Look Far and Wide
When searching for an internship, it’s important to keep an open mind and explore opportunities across a wide range of settings. Valuable experience can often be gained outside of obvious or well-known employers.
For example, if your major is Film Studies, you don’t need to limit your search to large film studios. You can build relevant skills and experience through many different types of organizations, such as:
- Local production companies
- Marketing and media agencies
- Government agencies
- Event videographers
- Nonprofit organizations
Focus on the skills and experience you want to gain, and remain open to opportunities that offer meaningful, hands-on learning, even if the organization is not directly within your intended industry.
Use Online Job and Internship Boards
You can begin your search using general job and internship platforms, including:
These sites allow you to search by keyword, location, and internship status, and many offer job alerts to help you stay up to date on new postings.
Connect with Employers in Person
Attend local job fairs to meet employers and learn more about organizations that interest you. Ask employers if they offer internships or if you can schedule an informational interview to learn more about their work. Speak with as many employers as possible, and don’t skip a table simply because you assume it may not be a good fit; unexpected connections can lead to valuable opportunities.
Reach Out Directly
Research companies and organizations that align with your interests and contact them directly to ask about potential internship opportunities. Some internships are never posted publicly and are created when a motivated student reaches out.
If you need help getting started, make an appointment with a Job Developer or Work Experience faculty member. We can help you identify opportunities, prepare outreach messages, and refine your search strategy.