In a new series, we explore some of the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ most helpful resources, introduced by the staff and faculty who manage them. In this installment, we talk with Director of Internships & Special Programs Meghan Laughlin about everything SDA’s internships program has to offer.

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Tell us about yourself and your role in Internships & Special Programs.

Meghan Laughlin: When it comes to internships – it’s my job to serve as a central resource for students in all things related to pre-professional opportunities. We talk about their career interests, strategize on the search and work together on preparing application materials. At the same time, I cultivate relationships with industry organizations who offer internships so they are aware of the exceptional SDA students and ensure applications from SDA are given full consideration. The Special Programs part is hard to define, but that’s what I love about it! Almost anything can be “special” – but it tends to encompass professional development and any/all programing that involves guest artists/industry relations.

Why are internships a valuable resource that SDA students should know about?

Internships are an incredible opportunity to go beyond classroom learning and fine tune those skills that will be essential in any workplace. It’s often through an internship that students are introduced to the numerous professions in the field and which expands their view of what is possible after graduation. Students are not required to intern as part of their degree path, but I hope all of them consider making time during their SDA journey.

What is the most underutilized resource at Internships & Special Programs?

My “Internships” page on the SDA student portal is a comprehensive guide and full of resources. I have spent years collecting information to create a “one stop shop” for students where everything they need, for every step of this process, is centralized. I think it gets lost in the shuffle when students arrive but should be their first stop when thinking about an internship and how to get started.

What is one thing about internships you wish all SDA students knew?

You are not expected to have experience in a specific job path in order to intern. So many students think they do not have the right skill set/background and won’t be competitive for a certain position. Not true! An internship is as entry level as it gets and regardless of the pursuit, you already possess what you need to be successful in any internship.

How can SDA students learn more if they’re curious about internships?

Meet with me! I’m only an email away and make myself very available to students around their schedules. Also, I host a Zoom event every November and we cover the internship topic from every angle. There is so much to consider even before applying and it’s up to the student to take advantage of resources.