The Center for Life and Work

An internship is an on-site work experience that is directly related to either your program or career interest.  It is completed during the fall, spring or summer semester and can be paid or unpaid. An internship provides the opportunity to:

• Gain valuable work experience before graduating;

• Develop new skills and refine others;

• Apply knowledge gained from coursework to on-the-job situations;

• Reality-test tentative career choices;

• Meet and work with professionals, establishing contacts for letters of reference and networking;

• Experience new work environments;

• Earn money for tuition and expenses.

Students that are in good academic standing are eligible to complete an internship. BFA 1s are encouraged to do an internship after completing two semesters.

• Begin the search at least a semester before you plan to do the internship. Be aware of application deadlines.

• Talk to your faculty and network within your social and school circles to find out if they know of any leads.

• Search for positions online. If there are specific companies you are interested in, search their website for internship opportunities. You can also enter phrases such as “music internships in Los Angeles” in your search engine.

• Join our our e-newsletter for information about on campus recruiting opportunities, such as the Job and Internship Fair.

You may receive academic credit through your internship if:

• The internship is directly related to either your program or your career interest

• The internship is at least 45 total hours for BFA or 60 total hours for MFA/MA

• A faculty member (preferably in your school) approves of your internship and agrees to be your faculty supervisor and issue you and grade at the end of the semester

• The Internship Contract and Waiver are submitted by the listed deadlines to The Center for Life and Work

• The student successfully completed the agreed upon hours listed on the Internship Contract

• A reflective essay and site evaluation completed by the student is submitted to The Center for Life and Work by the listed deadline

• A student evaluation completed by the internship supervisor is completed and submitted to The Center for Life and Work by the intern by the listed deadline

Yes. International students are eligible to complete authorized internship opportunities through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). For more information, contact the International Student Affairs by emailing international@calarts.edu.

Students (excluding International students) may engage in an internship with a company without completing the Internship Contract and Waiver.  However, we encourage students to register their internship so that there is a clear learning agreement between the student and the employer.