FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLYING
Who is eligible to apply?
All CSU students and students who graduated no more than 12 months prior are eligible to apply. Please check the “How to Apply” section on the website to learn the necessary steps. The program requires that students be enrolled in an internship class before starting to work.
I am a graduated CSU student. Am I eligible?
Yes, graduated students are eligible to apply for 12 months following graduation as long as they can still enroll into an internship class. Please check with your department or the Registrar’s Office to find out if you are eligible to enroll.
Are there other ways to enroll besides my home campus?
Yes, you can enroll through the Media Internship Program, which enrolls students through Extended Education at San Francisco State University.
Which GPA should I count: local, transferred or overall?
We consider overall GPA as a standard, but students can use their local GPA.
How should I go about getting a faculty recommendation?
This is a very important part of your application. We require you to write the names of one or two references on your application. After verifying their status, we contact them with a simple questionnaire about you that reflects your ability to work in a specific area under a professional environment. For this reason, it is crucial that you refer to a faculty member who best knows you and your work in the area you are applying for.
Do I also need the faculty to write a letter of recommendation?
No. You only need to provide the faculty member’s name, phone number and email address. We will then check to verify that they are current CSU faculty and email them a questionnaire.
Can I get a faculty recommendation from a non-media professor?
You need a faculty recommendation from a professor who can speak to your skill level for the types of internships you’re interested in. In most cases, this will be a media faculty. But if, for example, you’re applying for a “script reader” internship, you could use an English/Lit. professor. If you’re interested in several very different internships, please have two faculty references that address your different skill sets.
Are internships offered only in the summer?
Although summer is our main focus, internships are available year-round. However, housing assistance is only available during summer.
Can I apply to multiple internships through both centers?
Yes, you can apply to multiple internships available in both Hollywood and the Bay Area. Please click on the box labeled “either” in the application form. Also indicate the type of internship you are looking for.
I don’t see any internship I like. Should I wait to apply until I find one?
The internship program not only provides a range of opportunities for students but also tries to match their needs. It is preferable to write at least three specific internships that you’re interested in from the internship postings on the website. This will help the program coordinators you into specific jobs. If those positions get filled, the coordinators will be able to substitute another suitable position, or even an internship that you haven’t thought of. If you do not see any internships listed in your area of interest (i.e. studio accounting or other business position), please state as clearly as possible on your application what area(s) you are interested in.
When is the best time to apply?
NOW! Do not wait, since this is a competitive program. We receive applications from over 15 CSU campuses and we process them on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Does applying confirm getting the internship?
NO. Application is step one. We carefully go through your resume, cover letter and then follow up on your faculty recommendation. If you do not meet the minimum requirements your will not qualify for an internship. Approved applications are forwarded to the employers who will call you for an interview (in person or by telephone). The employer makes the final decision.
It’s been more than a week since I applied and I haven’t heard from a program coordinator. What’s the hold up?
The coordinators will not contact you until we hear back from your faculty reference(s). If the faculty are slow to respond to us, this will delay your application. In addition, if you apply at or near a deadline for summer, fall or spring, it may take a little longer to process your application because of high volume. If you have not received a communication from the Media Internship Program two weeks after you emailed your application, please email mediainterns@calstate.edu.
I got a rejection letter from the CSU office saying my application was not strong enough. When can I apply again?
If your application is denied by the CSU internship team before sending it to the employer, you will have to wait until the following semester to apply.
I did not get through the final interview. Can I reapply for another internship?
Yes, you can reapply immediately for another internship if you don’t make it in the first one.
When and where is housing available?
We may be able to help you find housing during summer for interns in Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you are selected for an internship and do not already live in Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay area, contact mediainterns@calstate.edu for information about rates and availability.
I have a show-reel to show. Where can I send it?
At this point, we are not accepting any creative work/portfolio from students. We only require the online application and other documents. Do not send any additional material.
Are these internships paid?
With very few exceptions, these are essentially unpaid internships, offered for class credits only.
Who do I go to if I have to report a problem during my internship?
If you have any issues with your employer, nature of work or any other work related problems, you must first talk to the program coordinator for your region. They have exclusive relationships with the employers and will be more than willing to help you.
