Project Intern – Merchant Acquisition

Job Description

Category Manager Project Intern (TikTok Shop – US Operation) – 2026 Start (BS/MS) | TikTok

The Tone:
This is a temporary internship at TikTok, located in Los Angeles. TikTok is a leading destination for short-form mobile video, working to inspire creativity and bring joy globally. The company aims to make TikTok the commerce channel of choice for merchants, creators, and affiliates, pioneering content and creator commerce in the US. This role matters because it contributes to scaling the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt phenomenon by building an innovative e-commerce ecosystem. As a project intern, you will gain practical skills and a glimpse of real-world experience, developing a deeper understanding of your career interests while engaging in impactful short-term projects.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Temporary
• Location: In-person, Los Angeles, CA
• Pay: $23.75 hourly
• Team: TikTok Shop US operation team
• Mission: Acquire and incubate merchants to support category growth within the TikTok Shop US operation.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Merchant Acquisition: Acquire and incubate merchants to support the expansion of specific product categories.
• Collaboration Model Development: Discover new collaborative models aligned with merchants’ short-term and long-term development plans, investing platform resources efficiently.
• Business Growth Resolution: Solve key challenges in business growth through strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Client Solutions: Employ a consultative approach by offering strategic content, creator/affiliate/agency partner, merchandising, and logistical solutions to clients.
• Client Communication: Update clients on TikTok Shop product developments and new promotional opportunities.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently pursuing an Undergraduate or Master’s Degree; Student career level with a passion for business.
• Experience: Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during Summer 2026.
• Skills: Quick learner, proactive, resilient, with an ability to adjust fast to change; Possesses structured thinking, good data sense, and strong analytical skills; Demonstrates excellent communication and cross-team collaboration, skilled at moving initiatives forward.
• Bonus: Internship or full-time experience in an e-commerce marketplace business, or retail category management; Familiarity with the TikTok content ecosystem, shoppable content, and brand-creator partnerships.