How to Apply as an Intern

Educational and Apprentice Internships

Nonprofit Volunteers

  • A volunteer is someone who willingly gives their time, talent and expertise with no expectation of financial gain. Pacific Symphony accepts interns ages 17 and above.
  • Best practice for a volunteer is that the volunteer role will take 4-15 hours weekly.
  • All volunteers should sign a Volunteer and Intern Handbook so volunteers are aware of the organization’s expectations and the volunteer’s relationship with the organization.
  • Best practice dictates that the volunteer be given a Volunteer and Intern Handbook with details of the volunteer program that should be put into practice, acceptable behavior, etc.
  • Both the volunteer and the organization benefit from their mutual arrangement.
  • Ages 17-18 with an application, a signed Volunteer and Intern Handbook, and a signed parent/guardian waiver.

Educational Interns

  • A formal work experience that is part of an educational/training course. There are required educational outcomes that must be met and tracked/recorded.
  • The educational intern has a work plan in place that informs the assignment.
  • The intern is there to gain experience and develop skills in a particular field or occupation.
  • This is always a short term arrangement, possibly to align with a quarter, semester or project-based assignment of a few to several weeks.
  • An intern typically spends 10-15 hours weekly on this role.
  • The intern is the chief beneficiary of the arrangement.
  • Ages 17-18 with an application, a signed Volunteer and Intern Handbook, and a signed parent/guardian waiver.

Apprentice Interns

  • Interns spend between 4-19 hours weekly with the organization to gain a better understanding of the workings and day-to-day tasks of their prospective profession.
  • Interns have a variety of experiences in many of the organization’s departments to glean the best understanding of the overall operation.
  • Interns compete a variety of tasks throughout their placement, taking part in projects, presentations and events.
  • Interns have a position description that cites a variety of prospective experiences.
  • Ages 17-18 with an application, resume, signed Volunteer and Intern Handbook, and a signed parent/guardian waiver.

How to Apply as an Intern and the Onboarding Process

  • Complete the online Volunteer Services Intern Application

  • As well as completing the online application, all intern candidates must submit a resume to volunteerservices@pacificsymphony.org

  • You will be contacted by Volunteer Services to arrange an in-person or Zoom interview. The interview will take about 30 minutes or more and you will be asked general questions about your interest in interning with Pacific Symphony. Your specific skills, interests and background will be discussed during the interview.

  • You will be required to have a background check that will be administered by the Volunteer Services Department. There will be no charge to you for this service. All interns must receive clearance to participate in our internship program.

  • Next, you will be sent an Intern and Confidentiality Agreement to be signed by yourself if you are age 18 and above, and your parent/guardian if you are between the ages of 16-18.

  • If you will be interning with a specific Symphony department, Volunteer Services will arrange an in-person or Zoom interview with staff members from that department so they can get to know you, your abilities and skillset and together determine a good schedule for your internship.

  • You will start interning!

Contact Us

If you have questions about interning with Pacific Symphony, please contact:

Abby Edmunds
Volunteer Services
(714) 876-2353
VolunteerServices@PacificSymphony.org

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