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What is the best way to find internships related to your field of study ?
I'm an undergrad student studying film who's also interested in archival and preservation. #Spring25
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Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Steve’s Answer
Earning a degree in film production opens up a world of exciting opportunities. I began my journey in the entertainment industry, eventually transitioning into entertainment marketing where I wrote, produced, directed, and edited promos, trailers, and marketing presentations. Now, I create and produce video content for a variety of business sectors. If you're interested in marketing and communications, consider starting with local ad agencies or production companies—there are plenty in the Chicago area. During my time at USC, I attended many advertising commercial shoots to learn the ropes of a professional set, which greatly helped me when I started directing my own student projects. If you're drawn to entertainment-based production, places like Los Angeles or Atlanta offer more production companies and opportunities.
It's important to note that the industry is experiencing significant changes, and many are currently facing job challenges. To stay ahead, consider taking classes that explore how Generative AI is shaping today’s production landscape. Embracing this technology will soon be essential for success in this field.
Best of luck on your exciting journey!
It's important to note that the industry is experiencing significant changes, and many are currently facing job challenges. To stay ahead, consider taking classes that explore how Generative AI is shaping today’s production landscape. Embracing this technology will soon be essential for success in this field.
Best of luck on your exciting journey!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Brian !
You will need to ask one of your film professors if Internships are provided for students in their junior and senior year, but I doubt at a film department they offer that. They'll keep you very busy other ways. And maybe an internship is not the best way to go for film because you may not be able to do actual hands on work. But you will be able to make films at college doing projects and student films. It's kind of a field of work where an internship may be less valuable than the film program you're already in. Your professors want you there making films.
I understand that you didn't mention what semester you are in or which college you are attending for film, so I will have to advise you generally. Find out how many projects and what they consist of that you will need to complete each semester. You will also be taking required General Education courses towards your Bachelors Degree. Get an idea of how busy you will be before looking for extra work through internships or volunteer work. For a film internship, you will need to have an impressive resume and portfolio that shows your skill, creativity and experience. You will have to be familiar with the film studios in your town. All film internships may vary, some being for post-production for which you need to know editing, know how to use Adobe Premiere Pro, AVID, or Final Cut Pro. Other film internships can require that you can do storyboards or operate a digital video camera.
Film Internships are not close to what is considered entry level, they're just a learning experience which you're already obtaining in your college film department.
While you are in college, you never know when you'd be having an opportunity to do a paid project outside of school. Being mindful of your time as a film student is crucial.
So, it's up to you, but if you are in a strong film program, my advice is to not add more work for yourself and crowd your schedule with an internship. I hope this is helpful, give it some time and strive to be the best at what you do !
You will need to ask one of your film professors if Internships are provided for students in their junior and senior year, but I doubt at a film department they offer that. They'll keep you very busy other ways. And maybe an internship is not the best way to go for film because you may not be able to do actual hands on work. But you will be able to make films at college doing projects and student films. It's kind of a field of work where an internship may be less valuable than the film program you're already in. Your professors want you there making films.
I understand that you didn't mention what semester you are in or which college you are attending for film, so I will have to advise you generally. Find out how many projects and what they consist of that you will need to complete each semester. You will also be taking required General Education courses towards your Bachelors Degree. Get an idea of how busy you will be before looking for extra work through internships or volunteer work. For a film internship, you will need to have an impressive resume and portfolio that shows your skill, creativity and experience. You will have to be familiar with the film studios in your town. All film internships may vary, some being for post-production for which you need to know editing, know how to use Adobe Premiere Pro, AVID, or Final Cut Pro. Other film internships can require that you can do storyboards or operate a digital video camera.
Film Internships are not close to what is considered entry level, they're just a learning experience which you're already obtaining in your college film department.
While you are in college, you never know when you'd be having an opportunity to do a paid project outside of school. Being mindful of your time as a film student is crucial.
So, it's up to you, but if you are in a strong film program, my advice is to not add more work for yourself and crowd your schedule with an internship. I hope this is helpful, give it some time and strive to be the best at what you do !