Petroc Menuhin Intern at Shoguns Animation

Many congratulations to 2nd year animation undergraduate Petroc Menuhin, who has won a summer animation internship with London-based Shoguns Animation.

Doing a summer internship in animation is a great start to any animation career, and we strongly encourage all our students to do internships; it's the best way to get experience of working in a real studio.

Petroc Menuhin

Why internships matter

Finding internships in the animation industry isn't easy. But in an increasingly competitive world for graduates trying to break into the creative industries, an internship can be an important step on the ladder to a successful career.

A successful internship brings experience, contacts, and direct understanding of what is needed to get a job with an animation company. So how do you go about finding an internship in the animation industry?

The answer, of course, is hard work and commitment. Expect to send a lot of letters and emails, and expect a lot of rejection. Occasionally, if you are lucky, internships will come to you, but for most students it's time to roll up your sleeves and get down to work.

Polish your demo reel
Lots of students just like you want to get internships. Companies tend to get lots of offers, and they can afford to be picky. So, you need to put your best foot forward. Polish your demo reel and make sure your work stands out from the crowd.

For our complete guide to making a great demo reel, read this post. Also, check out this post on what the Disney studio looks for in a great reel, and see what Sony Pictures has to say on the same subject.

Time to start blogging

Get your work online
Got yourself a blog or website? If not, why not? These days, employers won't wait for you to send them a reel - they want to click on your work.

So make sure your demo reel and artwork is hosted online at your blog or website. If you don't have one, do it now. 

free websites!

A blog is quick, easy and free to start. You can also build your own website at wix.com, which might take a little longer to create.

Which one you choose doesn't really matter, as long as it looks crisp and clean and is a good shopfront for your talent. For more on how to put together a free website or blog, see this post.

Polish your CV

Be the Rhino - develop a tough hide

The next thing you need is an up-to-date, short, and easily readable CV. For more on how to put together a great CV, read this post.

Get ready for interview
Company recruiters want to know that you are enthusiastic and motivated for the industry and the job role you are applying for.  You must research the company, and find out what your likely job will be.

Don't give up
Be the rhino. Expect rejection.  Keep at it and you will be rewarded.

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects. To find out more about our new BA/MArt, now recruiting for September 2019, follow this link.   To apply, visit the official page here.