Information for Students

An internship is a great way to prepare for a career in the entertainment industry. This page provides enrolled UCLA students with information on how to obtain an internship, how to enroll in an internship class, and where to look for additional information.

Searching for Internships

Obtaining an internship is very similar to finding a job. It is ultimately your responsibility to secure the internship. But we provide some tools to assist you in the process. Start off with our “Applying for Internships” pamphlet.
Search for internships in BruinView, the UCLA Career Center’s comprehensive internship and job database. BruinView includes TFT-approved internships in the entertainment industry.

Please know that we make every effort to screen and approve only the most reputable companies. However, you are encouraged to further research these companies and use your own best judgment in pursuing the right opportunity. If you believe a company does not provide a professional and adequate work environment, please let us know: internships@tft.ucla.edu.

Enrolling in Internship Classes

Undergraduate Students

To receive credit for an internship, UCLA undergraduates must enroll in two classes: FILM TV 194 AND FILM TV 195:

FILM TV 194 AND 195 must be taken concurrently with the internship.

Eligibility:

Course requirements:

• Students earn two units for 194 and 4 units for the FILM TV 195 internship component.
• Students should conduct 3 interviews with individuals at the internship company and include a report with their final research paper.
• A completed time sheet, approved by the student’s site supervisor, and a company profile are required at the end of the quarter.
• Click here for the 195 syllabus.

Enrollment:

1. Contact our internship coordinator at internships@tft.ucla.edu and request your assignment to a faculty mentor.
2. After you have been assigned a faculty mentor you can enroll in FILM TV 194 directly through MyUCLA.
3. You will find that FILM TV 195 is “closed.” To enroll in FILM TV 195 you will need to complete a CONTRACT through MyUCLA. Click on the tab “Classes” in the top bar; in the drop-down menu choose “Contract Courses.” Follow the instructions (Click for a step-by-step manual). You should choose the FILM TV 194 instructor as faculty supervisor for 195. At the end of the process you will generate a PDF. Please print this out and attach to your Internship Package (see next step).
4. You will also have to complete and get all the signatures for the Liability Waiver, Student Learning Agreement and Worker’s Comp Agreement in the Internship Package. Your employer will have to approve and countersign the Student Learning Agreement and Worker’s Comp Agreement.
5. Drop off the completed Internship Package and the 195 Contract at the FTVDM Internship Office in 203 East Melnitz or email them to the Internship Coordinator: internships@tft.ucla.edu. Once the Director of the FTVDM Internship Program has approved the paperwork, your enrollment will be processed by TFT Student Services and FILM TV 195 will show up on your study list.
6. After you are formally enrolled you may request a proof of credit letter for your employer, if needed.

Graduate Students

TFT graduate students wishing to obtain academic credit for an FTVDM internship have to enroll in FILM TV 498 "Professional Internship." Students are expected to conduct independent research on their company and the marketplace at large under the supervision of the instructor. You have to commit 10 weeks to your internship and turn in your final assignments at the end of the internship via Turnitin.

Course Requirements:

Eligibility:

Enrollment:

Information for International Students

Different restrictions apply to J-1 and F-1 visa holders. Generally students who have been enrolled for three quarters fulfill the 9-months requirement for eligibility for post-program academic training (which includes non-paid internships). Please contact the International Center for more information and to determine your eligibility