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This page has essentially everything you will need to be successful in Los Angeles.
I M P O R T A N T L I N K S
I M P O R T A N T L I N K S
If you follow these simple steps, you are guaranteed finding an internship that will take you places
If you follow these simple steps, you are guaranteed finding an internship that will take you places
TIMELINE FOR INTERNSHIP SEARCH
Timing is important
Timing is important
It's important to keep on top of your search. Companies have their own timeline for internship postings. Larger companies tend to post very early.
Applying to internships is not fun. You are probably dealing with your current classes, assignments, projects, job, personal issues, etc. BUT unfortunately entertainment companies won't wait. The sooner you get started, the better chance you will have to finding a quality internship.
Friends in High Places
Friends in High Places
We are fortunate to have relationships with various companies in LA. As these companies open up internship opportunites, Chateau will post them in the Internship List.
When applying, make sure to drop his name, ie: 'Chateau at NYU LA recommended I apply as your company would be a good fit for my career goals...'
Just make sure to keep searching on your own as well.
Just make sure to keep searching on your own as well.
Make use of job boards, specially the ones below. Check them frequently!
Handshake (!)
Hollylist
Entertainment Careers
Don't forget to tap into your personal network!
Let all of your professors know you are going to LA. They probably have connections here...
Below is an in-depth guide that will clarify and answer many of the questions you may have along this process.
PLEASE CHECK HERE FIRST WHEN YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. If you don't find an answer, email Chateau at cb4520@nyu.edu
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Scheduling a meeting with Chateau
Scheduling a meeting with Chateau
To set up a meeting with Chateau Bezerra, the Internship & Industry Relationship Manager at NYU LA, use the following link to sign up for a slot:
Your Resume
Your Resume
When creating your resume:
Keep it to one page and in PDF format
Name your file: FirstnameLastname_resume.pdf
Use "Los Angeles, California" as your location
Include sections for Education, Professional Experience, and Skills
List experiences in chronological order
Use bullet points (3-5 per role) instead of prose
Focus on transferable skills and active verbs
Highlight significant accomplishments
Consider additional sections like Other Experience, Creative Projects, or Awards if relevant
Remember, recruiters scan resumes quickly, so make it easy for them to see your qualifications at a glance.
Your Cover Letter
Your Cover Letter
Explain why your background and experience make you a good fit for their program
Specify the role or area of interest you're applying for
Be customized for each company (show you've done research)
Focus on what you bring to the table, not just why you want to work there
Highlight skills like being a self-starter, quick learner, or team player with examples
Be concise – don't spend too much time unless it's a company you really want
In the email accompanying your application:
Include a shorter version of your cover letter (about 25% of the full length)
Mention the specific role you're applying for
Include your preferred start date if requested
The Resume + Cover Letter Guide goes into greater detail and provides other tips for a killer resume and cover letter.
The Resume + Cover Letter Guide goes into greater detail and provides other tips for a killer resume and cover letter.
It also contains SAMPLE RESUMES and COVER LETTERS that may be helpful in crafting your own.
Resume and Cover Letter Guide.docxBig Interview has launched a new ResumeAI feature that helps job seekers upgrade their resumes. This tool gives you immediate feedback on your resume, and coaching on how to improve. Check it out!
Where do I find open internships?
Where do I find open internships?
Look for internships through various methods:
Look for internships through various methods:
NYU LA Internship List (regularly updated)
Handshake
Hollylist
Entertainment Careers
LinkedIn
Company websites
Personal connections
Former instructors
Alumni networks
Don't limit yourself to just one platform – use multiple resources to increase your chances of finding suitable opportunities.
Don't limit yourself to just one platform – use multiple resources to increase your chances of finding suitable opportunities.
🏁 Why don't we place you in an internship?
Not only we believe that you are the best judge of where you would want to work, but we believe that the process of going through finding opportunities, applying, developing your resume and cover letters, interviewing, and negotiating offers are essential skills that will greatly serve you on your next career steps.
Not only we believe that you are the best judge of where you would want to work, but we believe that the process of going through finding opportunities, applying, developing your resume and cover letters, interviewing, and negotiating offers are essential skills that will greatly serve you on your next career steps.
What are the internship requirements?
What are the internship requirements?
For NYU LA internships:
Minimum 16 hours per week
Maximum 30 hours per week
At least 8 weeks during the semester (6 weeks for Summer)
Must have a designated supervisor
You can have multiple internships as long as you meet these requirements for all your internships in total. However, be mindful of not overextending yourself and maintaining a balance with your coursework and personal time.
Strategies to apply to internships
Strategies to apply to internships
1. Apply early and often: Many recruiters review applications on a rolling basis.
2. Don't wait for responses: Keep applying until you have an official offer.
3. Use a template for resumes and cover letters to streamline the process.
4. Apply to both paid and unpaid opportunities to increase your chances.
5. Consider remote internships as well as in-person ones.
6. Don't be too picky initially – apply to anything remotely interesting.
7. Prioritize internships marked with an asterisk (*) in the NYU LA Internship List, as these are contacts Chateau knows personally.
8. Reach out to professors or contacts in NYC who might have LA connections.
9. Keep checking for new postings, as some companies post opportunities later in the season.
Remember, it's a numbers game. The more you apply, the better your chances of securing an internship.
CPT: What if I am an international student?
CPT: What if I am an international student?
International students must acquire a Work Authorization for internships, even if they are unpaid. You can find out more about the CPT and answers to questions in the International Students and CPT page .
What is script coverage?
What is script coverage?
Many Film and TV companies require interns to create script coverage and will request a script coverage sample during application.
If you have never done it before, script coverage is a report on a script or book designed to help companies sift through potential development projects. It includes:
A creative analysis of the material
An assessment of its commercial potential
How well it aligns with the company's mandate
If you would like to apply to development internships and don't have a sample. We have created a little guide below:
First, Watch the video below, made by one of our alumni and some of our current students:
HOW TO DO COVERAGE (below)Second, read ICM's internal memo on how to create coverage. This is ICM's template but it's pretty universal:
ICM Coverage PacketFinally, cover a script. You should choose a script that has not been yet produced. A good option is to cover one of the scripts from the Blacklist:
Here's a folder with some unproduced scripts that you may want to use.
Having a sample coverage ready can be beneficial when applying for internships that require this skill.
Interviewing
Interviewing
Tips for successful interviews:
Tips for successful interviews:
1. Research the company thoroughly beforehand.
2. Review the job description and be ready to highlight your relevant skills.
3. Prepare a 1-minute pitch about yourself.
4. Focus on what you bring to the table, not just why you want to work there.
5. Have examples ready to demonstrate key skills (e.g., self-starter, quick learner, team player).
6. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer to show your curiosity and research.
7. Send a thank-you email after the interview.
What if the company wants academic confirmation?
What if the company wants academic confirmation?
If a company requests confirmation of your academic status or that you're receiving credit:
1. Send them the NYU LA Internship Supervisor Form.
2. On this form, they can request a letter from NYU confirming your enrollment.
3. Chateau will send this letter directly to the company.
Remember, when companies ask about "credit," they typically want to confirm you're a current student where an internship is required. Your NYU LA program includes this requirement as part of the Experiential Learning Seminar.
How to accept
internship offers
How to accept
internship offers
When you receive an offer:
When you receive an offer:
1. Respond within 48 hours, if possible.
2. If you need more time to decide:
Ask for the weekend to think it over
Request time to confirm with your academic advisor
Mention you're hoping for a paid opportunity (if applicable)
3. Be professional and express gratitude, even if you're still undecided.
4. If you have other pending applications, you can reach out to those companies to inform them of your offer and inquire about their timeline.
5. Consider the risks of declining an offer in hopes of a better one.
6. Never "ghost" a company – always provide a response, even if it's for saying you need more time, and specially if declining..
Remember, accepting an offer is a commitment. Avoid backing out after accepting, as it can harm your reputation and future opportunities for you and future NYU Los Angeles students.
What to do after you have accepted an internship
What to do after you have accepted an internship
1. Send the NYU LA Internship Supervisor Form to your new employer.
2. Ensure they complete and sign the form before your internship starts.
3. If you haven't received details about start/end dates, work days, or necessary forms within a week of accepting, follow up politely via email.
4. Prepare any required documentation or background checks.
5. Review the company's dress code and culture.
6. Plan your commute and ensure you can arrive on time.
7. Set up a system to balance your internship with your coursework.
Success in your internship
Success in your internship
To make the most of your internship:
To make the most of your internship:
1. Be punctual and reliable.
2. Dress appropriately for the company culture.
3. Take initiative and ask for additional tasks when you complete assigned work.
4. Network with colleagues and other interns.
5. Keep a journal of your experiences and lessons learned.
6. Seek feedback regularly from your supervisor.
7. Stay positive and maintain a professional attitude, even in challenging situations.
8. Look for opportunities to contribute beyond your assigned tasks.
9. Be open to learning and trying new things.
10. Maintain open communication with your NYU LA advisor about your experience.
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