12 Internships in Los Angeles for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 12 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Internships are a great way for college students to boost their resumes and prepare for life after graduation. In a city like Los Angeles, with industries like entertainment, tech, and fashion, internships offer college students experience in a range of fields. Whether you’re aiming to work in media, finance, or healthcare, interning helps you develop skills, connect with professionals, and prepare to enter the job market. Having internships on your resume can show future employers that you’ve got the technical skillset and adaptability to excel at work.
We’ve curated a list of 12 of the best internships in Los Angeles, ideal for college students who want meaningful industry exposure.Â
12 Internships in Los Angeles for College Students
Location:Â Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline:Â Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).Â
Program dates:Â Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
Location: El Segundo, Los Angeles California
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a degree program, be eligible to work in the U.S., and must not have prior full-time professional journalism experience.
Cost/Stipend: $18.50 an hour
Application Deadline:Â November 15
Dates: Summer: June to late August; Spring: January to March (10 weeks)Â
Interested in joining a leading newsroom and working alongside some of the best journalists in the industry? The Los Angeles Times offers a prestigious 10-week paid internship, where you’ll contribute to high-impact journalism. Interns work in different sections, such as Metro/Local covering breaking news in and around Los Angeles, from crime to community issues, Entertainment & Arts, where they can dive into L.A.'s vibrant culture, reporting on film, TV, music, and celebrity news. This program offers a well-rounded experience, providing exposure to the fast-paced nature of a major publication and preparing students for a future in journalism. It’s an opportunity to hone your skills, build a portfolio, and gain practical experience. Students should be prepared for long hours and the challenges of working in a professional newsroom setting.
Location: San Pedro, Los Angeles, California
Eligibility: Applicants must be community college or university students returning in the fall, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA (3.0 for graduate students)
Cost/Stipend: $17.00-$18.48 per hourÂ
Application Deadline: TBA; check this website for updates
Dates: June 3 - August 9
The LA Port’s Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students a chance to gain real-world experience, network with professionals, and develop personally and professionally at the Port Authority, dealing with shipping, engineering problems, and other city-related issues. The program emphasizes matching students to roles where they can contribute meaningfully while learning about port operations, environmental initiatives, logistics, trade, and more. Interns benefit from exposure to the daily workings of a major international trade hub.Â
Location: Los Angeles
Eligibility: Open to currently enrolled undergraduate (2 or 4-year) and community college students who reside or attend college in Los Angeles County.
Cost/Stipend: $17.28/hour
Application Deadline: Rolling applications open on March 1. Check this page for updatesÂ
Dates: 400 hours to be completed between April and March of the following year.Â
The LA County Arts Internship Program offers undergraduate students a chance to gain experience in the nonprofit arts sector, working with a wide range of organizations in performing arts, media, film, literary arts, social justice, and municipal arts. Check here to see the list of organizations looking to get connected with interns. Launched by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2000, the program aims to provide meaningful, hands-on training to students, equipping them with essential skills for careers in the arts and public engagement. Interns will not only deepen their understanding of the creative economy but also develop transferable skills that are valuable across industries.
Location: Los Angeles County
Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled at a partnering college/university and are at least 16 years of age at the time of enrollment. Write to the internship coordinators here to check if your college is listed.Â
Cost/Stipend: UnpaidÂ
Application Deadline: Not mentioned. Write to the internship coordinators here for more details
Dates: Not mentioned. Dates differ for the different programs/departments.Â
The Los Angeles County Academic Internships provide you with on-the-job training, real-life work experience, and endless career opportunities. Students currently enrolled in college can complete internships for academic credit at partnering institutions. Students can gain on-the-job training and experience while pursuing a degree or professional certification. The program’s goal is to place college/university students within County departments as student interns for the completion of specific projects, research, or studies ordered by the Board of Supervisors or developed by a County department. Projects are designed to offer each intern a practical and meaningful work experience. Interns normally spend 8-16 hours per week at their internship unless noted differently in the project description. You can choose to intern with any government department in LA County, such as the Public Works Dept, Consumer Business Affairs, Sheriff Dept, Public Health Dept, etc.
Location: Los Angeles
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, taking at least one class, must be eligible to work in the US, and must be at least 18 years old
Cost/Stipend: $22 per hour in California
Application Deadline: Not mentioned, please check the website for further details.Â
Dates: January - JuneÂ
Disney’s Los Angeles offices offer year-round internships, structured on a semester basis (Fall, Spring, Summer). These internships span multiple departments, from creative roles to behind-the-scenes operations, providing a wide range of opportunities for students. Interns work with industry leaders, applying classroom knowledge while contributing to Disney's storytelling and innovation. You can learn your trade at the many corporate and creative departments at Disney, which include companies such as Marvel, FX Programming, and many more. Many opportunities in different departments, such as animation, accounts, CSR, data analysis, engineering, special effects, sound department, etc.
Location: Los Angeles, along with other locations
Eligibility: Applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree during the length of the program
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Application Deadline:Â November 24
Dates: February 10 - April 18
The FOX Internship Program offers an opportunity to gain practical experience at one of the biggest sports, media, and entertainment companies in the world. You will have the opportunity to participate in real-world projects, which provide valuable work experience and leadership skills. FOX offers placements in areas such as Production, Editorial, Art & Design, Technology, Research & Analytics, Corporate, Communications, and Marketing. Interns gain hands-on experience and have multiple opportunities for professional growth through the program’s Master Classes, which feature panels and discussions on industry knowledge and software systems. The Professional Development Series focuses on enhancing skills and career readiness, while Networking Opportunities allow interns to connect with peers and industry professionals, building valuable relationships for the future. Check this page to see the current openings.
Location: Los Angeles
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program (other department-specific requirements can be explored on the portal)
Stipend: $24 - $38/hour
Application Deadline: Not mentioned, please check this website to see listings in LA
Dates: 12-week internship in the summerÂ
EA Sports offers an internship program for students interested in the gaming and entertainment industry. With a vast portfolio of games and a global presence, EA provides an opportunity to gain experience in a creative environment. Interns work in various departments, from engineering and game design to concept art, audio, and music design. The program begins with an exciting on-site orientation, bringing together interns to prepare them for their roles and the future of work. Depending on location, EA offers flexible working environments, including remote and hybrid opportunities. With access to leadership, creative experimentation, and collaboration with industry experts, this internship is a launchpad for students eager to contribute to the next generation of gaming experiences. For specific listings and department opportunities, students can explore the EA Sports internship portal to find the right fit for their skills and interests.Â
Location: Los Angeles
Eligibility: Students must attend Oxy College and must also complete the following career education seminars: HCC 101, HCC 102, HCC 200, a Resume Writing Workshop, and an Interview Preparation Workshop.
Stipend: Not mentioned, depends on the particular organization
Application Dates:Â February 7
Dates: May 29 – August 1
The InternLA program at Occidental College offers an opportunity for students to gain experience working with Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations during the summer. This donor-funded initiative is designed to provide Oxy students with valuable work exposure in various fields, while also supporting them through an educational stipend and need-based on-campus housing. There are many opportunities for students in the InternLA program to be connected to many different organizations working in various fields such as business, law & policy, media and entertainment, STEM Research, social services advocacy, and visual and performing arts.Â
Location: UCLA TFTÂ
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Application Deadline:Â Not mentioned
Dates: Not mentioned
The UCLA TFT Film & TV Internship Program is open to enrolled juniors, seniors, and graduate students. The Department of Film, Television, and Digital Media offers academic credit for internships in Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters through courses FILM TV 195 (for undergraduate senior and junior FTVDM majors only) and 498 (FTVDM graduate students only). During the summer, course 195 is used for internship credit by students enrolled in our Summer Institute programs. International students interested in pursuing a paid or unpaid internship must consult the UCLA Dashew Center about required protocols for international students who wish to pursue an internship in the U.S. They also run a parallel program of internships for theater. Inquire here for more info!
Location: Los Angeles
Eligibility: Students must be in an Entertainment Studies or Screenwriting certificate program. Domestic students need at least 12 completed units, while international students on an F-1 Visa must finish 36 credit units over 9 months before qualifying for internships.
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned, depends on the particular company
Application Deadline: Not mentioned, please check the website for further details.Â
Dates: 12 weeks in the following tranches - late September to mid-December (Fall), January to March (Winter), April to mid-June (Spring), and July to late September (Summer)
The internship program at UCLA Extension offers certificate students an opportunity to gain practical experience in the fields of film, television, music, and entertainment media. Designed exclusively for students enrolled in certificate programs, this internship allows individuals who have completed a substantial portion of their coursework to receive elective credit while immersing themselves in the industry. Each quarter, UCLA Extension is contacted by studios, agencies and management companies, networks, and production companies who seek qualified UCLA Extension applicants. Internships are available across a variety of companies and roles, providing a rich environment for learning and professional development. Their students have worked at many high-profile companies, including CBS, Capitol Records, Dreamworks, HBO Films, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Lionsgate, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Showtime, Sony Pictures, and 20th Century Fox.
Location: Los Angeles
Eligibility: Applicants must be Park School of Communications (ICLA) majors or minors, or have ICLA Director approval, with 60 credits completed by the semester start. Graduating seniors can also apply.
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned, will depend on the company
Application Deadline:Â October 4Â
Dates: January 15 – May 2
Ithaca College LA students have the chance to gain hands-on experience and insight into the entertainment industry through internships in Los Angeles. These internships help students understand how the West Coast communications and entertainment sectors operate while building valuable professional networks for post-graduation job searches. The ICLA program provides guidance and resources to students throughout their internship process, from applying to securing positions. Students in the fall or spring semesters must register for 6, 7, or 8 credits, working 45 hours per credit at one or more internship sites. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who assists with the internship search and supports them throughout the semester.Â
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - UCLA logo