Student Internships

Student Internships

Internships offer an opportunity to bridge the gap between being a student and being a professional. The skills you learn in the classroom will be applied in a “real life” setting that cannot be replicated in standard coursework. Internships are an excellent chance to explore different career avenues while still in school.

All internships are vetted by the internship coordinator and the University to ensure each internship site provides an excellent learning experience while following all state and federal regulations.

Contact the Internship Coordinator, Joel Castellaw (jacastellaw@sdsu.edu) for more Information.

WHERE DO OUR STUDENTS INTERN?

In the 2018/2019 School Year, we placed interns with the following organizations:

KPBS
ArtsAlive San Diego Repertory Theatre
Cygnet Theatre
The La Jolla Playhouse
OneProductions
Cinema Verde
Brandetize
Sand Cloud
Injinji
We San Diego
NBC
Zip Launchpad
Encore South Bay


HOW TO GET AN INTERNSHIP

What is an internship?

  • A temporary job assignment with a business or non-profit organization where the intern learns skills and terminology specific to their chosen industry
  • Should have academic as well as professional component—you should be learning something, not just providing a service; it should be a reciprocal relationship that is based in mentorship

Course Credit

  • If you are not getting paid at least minimum wage, you should be getting course credit. Ideally you get both, but at least you should get credit
  • Must register for THEA or TFM 490; THEA offers 1, 2, and 3-unit options; currently only 3 unit course available on course schedule for TFM
  • 1 unit = approximately 45 hours (2-3 hours/week over the semester); up to 8-10 hours/week over the semester for 3 units
  • The class entails submitting progress reports and a time log; also requires signing a release waiver and any additional assignments as stated in the syllabus
  • To sign up for course credit, you must contact the Internship Coordinator for TTF

Who can do an internship?

  • Any student can, but it is recommended that students wait until junior or senior year; try to secure something before the add/drop deadline of any given term

Where do I find an internship?

  • Search for an internship just like you would search for a job
    • Come talk to the Internship Coordinator and let them know what you are looking for
    • Make sure you are receiving emails via Blackboard from Angie Parkhurst—this is how we announce new internships that come directly to the Internship Coordinator
    • Consider joining the Facebook group, “SDSU TTF Internship Opportunities”
    • Research specific companies you are interested in working for
    • Register with Aztec Career Connection through Career Services at SDSU
    • Search the CSU Entertainment Alliance job board
    • Search industry-specific sites such as:

    • Search additional Internship sites:

    • Create searches on job sites such as:

    • Join Social Media groups dedicated to your profession

    How do I get hired for an internship?

    • Most internships will require that you send a cover letter or letter of interest and a resume
    • Cover Letter Guidelines:
      • Be specific and concise—keep it to one page
      • Create a professional impression by using letterhead (templates can be found online)
      • Follow this formula to get started, and then tailor your draft to specific internship opportunities:
        • Paragraph one: Greet the employer, and state the position you are applying for. Say something short about yourself, i.e. “I am a highly motivated film editor looking to gain experience working in post-production.”
        • Paragraph 2 (and 3 if needed): Detail SPECIFIC experience that qualifies you for this position
          • Show, don’t tell
          • Ex: Tell: “I have experience stage managing live productions.”
          • Ex: Show: “I have stage managed 4 college productions. This entailed managing casts as large as 20 people, and coordinating as many as 10 backstage crew members.”
            • Numbers, specific examples, etc, challenges overcome—show them what you can do
        • Paragraph 3 (or 4, depending): Explain why exactly you want to work for THIS company (do your research)
        • Closing—Thank you for reviewing my application. Please contact me for any further information. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
        • PROOFREAD—and get someone else to proofread also before submitting

    Resume Guidelines:

    • We are in a creative industry, so look for creative resume templates online
    • Be concise and descriptive—again, SHOW, don’t just tell
    • Double check that your contact info is correct
    • Keep it to 1 page
    • PROOFREAD—and get someone else to proofread also before submitting