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As graduation season approaches, it seems appropriate to discuss how to find, apply for, and secure film internships. As someone who has completed a few film internships, I find it only fair to discuss my methods and what has helped me throughout this process. Stressing over finding an internship is something many film students struggle with, especially in their final year of university. However, there is no need for this additional stress factor in your life!
The first thing you need to have in check is your resume. Your resume is the main thing that helps you stand out, along with a strong cover letter. I had the blessing of a Career Center at my school, where I could get advice on these things, but I'll let you all know what I learned. If you are struggling with what to put in the heart of your resume, the main thing people want to know is what you know. I personally enjoy putting classes on my resume – specifically film classes – along with a description of what was learned. Listing basic skills you know is also key, like editing, cinematography, acting, etc.
Next, I will go over some easy-to-use websites that allow you to find internships – both paid and unpaid. My personal favorites include Handshake and Indeed. You can easily filter and search for the types of internships you are looking for. There are plenty of options, including a variety of internships. However, you do want to keep an eye on the qualifications they are looking for, along with the amount of time they are hoping to have you. Some only want you for a few weeks or months, or sometimes for a year or more. Additionally, they are sometimes looking for certain types of students depending on your degree, interests, and more. While applying to internships, I reccomend applying to as many as you can. You never know if they are staying up to date, or maybe if they are not looking for an intern anymore. Applying to plenty will hopefully give you lots of options to choose from in the end of your search.
Once you get some interviews, it is important that you go to them prepared like you would for any job. I recommend conducting further research on the company itself as well as what your role as an intern would be. Doing some additional digging will allow you to understand the company some more and what they are looking for in people to hire. Looking up such things may seem tedious, but it is a lot easier than you would think. The "About" section on most websites allows you to get a brief understanding of what you will be getting into.
While you are in the interview, keep in mind that it is the most important part. You have to truly be yourself and talk about your passions and how they relate to the focus of the internship. Show your interests, don't be afraid to talk! Especially in a creative field such as this one, it is important to show your personality. One of the thing my past employers for interning always noted was my clear passion for film as well as my outgoing personality. Now, you do not need to be outgoing whatsoever, but having a passion, an interest, is the main thing they look for. At the end of the day, it is up to them whether or not they take you on as an intern. I know all of this can seem daunting. It is sometimes scary looking for an internship, but rest assured that all of you are more than capable of getting one. As long as you have a good, detailed, resume and a genuine liking for your field, you will be ready to go.
