Interested in finding an internship in the arts and/or applying to SIPA?
The following resources can help you through the process.
Crafting Your SIPA Resume
Resumes tell the story of your education and accomplishments. You may need to tailor the format and content of your resume depending on how it will be used (e.g. focusing on artistic achievements when applying for project grants, highlighting leadership experience when applying to administrative opportunities, etc.)
For SIPA internships we recommend using a hybrid resume format. This style blends your academic, administrative/leadership, and artistic experiences into one document.
Meaningful Work Kit
This online self-assessment can help you determine what makes you thrive, what meaningful work looks like for you, and what values are guiding you at any stage of their career journey. The results can be used to craft your application personal statement and key skills to highlight on your resume.
Writing Your SIPA Personal Statement
The personal statement questions are your opportunity to express why you are interested in this particular fellowship experience. The selection committee is interested in both your personal and academic reasons for applying to this program. Be specific in your responses to the questions, yet succinct.
- Think of your personal statement as your cover letter. It should speak directly to why you want to work for this specific position at this particular organization for each of your proposed host organizations.
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- Carefully review the organization's website. Pay particular attention to the mission statement, history, and program pages.
- Provide context for your passion/enthusiasm for this particular industry and organization. How will this opportunity put you on track for your future goals?
- "I love film" isn't a strong point, but "I loved this film as part of this program of yours that relates to your mission and this is how this position with you which relates to my future goals" is better
- Proofread your application! Don't rely solely on spellcheck.
What Do I Need in My Application?
All materials are submitted via SOLO.
Pre-Arranged (on-campus) Internships
- Submitted by Student
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Internship placement preferences
- Name & contact info for a professional reference
Self-Designed (off-campus) Internships
- Submitted by Student
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Name & contact info for a professional reference
- Submitted by Host Organization
Requesting a Reference
- Reach out to your reference provider well in advance of the application deadline to confirm that they are willing and able to provide a recommendation.
- Provide your reference provider with information about the opportunity, including: program description, your resume, and your learning goals for the internship.
- Make sure to let your reference provider know that they do not need to write a formal recommendation for your application. Instead, SIPA program staff may reach out to your reference provider during the application review process with specific questions. (Don't worry--applicants will be notified in advance.)
- Send a thank you to your recommendation provider once you know the results of your application. Even if you didn't get selected it's good to let your recommendation provider know as they're invested in your career development.
Find an Off-Campus Internship
Students applying for the self-designed track propose their own placements with organizations with which they have corresponded before the application deadline and effectively demonstrate that their intended partner organization has the need, interest and capacity to work with a SIPA intern. Start this process early!
The first place to start your search is Handshake. You can even search by keyword and set up alerts for when new opportunities are posted.
The following lists can provide ideas for possible placements. You're not limited to the organizations on these lists!
Need additional help with your resume or finding a host organization? Connect with one of the many Stanford staff members who can meet with you 1:1.
Ask about: Application guidance
Ask about: Creating a compelling resume, crafting internship search strategies, interview prep
Ask about: Writing your SIPA application personal statement
Contact:
Sabrina Wilensky (she/her)
Director of Program Operations and Project Management
Office of the Vice President for the Arts
swilensk@stanford.edu
