Full Sail University: Internship Placement Support For Students

Full Sail University offers internships to its students and graduates. The Extended Studies Internship Program is a free, optional service available to graduates and active students who have completed 50% of their degree program and are in good standing with the university. The program is designed to give students a hands-on working experience in their chosen field. The Career Development Department at Full Sail University assists students in their job search by helping them prepare resumes and research the job market. They also maintain a record of potential employers. Reviews from interns at Full Sail University are generally positive, with many highlighting the opportunity to work on personal projects and gain valuable experience.

Full Sail University's Career Development department

The Career Development team offers seven career modules, which are one-credit independent learning experiences integrated into campus and online undergraduate programs. These modules cover topics such as personal branding, career research, resume writing, career strategies, networking, and interviewing skills. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well-prepared for their job search and have the necessary tools to succeed.

Additionally, the Extended Studies Internship Program is a free, optional service available to qualified Full Sail University graduates. This program provides students with hands-on working experience in their chosen field, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a real-world environment and gain a solid understanding of their industry.

The Career Development department also supports students in tailoring their resumes for specific internship opportunities. They advise students to have their resumes reviewed by professionals to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. The team emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted resume in getting noticed by potential employers.

For graduates, the Career Development department remains a valuable resource throughout their careers. Graduates can connect with the department through CareerSync, a private online portal, to search and apply for jobs and receive ongoing assistance in their job search. The department's strong industry connections, maintained through graduates and employers, further enhance their ability to support students in pursuing their career goals.

The benefits of internships

Internships are a great way to gain experience in your chosen field and can be hugely beneficial to students in a number of ways. They are a critical component of the college experience, offering a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

Job Experience

An internship is a perfect way to gain valuable work experience and fill the gap between education and employment. You can gain exposure to how a business in your chosen field operates, take part in meetings and complete tasks in a real-world setting.

Research Experience

In certain fields, such as scientific research, an internship might involve assisting in a lab. This provides an opportunity to test the research skills you've learned in a practical setting and contribute to important work.

Access to a Variety of Tasks and Departments

Internships can expose you to a range of tasks and departments, allowing you to work with senior management, sit in on meetings, and complete small tasks for various projects. This can be especially useful if your field of study was broad, as it helps you to determine a more specific career path.

Mentorship

An internship provides an opportunity to find a mentor who can guide your career path and provide valuable advice. Mentors can help you establish professional connections and develop your skills.

Guide Career Goals

An internship can help you decide if a certain career is right for you, by introducing you to the daily tasks and rigours of a job without a long-term commitment. It can also help you meet people who can give career advice and guidance.

Build a Professional Network

Meeting others in your field is key to successful job searching, and internships are a practical way to expand your network. The professionals you meet could be valuable connections for future jobs, so showing enthusiasm and willingness to learn can be very beneficial.

Build a Strong Resume

The experience gained from an internship will enable you to add specific details to your resume, making it more appealing to potential employers. You will be able to clearly describe your objectives for a permanent position and provide examples of your accomplishments.

Secure Good References and Recommendations

Supervisors and mentors from your internship can provide valuable references for future job applications. Positive relationships formed during an internship can increase the likelihood of receiving recommendations for open positions.

Transition to a Permanent Job

A successful internship may lead to a permanent position at the company. Internships are often used by hiring managers as a way to find good candidates for open roles. Even if there are no permanent positions available, you will still gain valuable contacts and mentors in your field.

Build Confidence

The transition from college to full-time employment can be daunting, and an internship can help to ease this process. It provides an opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge in a practical situation, observe excellent time management skills, and develop valuable collaboration and cooperation skills.

Other Benefits

Internships can also provide an opportunity to work on personal projects, gain experience in a fun and engaging environment, and meet people from around the world with diverse and creative ideas.

The application process

Full Sail University's Career Development Department assists students in the job search process by helping them prepare their resumes and research the job market. They also maintain an updated record of potential employers in the industry.

The first step in applying for an internship is to get on a company's radar by sending in your resume. When applying for an internship position, it is important to research the company to help determine which resume format style will work in your favour. Taking the time to read and follow the application directions thoroughly before submitting your resume is also crucial.

Rachele Travaglini, Career Advisor, Business in Full Sail University’s Career Development department, says:

> “Have professionals – whether they be instructors or Career Development Advisors – review your resume for spelling and grammatical errors. You may be your own best critic, but others will see things you may have missed.”

Rachele also points out that there is no need to worry if you don't have enough relevant content on your resume, as Career Development is available to work with you to tailor your industry experience to the internship lead.

Once you've made it to the interview stage, all of the normal etiquette that you would consider for any type of job interview can be applied. Dress professionally, show up at least ten minutes prior to your scheduled appointment, and bring your polished résumé along with references on a separate sheet of paper.

Beyond those professional standards, it is also important to play an active role in the interview process by asking meaningful questions – not just to demonstrate your interest to the interviewer, but also to help you determine whether or not the position is ideal for you.

Career Development Vice President Tammy Elliot stresses that the information that you learn about the position (both through your questions and additional research that you complete prior to the interview) is absolutely essential.

> “Sometimes these internships are the only way to get your foot in the door [of a company],” says Tammy. “And my response to students is always, ‘you best be sure that you want to be on the other side of that door.”

A great way to determine whether or not you want to end up with the internship position at a particular company is to reach out to those who have previously held that position. Advanced Entertainment Law Course Director Cassi Willard, Esq. suggests searching for people on LinkedIn who have interned at the company you’re interested in, and asking them about their experience.

> “Make sure you vet whatever opportunities you have very thoroughly, because not only is it your first experience in the industry potentially, but it is also now a line on your resume,” says Cassi. “It may not be an affiliation you want and it may not be an opportunity worth forgoing something else that’s already out there.”

Full Sail University also offers an Extended Studies Internship Program, which is a free, optional service to qualified students and is available to any Full Sail University graduate in good standing. Students must graduate from a Full Sail University degree program before applying for an Internship. Active students who have successfully completed 50% of their degree program and are in good standing (both academically and financially) with the University will also be considered. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Interview preparation

Full Sail University offers an Extended Studies Internship Program to its graduates, which is a free, optional service to qualified students. The internship program is designed to give students a hands-on working experience in a real-world environment, allowing them to apply what they learned during their degree program.

While the university provides this opportunity, it is up to the students to take the initiative and prepare for the interview process. Here are some tips for interview preparation:

Know the Company

Research the company you are applying to. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you determine if the company is a good fit for you but also demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm during the interview.

Prepare Your Resume

Have your resume reviewed by professionals, such as instructors or Career Development Advisors, who can help identify any spelling or grammatical errors and ensure it is tailored to the internship position. Be truthful and creative in your content, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.

Dress Professionally

First impressions are important. Ensure you dress appropriately for the interview, adhering to professional standards. This demonstrates your respect for the interviewer and the company.

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least ten minutes before your scheduled interview time. This shows punctuality and time management skills, which are valuable traits in any potential intern or employee.

Bring Necessary Documents

Bring multiple copies of your polished resume and a separate sheet of paper with references. It is also a good idea to bring a notepad and pen to take notes during the interview and a list of questions you may have.

Ask Meaningful Questions

Play an active role in the interview process by asking meaningful questions. This demonstrates your interest in the position and helps you gather important information to make an informed decision about the internship. Ask about the interviewer's journey with the company, the next steps in the hiring process, and any other specific details you may want to know.

Utilize Career Development Resources

Full Sail University's Career Development department is a valuable resource for students. They can assist with resume preparation, provide industry connections, and offer guidance throughout the job search process. Take advantage of their support to optimize your interview preparation.

Reach Out to Alumni

Connect with Full Sail University alumni who have previously interned at the company you're interested in. You can use LinkedIn to find and contact them, asking about their experience and gaining valuable insights into the internship opportunity.

Be Confident

Believe in yourself and your abilities. An internship is a learning opportunity, and it is normal to feel nervous, but try to stay calm and confident during the interview. Remember, the company has shown interest in you by offering an interview, so showcase your best self!

By following these tips and utilizing the resources available through Full Sail University, you can confidently prepare for your interview and increase your chances of securing the internship position.

Alumni success stories

Full Sail University's Career Development Department assists students in their job search by helping them prepare their resumes and research the job market. The department also maintains an updated record of potential employers in the industry. This assistance is available to all graduates throughout their careers.

The university also has an Industry Outreach team that helps establish relationships between companies and the Career Development Department.

Full Sail University alumni have gone on to work on iconic albums, influential movies, top-grossing world tours, and blockbuster games. They have also been involved in developing hardware and software, conceptualizing ad campaigns, and designing environments and events.

Ted DiNola (Game Development, 2010) was fascinated by a game called Sword of the Stars. He reached out to the game's creator online and asked if they needed any interns. Ted spent the next three months in Vancouver, helping with the game's expansion pack. His internship laid the groundwork for his current position as a Developer Relations Engineer at Oculus VR.

Ashley Bennett (Game Development, 2006) also reached out to a game developer online. Towards the end of his time at Full Sail, he registered to attend the Game Developer's Conference (GDC) in San Jose, CA. He researched the attendees and wrote to an employee of Electronic Arts Online. This initiated an interview process, and Ashley accepted a full-time job with EA before his graduation date. Today, Ashley is a Technical Program Manager at Facebook.

Jonathan Ramos (Simulation & Visualization, 2017) is a software engineer at Engineering and Computer Simulations. He says that a Full Sail Course Director helped him land his first post-graduation job as a junior software engineer at Leidos, where he learned workflow basics that set him up for success.

Frequently asked questions