How to Select a Media Internship
While internships are generally a great opportunity to explore career ideas, some are a much better opportunity than others once you look into them. The following is a list of criteria that you should consider when choosing an entertainment or media internship that is specific to those industries:
1) Amount of Hands-On Experience
"Getting an internship is one of the best ways to enter into working for a TV station or any other media or entertainment company...especially since it shows you have experience outside a formal classroom setting. Many jobs in this industry require that now, even some that are typically considered entry-level..."
This is a quote from my news writing instructor in college, who regularly stressed the importance of practical experience in addition to college courses. I consider him an authority on the subject, considering his main position was a general manager of a television station.
This is extremely important in behind-the-scenes positions such as camera operation and many post-production careers but can apply to any position where education has to come from an experienced mentor. Some internships only allow you to observe, which is still not necessarily a bad thing. All other things being equal however in selecting from multiple internships, choose an internship that is more hands-on opportunities.
In performance-based positions, you want to look for opportunities to practice your skills in the field you want to pursue. You can also have the ability to create a professional demo reel or portfolio of what you're able to do that you can later show to potential employers or clients.
2) Time With Mentors in the Field
The experience of long-time people in the field you want to explore is very valuable, so you want to be able to speak with them in one-on-one or small group environments if possible. The things they can share with you can save you a lot of time, money, or both. This can also lead to good friendships as well.
3) The Ability to Use the Internship to Jump-Start Your Career
If the internship can help you gain experience or network with someone who may give you an entry point into the career after your formal education, it is well worth doing. Making connections with people and staying in touch with them is important. So is being a great example so people will automatically think of you when an opening becomes available.
For internships outside of a college environment, you can often research the internship on company websites. These are sometimes listed under the employment sections as well.
4) The Opportunity to Earn Class Credit
Some colleges partner with local and national media companies to allow you to gain experience and earn class credit at the same time. You can usually find these posted on boards in the college department's hallways or offices or by asking your instructor.
5) Getting Paid to Learn
On certain occasions, some internships are paid. You won't be making as much as a full-time professional in the field, but it is better than nothing. Plus you're getting paid to educate yourself.
Other Tips to Consider
Look at the market and the competition level in the opportunity. You have to find a balance between a big enough market to get access to the people and information that can help you but no so big that you're stuck only making copies and various other work that no one else in the company wants to do. Just because that is the stereotype of an internship doesn't mean that's the only type of opportunity out there. There are a lot of great ones available as well if you do the work to find them.
Go in with an attitude of wanting to learn. Don't be afraid to ask questions or get advice. The worse thing you can do if go in with an attitude of a know-it-all purely because of your formal education. There are people with high school degrees or less that still find a way to make it in many industries. Seek out people based on their success in their field, and that will greatly help you.
I hope you've found these ideas helpful. Good luck and best wishes to you!
