benefits: Competitive compensation and employee benefits
- Where offered: Germany and Switzerland
- Eligibility: Legal authorization to work in the host country and completion of compulsory schooling
Next steps
Check out all of the programs for students and early-in-career professionals at J&J, using the filters on the left side of the page to narrow your results by city, region or country. Take a moment to peruse your country’s location page, too, as it may have more detailed information about student programs in your area. You can also:
- Create a job alert and be the first to know about new student opportunities at J&J
- Sign up for our global talent community to stay in touch and connect with recruiters
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