Return to
WOW'EM homepageWhat exactly does an intern do? What are her responsibilities? How long does an internship last? Do you get paid? Will it lead to a job? Although every situation is different, Stephanie Baker has allowed us to look into The Life of an Intern.
The old adage about needing experience to get a job, but how do you get experience unless you have a job, is all too true. However, one way in which you may gain experience is through an internship. Internships vary in length from a few weeks to as long as a year; some may eventually lead to a job with the company, while others are merely temporary positions. Also, do not expect to get paid for being an intern. Some places pay minimum wage for services performed, but many companies do not pay anything AND expect you to foot the bill for all travel expenses, etc. while you work for them! (do not discount this last scenario--there are valuable lessons to be learned at an internship, and sometimes the cost is worth it)
Make sure that you check out How to Write a Resume before you go to apply for an internship. The company will want a complete listing of who you are, what you know, and references.
There are several ways of finding internships. First, you can just start randomly phoning companies to find out whether or not they have positions available. This method is not terribly organized, but can pay off. You just have to hang in there are really follow through with phone calls. Second, you can go to your high school or college career development center and find out whether they have a listing of internships. Often a company will send out fliers to these departments, and they keep them available for anyone to see. Finally, you can go on-line. If you know the name of the company, do a web search to find out about internship possibilities. You can also run into listservs like Deadlines (rgardner@charon.mit.edu) or use commercial services like America On-Line (go to keyword: Employment). WOW'EM is also trying to maintain a listing of internships.
Staying current with internship listsings is a potential problem, so keep in mind that you should always contact the facility listed before you get excited. WOW'EM gathers sources from all over the net and several listservs, as well as opportunities that individuals send us. Listed in chronological order by due dates (most recent at the top), here are some companies that are accepting internship applications:
Talent agency hiring 12-16 piano players who sing for immediate, full-time work on cruise ships out of Florida. Applicants must be 18 or over (male or female) and have the necessary playing and singing skills. This is a fun, audience-interactive, rockin', "dueling pianos" show. Repertoire is predominantely popular music from the 50's-90's with the emphasis on entertaining and audience participation. Musical virtuosity is not a requirement. We will provide show-specific training for hires who are new to this increasingly-popular genre of entertainment. Starting pay (per player) is $500-600/week, plus an average of $100-300/week in tips. Private crew quarters and passenger-status meals are provided. No agency commissions are withheld from the performers' pay. If anyone you know might be interested, please have them contact Gary Raffanelli in Reno, Nevada, at: (702) 356-7399 or e-mail us at: KEYLESS@prodigy.net. This is an excellent career opportunity...especially for anyone starting-out, and needing to gain valuable, performing experience and enhance their entertainment skills.
The Talent Development Resources site is a collection of articles, interviews, quotes, books and other resources on topics of psychology and awareness related to giftedness, self-actualization and creative expression. There are all kinds of opps here, so check the website http://TalentDevelop.web.com
American Management Association, New York, NY. Interns work in: training and development, multimedia, pc support, human resources, publishing, general management, marketing, and market research. Compensation is $4.25/hour. The AMA is a non-profit organization offering training resources to improve upon practical business skills. Deadline is continuous throughout the year, and the internship duration is flexible: Summer, Fall, Spring. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students. International applicants eligible. Submit resume, cover letter, and recommendations to: Internship Coordinator, American Management Association, 135 West 50th Street, 17th floor, New York, NY 10020. Telephone: (212) 903-8021or fax (212) 903-8163.
American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, Washington, D.C. Interns will be involved in: higher education issues, K-12 issues, international and multicultural education issues, fund raising/development, computers, and communications. Deadline is rolling. Internships last 4 weeks to 1 year, depending on need and intern's availability. Open to high school graduates, undergraduates, recent college graduates, college graduates of any age, and graduate students. International applicants eligible. Submit resume, cover letter, writing samples, and recommendations to: Internship Coordinator, AAUW Educational Foundation, 1111 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036-4873
Atlantic Center for the Arts offers internships to college and high school students from across the country. Although internships are non-paying, on-site housing is provided and kitchen facilities are available. Atlantic Center offers interns an opportunity to work with a nationally-recognized nonprofit artists-in-residence community. Internships are tailored to course requirements (if necessary) designed by the intern and university/school advisor. Participants may elect a more flexible schedule to gain field experience without course credit being earned. Accepted applicants work in a variety of concentrated areas including administration, education, community arts development and public relations. For more information please contact James Frost, assistant to the program director at 904-427-6975, or e-mail at program@atlantic-centerarts.org
Cool Summer Internships @ The American Film Institute. Be a part of the team which garnered worldwide media attention with the launch of the first OnLine Cinema. AFI OnLine, the American Film Institute's ever-expanding, high-profile Web site, is seeking individuals committed to online media technology for selective, paid internships. Two internships to be offered in Los Angeles for Summer 1997 (June - August): Design/Tech Intern Put your Web design skills to work by assisting head graphic designer with graphic/JavaScript/Shockwave interface and formatting of HTML. Scan photographs and digitize videos. Requirements: College student or recent graduate; excellent knowledge of Web navigation; HTML; Photoshop; JavaScript and Shockwave a plus.
CineMedia/Promotions Intern. Are you a movie trivia know-it-all? Then you might be the right person to be in the trenches as we expand our CineMedia Web site. Conduct Internet searches for inclusion in CineMedia, the Internet's largest film and media directory. Assist with online promotional efforts. Requirements: College student or recent graduate; knowledge of Web navigation; Microsoft Word; an interest in film and television. Knowledge of Filemaker Pro a plus. Interns will be required to work at least four days a week (M-F), 10 to 6 p.m. Interns will be paid a stipend of $500 per month. Benefits include: College credit (as arranged with institution), AFI classes (based on availability), film screenings and e-mail addresses. For more information, contact Sheryl Farber at (213) 856-7812 or sfarber@afionline.org, by June 2nd.
Art New England magazine is looking for student interns to assist with editorial, advertising, and office support. If you are interested in learning about the inner workings of the world of publications call: 617-782-3008.
Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN. Interns work in education, programs, collections, exhibits, production, marketing, communications, and development. The largest children's museum in the world, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis houses five stories of galleries exploring the physical and natural sciences, history, foreign cultures, and the arts. Deadline is rolling, so contact the facility for an application. Internship lasts 8-16 weeks: Summer, Fall, Spring. Open to undergraduates, recent college graduates, and graduate students. International applicants eligible. Write for application: Education Services Manager or Intern, Youth Coordinator, The Children's Museum, PO Box 3000, Indianapolis, IN 48206-3000. Telephone (800) 826-5431 or fax (317) 921-4019.
D.A. Publishing, Redondo Beach, CA. Internet Marketing Reps responsible creating, organizing, implementing Website and maintaining Internet relations for publishing company. Compensation is a percentage of closed sales and subscriptions and lunch. D.A. Publishing publishes books on business quality, health and fitness, and newsletters to its existing database. Interns get hands-on opportunities with business quality newsletter and marketing. Deadline is continuous throughout the year. Internships last 3-6 months; flexible by semester and summer schedules. Open to undergraduates, graduate students, recent graduates with majors in but not limited to Business / Computer Related studies and / or related experience. Open to non-college candidates with proven track record and exceptional qualities and experience. Must be highly motivated, persistent, and innovative, be able to work as a self starter, and have excellent written communication skills. Must have strong knowledge of Internet, Website creation software, Web page design, and e-mail functions. Submit resume, cover letter, and writing samples (if applicable) via fax to D.A. Publishing, Quality Newsletter, Fax: (310) 373-9128 or email to DJA3306@aol.com.
Elektra Entertainment Group, Los Angeles, CA; Nashville, TN; New York, NY. Interns work in publicity, artist relations, sales, marketing, video, promotion, artists and repertoire, marketing and creative services, and art. Compensation for interns is a daily travel allowance. A division of Warner Music, the Elektra Entertainment Group comprises Asylum, EastWest, and Elektra record labels. Deadline is continual, so apply any time. Interns work: 8-14 weeks: Summer, Fall, Spring. Open to undergraduates; must receive academic credit. International applicants eligible. Submit resume, cover letter: Internship Coordinator, Elektra Entertainment Group, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019. Phone 212-275-4490 OR Internship Coordinator, (Name of Department), Elektra Entertainment Group, 345 North Maple Drive, Suite 123, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Telephone (310) 288-3800.
Harvestworks offers unpaid internships throughout the year
on a full- or part-time basis for undergraduates, recent graduates
and graduate students who intend to pursue careers in the arts. Based
upon their background, interests, and the availability of projects,
interns may work on either the studio or administrative aspects of
the organization. The number of positions varies according to the
need of the organization and opportunities range from two months to
nine months. Academic credit may be arranged for interns at their
schools' discretion. Applications must be made at least one month
before the proposed starting date. Procedure: There are no
application forms. A typed application should include the
following:
After an initial review of the applications, some students may be selected for an interview at Harvestworks. Students will not be accepted into the program without an interview. For more information: Seth Thompson at 212-431-1130 ext. 10. Send applications to: Harvestworks, 596 Broadway, Suite 602, New York, New York 10012, Attn. Internship Programs.
The Kitchen's internship program is loosely structured to
coordinate applicants' interests, backgrounds and schedules with the
needs of our organization. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide
financial assistance or stipends. We do offer interns contact with
world class artists, invaluable work experience within a major
international arts organization, and free access to all Kitchen
performances during the internship period. All positions are needed
all year round, including the summer months. All interns must be of
at least college age. All prospective interns should read the
descriptions below and apply for only those internships for which
they are genuinely qualified. To Apply: Mail, fax or e-mail resume
and letter of interest to:
The Kitchen
512 West 19th Street
New York, NY 10011
fax: 212/645-4258
e-mail: kitchen@panix.com
Letter of interest must include the following: for which internship
you would like to apply, what you would like to learn from your
internship, the dates you will be available, and approximately how
many hours per week you are willing to devote to your internship.
NOW: National Organization for Women Internship Information. NOW has over 250,000 members, and is the largest feminist organization in the US. The organization was founded in 1966. This web site offers information on internships available at the National NOW Action Center. Check out their web site for further information, http://now.org/now/home.html.
CBS News, several locations, including: Miami, FL; Dallas, TX; Washington, DC. Interns work on various CBS News programs (i.e., 60 Minutes, CBS Evening News, Face the Nation, etc.) and in public relations, promotions, and production. A division of the CBS Network, CBS News produces a mix of radio and television news programs. Deadlines: Summer: March 30; Fall: June 30; Spring: October 30. Internships last 12-16 weeks: Summer, Fall, Spring. Open to college sophomores (second semester), juniors, and seniors as well as graduates and graduate students. International applicants eligible. Submit resume, cover letter, personal essay describing your interest in news, and recommendations to: Manager of Internships, News Division, CBS News, 555 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. Telephone (212) 975-4321.
The Banff Centre offers a Work Study Program - Creative Electronic Environment Residency, dates: three months to one year, depending on educational or work requirements. Length of program varies according to project and is reviewed after three to 10 months. The Creative Electronic Environment operates from the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Building and provides advanced training opportunities in the areas of television, post-production, photography, and interactive media production. Deadline: Ongoing
Back to Homework...
Return to
WOW'EM homepage
Go to
Navigator menu.
Copyright September 1996,
updated February 2004.
Kristine H. Burns,
Florida International University
Questions? Contact me.