
Internship
How Internships Help You Go From Student to Audio Pro
You’re learning fast. Recording. Mixing. Producing. But when school ends, how do you break into the industry?
That’s where an internship can change everything.
At many audio recording schools, internships are the bridge between school and your first professional gig. Whether you want to work in music, film, live sound, podcasting, or game audio, the right internship puts you in the room — and gives you the chance to prove yourself in a real studio, venue, or post house.
Here’s what to expect from audio school internships, why they matter, and how they can launch your career.
What Is an Audio Internship?
An internship is real-world experience, usually offered at the end of your program, where you work with a professional audio company — like a recording studio, live sound company, broadcast facility, post-production house, or production studio.
Internships can include:
- Assisting engineers in recording sessions
- Helping set up and tear down live events
- Editing podcast episodes or voiceovers
- Organizing files, session data, or gear
- Observing pro workflows in action
- Getting your hands on gear in a working environment
It’s your chance to step into the industry and start learning how things actually run.
Internships = Industry Access
One of the hardest parts about breaking into audio is getting in the door. Internships help you:
- Meet professionals already doing the job
- Get your name and face out there
- Build relationships with potential employers
- Earn references or letters of recommendation
- Hear about jobs, gigs, or assistant roles first
This is how careers actually start in audio — not just with a resume, but with relationships.
How Schools Help You Get Internships
Top audio recording schools have dedicated internship coordinators or career services teams who help students:
- Find internships that match their interests (music, film, live sound, etc.)
- Prepare resumes and portfolios
- Practice for interviews or studio visits
- Connect with internship partners and alumni
- Stay on track to graduate with internship credit
Some schools even have exclusive relationships with major studios, production houses, or touring companies — meaning you get access to opportunities that aren’t available to the general public.
Do Internships Pay?
It depends. Some internships are paid, especially if they’re with production companies, commercial studios, or corporate AV teams. Others are unpaid but for credit, meaning you’ll earn school credit and industry hours instead of money.
Regardless of pay, the value comes from:
- Real-world experience
- Professional relationships
- Resume builders
- Portfolio projects
- Getting your foot in the door
And in many cases, interns who show initiative and skill get hired when positions open up.
Real Projects, Real Studios, Real Credits
Many interns walk away with actual credits or portfolio material, like:
- Assisting on a music video or EP
- Supporting a live event or festival
- Editing VO for a podcast or ad campaign
- Contributing to a film or game audio project
- Being listed on a song release or IMDB page
That’s not just a resume boost — it’s a head start.
Where You Might Intern
Every school has different partners, but internship placements might include:
- Recording studios
- Post-production houses for film/TV
- Game development audio departments
- Live sound companies and venues
- Radio stations or broadcast media
- Podcast production companies
- AV tech firms or corporate event teams
Whether you’re in LA, NYC, Austin, Nashville, Phoenix, or anywhere else, schools work to match you with an opportunity.
What Employers Look For
When you land your internship, your mindset matters. Here’s what studios and supervisors are looking for:
- A good attitude
- Willingness to learn
- Punctuality and professionalism
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Humility and hustle
Be that person — and you might find yourself staying on long after your internship ends.
Why This Matters to You
You can learn a ton in class. But the moment you walk into a real session or help mix a live show, that’s when it hits different.
An internship is your launchpad — your chance to prove what you’ve learned, build relationships, and step into the world you’ve been training for.
If you’re serious about making audio your career, your internship could be the most important part of your journey.

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