Los Angeles Internship Programs: A Guide for Students

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is not only known for Hollywood and lifestyle brands, but also for its booming major industries, making it a fertile ground for students seeking invaluable real-world experience. With its diverse economy and vibrant culture, Los Angeles offers a plethora of internship programs for students across various fields. These programs provide opportunities to gain hands-on experience, make important connections, and explore potential career paths.

The Allure of Internships in Los Angeles

Internships are an ideal way for students to gain real-world experience related to their interests, passions, and goals. They offer a chance to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting, develop valuable skills, and build a professional network. In Los Angeles, students have access to hundreds of stellar opportunities, both on campus and around the city. Many internships also offer the opportunity to earn academic credit.

Los Angeles County Internship Programs

Los Angeles County offers several internship programs designed to provide students with practical and meaningful work experience. One such program is the Academic Internship Program, which places college and university students within County departments as student interns. These internships focus on specific projects, research, or studies ordered by the Board of Supervisors or developed by a County department.

Academic Internship Program Details

The Academic Internship Program is designed for students who are currently enrolled in good academic standing and will be completing their internships for academic credit at a partnering college or university. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from the internship site.

Program Goals

The primary goal of the program is to provide college/university students within County departments as student interns for the completion of specific projects, research, or studies ordered by the Board of Supervisors or developed by a County department. These internships are unpaid and projects are carefully designed to offer each intern a practical and meaningful work experience.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the Academic Internship Program, students must:

Be currently enrolled in good academic standing at a partnering college or university.
Be completing the internship for academic credit.
Provide their own transportation to and from the internship site.

Partnering Institutions

It is important to note that some schools may not have a partnership agreement with the County, making students from those institutions ineligible to participate in the Academic Internship Program. Students interested in the program should inquire with their academic institution about a potential partnership with the County. We will contact them and inquire about an agreement. Some schools decide not to enter into a partnership with the County and, as a result, students from those institutions are not eligible to participate in the this internship program.

Project Swapping

Once a department selects an intern, they have taken several steps to bring the intern aboard. Therefore, swapping projects or departments is discouraged. However, if a student is interested in other projects, they will need to reapply for the program.

Finding Unavailable Projects

Some projects may be removed from the list when a department has selected an intern or the project has ended. In such cases, students can request that the County follow up with the participating department on their behalf. However, the County has a variety of internship programs that may be a suitable fit.

Paid Internship Opportunities

Internships offered through the Academic Internship Program are unpaid and are strictly for academic credit. However, the County has a variety of internship programs that may be a suitable fit for students seeking paid opportunities.

LA Civil Rights Department Internships and Fellowships

The LA Civil Rights Department (LA Civil Rights) offers internships and fellowships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are passionate about civil rights and social justice. These opportunities allow students to conduct policy research, engage in community outreach, and help facilitate equity programming.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for these programs are change makers who are dedicated to uplifting Angelenos and advocating for historically marginalized communities.

Internship Roles

Individuals selected for legal internships will support the Civil Rights Enforcement Unit and Commission on Civil Rights. Policy Fellows will work alongside LA Civil Rights staff to develop innovative approaches to visually communicate programming, data, and policy development; support the Department’s commission and advisory boards; participate in the preparation of research reports, briefs, and presentations; and other equity-related work as assigned.

Working Hours

Working hours will vary depending on the Department’s operational needs and the candidates' schedule. Each selected candidate will finalize their working schedule with their designated supervisor to ensure mutually beneficial work hours.

Application Process

To apply for an internship or fellowship with the LA Civil Rights Department, candidates must complete the Google Form and submit the following required items:

Resume
Cover Letter - addressed to Nicole Bryant

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Emerson Los Angeles Internship Program

The Los Angeles Program at Emerson College (ELA) provides students with robust opportunities to gain industry experience through internships and prepare for their post-graduate careers.

Academic Internship Course

During their time at Emerson Los Angeles (ELA), students will be enrolled in the academic internship course in their major and will participate in an on-site internship that will provide a foundation for the academic work they will complete for the course. All internships will be completed for either 4 or 8 credits and will be included in their overall semester credit total (12-16).

Internship Opportunities

Emerson Los Angeles students intern at some of the biggest and most prestigious companies in Southern California.

Additional Opportunities

Beyond the specific programs mentioned above, Los Angeles offers a wide range of internship opportunities across various industries. Students can explore opportunities in:

Hollywood: Film, television, and entertainment
Music: Recording, production, and artist management
Lifestyle Brands: Fashion, beauty, and consumer goods
Technology: Software development, data science, and engineering
Startups: Innovation and entrepreneurship

Startup UCLA and Bruincubate

Students interested in entrepreneurship can develop and launch new ideas with Startup UCLA and connect resources through Bruincubate.

Leadership and Community Engagement

Los Angeles offers numerous opportunities to boost leadership skills and engage in community service. Students can participate in community-service projects managed by the Community Programs Office Student Association, hone their public speaking and communication techniques with the Bruin Leaders Project, and participate in leadership workshops and the LeaderShape Institute.

Minors

If you’re interested in the music industry, entrepreneurship, professional writing or community engagement and social change, sign up to take the related minor.

Fellowships

Gain unique professional development experience with fellowships, which offer short-term learning opportunities in a wide variety of fields of interest.

Tips for Finding and Securing an Internship in Los Angeles

Start Early: Begin your internship search well in advance of the desired start date. Many companies recruit interns months ahead of time.
Network: Attend industry events, career fairs, and networking opportunities to connect with professionals in your field of interest.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Practice Your Interview Skills: Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practicing common interview questions.
Be Persistent: Don't get discouraged by rejections. Keep applying and networking until you find the right internship opportunity.

The Benefits of Internships: A Student Perspective

"I have just begun my internship but I love it so far. I am enjoying my internship very much. My field instructor is a great person."

"I really liked working with people with disabilities, and just showing them that, ‘Hey, I have a disability as well."

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