How To Get an Internship

The Student Filmmakers Guild highly recommends internships as a supplement to your education while still a student. The Guild has a large listing of internships available in your area, so after reading this, please be sure to check out the possibilities.

Internships are invaluable for the college student, offering a chance to get "real life" experience, make professional contacts, and in some cases, earn a real salary. The challenge is to finding and applying for the internship that's right for you. The right internship will be a key step toward achieving your career goals--the wrong one will be a waste of your valuable time.

If for some reason our list does not have anything that you would like to take part in, the next obvious place to begin your research is at school. Most colleges and universities have internship offices/career centers that maintain up-to-date internship databases, as well as workshops on how to apply, tips on preparing resumes and cover letters, interview training, etc. Other schools also maintain major-specific internship advisers that can guide you to appropriate opportunities. Some academic advisers are willing to review resumes and applications and provide recommendations.

As you begin your internship search you'll need to make some decisions about the position you're seeking. Are you willing to travel to take an internship? Are you expecting payment or are you willing to work for free? Some college summer internships offer substantial stipends as well as travel and housing allowances, while others may offer nothing but experience and academic credit. Some offer absolutely nothing except a line on your resume and a letter of recommendation.

Frequently, the most highly desirable internships at national magazines, TV shows and movie production companies are unpaid. Many corporate and governmental internships offer full salaries and other allowances. Do you want to receive academic credit for your internship?

Here's how to find the internship that's right for you:

1. At the beginning of the school year, decide on your internship goals [e.g., paid or unpaid, full or part-time, summer or during the academic year, etc.]

2. Visit your school's career/internship center to research available internship programs.

3. Draft your resume and cover letter and have it critiqued by career center counselors.

4. If they're available, participate in career center mock interview training.

5. Complete and submit your internship applications. Find out what application deadlines are and make sure you submit in time. These vary by industry, and may be very early or later in the year. [Make sure to keep copies for your records.]

6. Wait for responses; follow-up on applications; attend interviews; and ultimately make a decision on the internship you've chosen.

7. If your internship is offering academic credit, be sure to complete any necessary paperwork before the academic year ends.

8. Agree upon and sign letters of intent/contracts/agreements regarding your internship. These will vary with companies and programs. If required, confirm travel and housing plans.

Good luck as you take this important first step in your career.

Sources:
http://www.pamdixon.com/internships.htm http://www.eco.org/site/c.dnJLKPNnFkG/b.941989/k.ED5A/How_to_Get_an_Internship__FWS.htm http://www.umass.edu/arthist/intern.htm http://caps.uchicago.edu/undergrads/internships/howtoget.html

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