As college students, we at College Magazine know the importance of snagging that note-worthy internship for perfect post-graduation-dream-job land. These intensive summer internships may keep you from reading tabloids by the pool with your friends, but who cares to read about the stars when you could be among them?
We’ve researched some of the most boisterous and brag-worthy internship programs for college students in the entertainment business so you don’t have to.
1. ASME
The ASME (American Society of Magazine Editors) internship program is top-of-the-line for students hoping to get their hands dirty in the magazine business. ASME hooks students up with internships in some of the biggest names in the industry, including: National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, People, Popular Science… and that’s just naming a few!
Why You Should Go For It: Paid (around $350 a week), located in New York City, chance to mingle with top editors, past interns are now chief-editors at prestigious names such as Time Inc., Money, and Newsweek magazine.
Potential Setbacks: You’re responsible for your own travel, meals, housing and personal experiences; only 10% of applicants are lucky enough to score the position.
2. AEG
If you’re leaning more toward the music industry, AEG Live is the perfect place to shape your career. AEG Live is the second largest concert promotion, special event and touring company in the world. Ever heard of Coachella? Who are we kidding, of course you have! AEG is responsible for this giant instrument-idolizing shindig. They’re also responsible for some very high-profile tours, including Taylor Swift, Usher, Justin Bieber and Carrie Underwood.
Why You Should Go For It: Internships are available in multiple cities, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, and Denver and worldwide. School credit is available.
Potential Setbacks: Unpaid. You’re responsible for own housing, travel, and expenses.
To see what other students are doing through AEG, check out their intern blog.
3. Viacom
What better way to immerse students in production than through channels they watch every day? This self-proclaimed powerhouse puts students behind the scenes of MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, TeenNick, SpikeTV and more.
Why You Should Go For It: Students can receive academic credit, graduate students are accepted, and opportunities are located in multiple states. Viacom hosts many areas of focus: Special events, talent and casting, radio, public affairs, photography, graphics, marketing, editorial, digital media, animation (check online for practically every other area of study). They also offer an intensive paid internship for postgrads.
Potential Setbacks: Other than experience, you won’t be earning a dime. Also, summer internships are far outnumbered by fall and spring positions.
4. ABC News
So maybe Britney Spears’ latest fashion faux pas isn’t exactly what you’re into, but thousands of fans jammed together in one, giant mosh pit isn’t quite doing it for you either. Maybe something a little more Diane Sawyer is your style? ABC News allows college students to get up close and personal with their favorite anchors and television personalities in a variety of programs, including, but not limited to: Good Morning America, World News with Diane Sawyer, World News Now and 20/20.
Why You Should Go For It: You won’t only be gaining experience, this position also pays an hourly rate (the only paid internship program in network news, according to their website)! Graduate students are eligible.
Potential Setbacks: This television internship is paid… is there really any room to complain?
Well, we’ve offered up some of our best knowledge in top-notch internships in magazines, music, television and broadcast news. If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect internship, we’ll leave you with one secret (er, not so secret anymore) weapon to finding the coolest internships in media (and in general). Whether you’re looking for a glamorous internship among stars, or something a little more low-key and alternative, start your journey right here on our website, under the Intern tab. We could explain to you why it’s helpful, or you could just go and find out yourself.
