MBA Business Development Internship – E-commerce Partnerships

Job Description

Category Manager Intern (TikTok Shop – Operations) – 2026 Summer (MBA) | TikTok

The Tone:
This is a 12-week internship at TikTok, located in Los Angeles, CA. TikTok is a leading destination for short-form mobile video, actively building its commerce platform, TikTok Shop, to redefine shopping by bringing discovery, inspiration, and joy to users. This role is crucial for scaling the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt phenomenon, directly contributing to the growth of content and creator commerce in the US by fostering merchant relationships and enhancing the overall customer experience.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Seasonal, Temporary (12 weeks)
• Location: In-person, Los Angeles, CA
• Pay: $38 hourly
• Team: TikTok Shop US operation team, an entrepreneurial team focused on the future of shopping
• Mission: Acquire and incubate merchants to support category growth and deliver a high-quality, unique customer experience via TikTok Shop.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Merchant Acquisition: Acquire and incubate merchants to support specific category growth within TikTok Shop.
• Collaboration Model Development: Discover innovative collaborative models that align with merchants’ short-term and long-term development plans, investing platform resources effectively.
• Business Growth Problem Solving: Solve key challenges in business growth through strong collaboration with cross-functional internal teams.
• Consultative Solutions: Employ a consultative approach by offering strategic content, creator/affiliate/agency partner, merchandising, and logistical solutions to all clients.
• Client Communication: Update clients on TikTok Shop product developments and new promotional opportunities to foster engagement and growth.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently pursuing an MBA Degree, intending to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship.
• Experience: Ability to commit to working for 12 weeks during Summer 2026.
• Skills: Structured thinking, strong analytical skills, excellent communication and cross-team collaboration, quick learning, proactivity, resilience, and adaptability to change.
• Bonus: Prior 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.