» Entertainment Industry Internships

Internships provide invaluable opportunities to gain the practical experience needed to succeed in the film and entertainment industry.

Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, internships help you gain industry insight and build your portfolio. Plus, as a Chapman student you can pursue opportunities in Orange County, Los Angeles, online or even abroad.

This page will help you brainstorm, search, and plan for an ideal internship(s) that aligns with your interests and your academic/career goals.

Getting started

You can do an internship as early as your second semester, but feel free to start your search as early as you’d like!

• You can start your search process by booking an appointment with Dodge’s Career Center. 
• We also encourage you to join the Dodge College Careers Facebook Group, where industry-specific internships, jobs, and development opportunities are posted exclusively for Dodge students and alumni.
• Explore Chapman’s Career Center Handshake to find recommended jobs and internships and access additional career resources.

Majors/programs with internship requirements

The following Dodge College programs require you to complete an internship for academic credit to earn your degree.

• Creative Producing (BFA)
• Film and Television Producing (MFA, JD/MFA, and MBA/MFA)
• Screenwriting (MFA)
• The Showrunner Program (MFA)

Dodge industry partners

Industry professionals, many of them Chapman faculty and alumni, frequently connect with the Career Center to seek qualified Dodge students for internships or jobs. This strong network often leads to opportunities with major companies such as:

• A24
• Apple TV+
• Blumhouse Productions
• Creative Artists Agency
• DreamWorks Animation
• HBO
• Netflix
• Sony Pictures Entertainment
• Warner Bros
• WME Agency

Meet with Dodge’s Career Center to discuss which opportunities are best for you!

International internship opportunities

International internships offer valuable networking opportunities and experience that can enhance your resume and give you a global perspective on the film industry. 

You can find more details about international internships and how to register them for credit on the Study Abroad Opportunities for Dodge Students page.

Applying to internships

Once you’ve had an appointment with the Dodge Career Center and have explored your options, the next step is to market yourself to organizations of interest and submit your resume and other necessary materials.

When you should apply

Most organizations seek candidates to fill an immediate opening. This typically means you should be applying the semester before the anticipated start date.

Where to find internship opportunities

You can find internship opportunities in many different ways, such as:

• Searching Handshake for university-wide jobs and internships.
• Searching Dodge College Career Facebook group for opportunities exclusive to Dodge students/alumni.
• Networking with recruiters at Chapman Career Fairs.
• Joining Dodge student organizations for even more networking opportunities.
• Searching other organization websites for current internship openings, such as Indeed and/or LinkedIn.
  • On LinkedIn, use the Student Job Portal to find internship postings. Indeed, make sure to include the word “internship” in your search.
  • Visit our LinkedIn & Online Profiles page for helpful tips on how to build a successful LinkedIn profile.

You can also find an internship through your own personal network! Consider the following strategies:

• Contact your family, friends, professors, supervisors, and mentors and let them know that you are looking for an internship. Inquire about potential opportunities and ask for connections and leads.
• Connect with Chapman alumni for internship opportunities or advice using The Panther Network or LinkedIn.
• Follow up with past employers, contacts or recruiters with whom you have previously interacted for potential opportunities they know of.