As part of a new 10-week summer program, the Hollywood Bowl-Occidental College Internship program offers 10 internship opportunities for Occidental students to immerse themselves in experiential learning. Students will be provided with a $6000 educational stipend each to remove financial barriers. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, placements in orchestra management, production, communications, marketing and philanthropy, at The Ford, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
According to Jamila Chambers, Executive Director of the Hameetman Career Center, the internship program allows students to gain firsthand experience as they are placed across departments inside a globally renowned institution where arts, culture, and innovation intersect. Chambers said this partnership is particularly exciting because Occidental students are provided with access to the full ecosystem as contributors, not just observers.
“This internship grew out of a shared vision between Occidental College and the LA Phil to deepen experiential learning opportunities for students—particularly in Los Angeles, where access to world-class institutions is a defining advantage of an Oxy education,” Chambers said via email.
Chambers said this program aims to bridge classroom learning with real-world application through hands-on, meaningful and multifaceted work at a world-leading cultural institution.
“The program formally launched as a three-year pilot, supported by philanthropic investment to ensure that students can participate regardless of financial background,” Chambers said.
Music major Aliza Jetha (sophomore) said she was drawn to apply for the orchestra management internship by a desire to get a better understanding of the music industry before setting foot in the workforce.
“I want to work in the music industry as a composer,” Jetha said. “I feel like it would be a great opportunity, understanding how such a large-scale production works, [because] I know that there’s so many moving parts in the LA Phil.”
Gloria Lum, Occidental private lesson cello instructor and Linda and Maynard Brittan Chair at the LA Phil, said getting a professional opportunity with the LA Phil as a musician is incredibly competitive. Lum said over 120 applicants auditioned for one or two positions in the violin section.
According to Lum, this new internship opportunity allows students to learn about different moving parts of a very large organization such as management, development, fundraising, publicity and stage management.
“Being able [to] have an internship and get a peek into all that’s going on and all the [work it] takes to get an orchestra on stage […] would be a great experience for anyone who’s curious and who has the motivations to […] try out what’s it like to be in an art organization,” Lum said.
Jin-Shan Dai, Occidental private lesson violin instructor and violinist with the LA Phil, said getting the opportunity to work with The Hollywood Bowl will provide an eye-opening experience in which students will learn about how the professional orchestra world works.
“The Hollywood Bowl does a massive operation — probably one of the biggest […] musical operations in the world,” Dai said. “I don’t think there are many in the world that [do] as many different programs in the summer like The Hollywood Bowl. It’s really incredible.”
Lum said opportunities such as the Hollywood Bowl-Occidental College Internship are important stepping stones into careers. According to Lum, to participate in more professional opportunities, students should begin creating meaningful connections.
“There [are] a lot of people who started in management, they work their way up through an organization,” Lum said. “So, a lot of it is you get into a situation, you start knowing the people — this is where networking becomes incredibly important.”
According to Chambers, a core value of the program is transformation — to prepare Occidental students to lead and contribute meaningfully to their long-term careers. Chambers said the program helps students build skills, networks and confidence to enter competitive industries in the arts and cultural sector.
“The program also emphasizes mentorship and professional development, with structured learning sessions led by LA Phil leaders and opportunities for students to engage in cross-functional experiences throughout the summer, ” Chambers said.
Contact Villathina Ly at lyv@oxy.edu
