A few well-known companies that have offered internships in the past are Disney, Pixar, Digital Domain and Black Entertainment Television. Smaller companies who have offered internships include Creative Logik, Blizzard, View Studio and the Institute for Creative Technology.

Paid or unpaid?
You won’t get rich on an internship, whether it is paid or not. Remember what you earn is not as important as what you learn.

There are other factors besides pay to consider, such as the mission of the company, whether you can have a flexible schedule or if they offer educational tuition support. Other factors include what the company expects from its interns, what you may learn and who you might meet (other co-workers, vendors, clients, etc.).

To apply:
Seeking an internship is much like seeking a job. Do your research and learn whatever you can about the company you are applying to or the person you want to work for. Submit your materials early and make sure you follow all the instructions verbatim. Be organized and establish a system for meeting the deadlines as well as tracking the applications and your status with each company.

The application for an internship is similar to any job. You’ll need a clear, brief résumé and cover letter. Remember, these are marketing tools. Emphasize your personal achievements and qualifications. Avoid the passive voice.

Address the cover letter to a particular person. Introduce yourself and why you are interested in the company. Highlight your relevant skills and experience. In the cover letter explain why you are interested in the internship at that company. Be as specific as you can. Give the recipient a reason to be interested in you as an applicant. Lay the groundwork for further contact.

Prepare for the interview. Think about what you bring to the internship and what you hope to gain from the experience. During your interview, explain what you did on any other jobs (including volunteer work) and the skills you have. Be clear to your prospective employers about what you seek. It may be the only opportunity to do this before you actually start work.

After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note within a day or two. Make sure this communication is as polished as your cover letter and résumé.

Getting a great job or internship takes preparation and luck. Be prepared when opportunity knocks.

Resources:
Internships 2003 by Peterson’s (look in your library under 331.2592); www.internsuccess.com; www.Collegerecruiter.com; www.Internjobs.com; www.getthatgig.com.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a career coach, recruiter and hiring strategist and recommends internships to anyone starting out in a new field. She speaks regularly at conferences and universities. She is recruiting for a photo-realistic feature being done in Los Angeles. She is looking for experienced lighters, animators, FX animators, texture artists and compositors who have experience with photo-realism. If you are interested, send a résumé in MS Word 97 or Adobe Acrobat to her at PamRecruit@aol.com.