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How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - Printable Version

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How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - Dori001 - 12-24-2024

I recently graduated with a B.A. in Film and Media Arts from Temple University and am doing two remote internships. I want to apply for more internships to gain experience, but many require school credit, which I no longer qualify for. Some only require proof of school enrollment, and a few don’t have requirements, but those are rare.

Do you have any advice? Is it possible to enroll in an affordable college for one class to qualify for school credit, or are there other options?

It’s hard to find jobs without experience or connections, and I’d really appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you!


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RE: How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - ibiohazar - 12-27-2024

Have you considered reaching out to smaller companies or independent filmmakers?


RE: How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - sanantone - 12-27-2024

How many internships do you need? After one or two, is it not possible to get an entry-level job?


RE: How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - lisarox - 12-27-2024

It's time to start networking and applying to jobs: mandy.com entertainmentcareers.net Craigslist


RE: How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - Avidreader - 12-27-2024

Maybe send requests to companies that prepare conventions? There's several US medical conventions coming up in the next 3 months in major US cities and they usually offer filmed versions of the panels to be sent online. They need tons of cameras and microphones set up in dozens of rooms, really hard work. They might be quite open to interning someone interested in expanding their circle. Another option is to sign up for a random school for non degree seeking status and take some courses that have overlap with the field. Tesu has a marketing cert where you can do several of them as teceps.


RE: How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - lisarox - 12-27-2024

If you can convince a community college to let you register there for an internship class that's another way. But you already have two internships, it's time for paying gigs. I used to work in the entertainment industry. I live in Los Angeles.


RE: How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - freeloader - 12-27-2024

For profit companies have to be careful about un-paid internships due to federal and state labor laws. An “intern” who is not using the internship as part of a high school or university course of studies is, in many cases, actually an employee who is not properly being compensated for their labor. Businesses can incur stiff penalties and the assessment of back taxes on those improperly treated employees if they are audited by the state/federal department of labor. See, for instance: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships

As others have said, trying to find a low cost educational program makes sense for you. I would also look at volunteer opportunities with non-profits/governments, or even internships with them. The labor laws on this operate differently when dealing with for-profit vs non-profits/government entities.  I’d also look for volunteer opportunities with public television, public/college radio, colleges/universities, hospitals, etc.  If there is a public access TV station or community radio station, that might be an opportunity, depending on what area of media you are wanting to pursue.  If there is someone you’d like to work for in the non-profit world, just find a person with the non-profit and give them a call. I used to work in that world—most non-profits (at least smaller ones) won’t turn down free labor, especially if you have relevant education and skills.


RE: How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - bjcheung77 - 12-27-2024

ibiohazar Wrote:Have you considered reaching out to smaller companies or independent filmmakers?

Hmm, good question, first post with a link to gaming site in your profile... Anyways, +1, I agree with those who mentioned getting a job, even a remote part time position if you can get one in addition to the internships you currently have that already are remote. My recommendation usually is a balanced mix/match of certs, degree, experience. OP hasn't filled us in with the addendum and template, from reading your previous posts, you're looking at Masters programs and were inquiring about them...


How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - Dori001 - 12-27-2024

ibiohazar Wrote:Have you considered reaching out to smaller companies or independent filmmakers?

I have, and most of them require school credit. Independent filmmakers haven’t responded so far.


sanantone Wrote:How many internships do you need? After one or two, is it not possible to get an entry-level job?

Entry level jobs require at least years of work experience which I don’t have. That’s why I am trying to do as many internships as I can.


(12-27-2024, 10:12 AM)lisarox Wrote: It's time to start networking and applying to jobs: mandy.com entertainmentcareers.net Craigslist

I have applied on mandy.com and craiglist but haven’t heard back. It could be because they are looking for someone with more experience or usually they want people who live in LA. I live in Pennsylvania. I also have a subscription on entertainment careers and hollylist. That’s where I found my current internships. I have applied to many, but it seems like if you don't have friends in the industry, it won't work.

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(12-27-2024, 11:55 AM)Avidreader Wrote: Maybe send requests to companies that prepare conventions? There's several US medical conventions coming up in the next 3 months in major US cities and they usually offer filmed versions of the panels to be sent online. They need tons of cameras and microphones set up in dozens of rooms, really hard work. They might be quite open to interning someone interested in expanding their circle. Another option is to sign up for a random school for non degree seeking status and take some courses that have overlap with the field. Tesu has a marketing cert where you can do several of them as teceps.

Thank you for your advice. It's very helpful!


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(12-27-2024, 12:21 PM)lisarox Wrote: If you can convince a community college to let you register there for an internship class that's another way. But you already have two internships, it's time for paying gigs. I used to work in the entertainment industry. I live in Los Angeles.

You are right. Most gigs are in LA or NY. I live in PA. Networking is the most difficult part for me. I don't have friends in the industry and I know it will be hard.


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(12-27-2024, 12:50 PM)freeloader Wrote: For profit companies have to be careful about un-paid internships due to federal and state labor laws. An “intern” who is not using the internship as part of a high school or university course of studies is, in many cases, actually an employee who is not properly being compensated for their labor. Businesses can incur stiff penalties and the assessment of back taxes on those improperly treated employees if they are audited by the state/federal department of labor. See, for instance: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships

As others have said, trying to find a low cost educational program makes sense for you. I would also look at volunteer opportunities with non-profits/governments, or even internships with them. The labor laws on this operate differently when dealing with for-profit vs non-profits/government entities.  I’d also look for volunteer opportunities with public television, public/college radio, colleges/universities, hospitals, etc.  If there is a public access TV station or community radio station, that might be an opportunity, depending on what area of media you are wanting to pursue.  If there is someone you’d like to work for in the non-profit world, just find a person with the non-profit and give them a call. I used to work in that world—most non-profits (at least smaller ones) won’t turn down free labor, especially if you have relevant education and skills.


Thank you so much for your advice. In fact, I have contacted a few nonprofits like the LEF Foundation and Catapult Film Fund, but no response so far. I also contacted nonprofits that have nothing to do with my major but I like their causes, however, I haven't received a response and I don't understand why. I just want to volunteer. Perhaps I should look for smaller nonprofits.


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(12-27-2024, 03:02 PM)bjcheung77 Wrote:
ibiohazar Wrote:Have you considered reaching out to smaller companies or independent filmmakers?

Hmm, good question, first post with a link to gaming site in your profile... Anyways, +1, I agree with those who mentioned getting a job, even a remote part time position if you can get one in addition to the internships you currently have that already are remote. My recommendation usually is a balanced mix/match of certs, degree, experience. OP hasn't filled us in with the addendum and template, from reading your previous posts, you're looking at Masters programs and were inquiring about them...


Thank you for responding! I haven’t filled it out, but yes I'm looking for an MBA too. After reading some posts in this forum, I think the UIUC (IMSM)could be a very good option for now as their MBA requires experience.


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RE: How to get into an internship if you don’t need school credit? - ss20ts - 12-27-2024

Have you considered relocating?