Internships and Careers in Film | American University School of Communication, Washington, DC

"If artistic aptitude isn’t nurtured, it doesn’t know what to do. You need some kind of mentor, some guidance. The fact that one professor at American University had enough interest in me led to working in a practical situation. That opportunity opened the door.”

– Barry Levinson, BA ’67 – Academy Award Director, Rainman; producer, director Wag the Dog; director, writer, Man of the Year; Participant, SOC Alumni Mentoring Program; Member, SOC Dean’s Advisory Council

Summer in L.A.

Summer in L.A. is an intensive, 8-week seminar course featuring SOC's top alumni talent in the industry. The small cohort of upper-class and grad students get an insider's view from the pros and gain first-hand experience through internships with some of the biggest names in the business. Read more

Classroom in the Wild

SOC’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking offers students a one-week alternative spring break program in the Chesapeake Bay to introduce them to the challenges of natural history field production. This week-long, non-credit class is for both beginner and advanced filmmakers and photographers who have an interest in the environment, natural history and the outdoors. The Center is also offering students a three credit, three week immersive course in HD filmmaking under challenging environmental and expeditionary conditions in Alaska. Read more

Visions Film Festival

SOC's annual VISIONS festival honors top SOC students whose work meets the highest standards of artistic and professional excellence. The VISIONS festival, which attracts respected media industry professionals and students from all disciplines, culminates with two major events: The VISIONS Festival Award Ceremony (Friday, April 30) and The VISIONS Screening of Award Winning Films. Read more

Prague Film & Photography Programs

The FAMU International Film Program is an enclave program designed for students highly motivated to produce and direct their own stories in super 16mm film. The Photography Program is for students with a background in photography who want to develop their skills and portfolios by working with master photographer, Miroslav Vojtchovský. Both programs are offered every semester. Read more.

Mentoring Program

SOC’s unique mentoring program is bridging the gap between the classroom and the professional world as students prepare for future careers in communication. In 2008, 84 upper-level and graduate students were paired for career advice with 84 SOC alumni who are thriving in their fields. Whether it is counseling mentees on their future career goals, sharing tips to improve resumes and portfolios or helping students land internships and job opportunities, professional mentors are an invaluable source of knowledge and experience for students. Read more

Internships

Internships are a way of life at SOC. The School of Communication offers undergrad and graduate students the opportunity to get course credit for one internship but most students have two or three, thanks to faculty and alumni who share their professional contacts.