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If you’re dreaming about working in animation, securing a DreamWorks Internship is a huge achievement. This award-winning studio has created some of the most legendary animated films and TV shows. The good news is that they offer early career opportunities that give future animators, storytellers, and technical artists a chance to shine. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DreamWorks Animation’s internship programs, apprenticeship opportunities, trainee initiatives, and their exclusive LAUNCH Fellowship Program. Plus, we’ll explore what real applicants say about the process and how you can improve your chances of landing an internship here.
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DreamWorks Animation Early Careers & Internships | College & High School Guide
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About DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation is a globally recognized animation studio. It is known for producing some of the most beloved animated films and TV series. Founded in 1994, the studio has delivered iconic franchises like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and Madagascar. It has earned numerous Academy Awards and industry honours. With a focus on storytelling, modern technology, and artistic excellence, DreamWorks has established itself as a leader in both feature films and television animation. The company continues to push the limits of creativity while maintaining a multicultural work environment where animators, storytellers, and artists bring imaginative worlds to life.
Animation Internships for College & High School Students – What You Need to Know
So, you’re dreaming of working at DreamWorks Animation? Good news. If you’re in college or a recent grad, you might have the chance to be selected for one of their super competitive, paid internships. And if you’re still in high school, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to start building your animation skills and get noticed early. Let’s break it all down!
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DreamWorks Animation Internships for College Students
If you’re in college and looking to enter the animation industry, DreamWorks intern jobs are one of the best ways to get real-world experience. You’ll get to work alongside professionals, contribute to real projects, and see how a professional animation studio operates.
Who Can Apply?
- Current college students (sophomores or higher) OR recent grads (within six months of graduation)
- Must be available for the full 10-week program (Spring, Summer, or Fall)
- Depending on the role, internships can be remote, hybrid, or in-person at DreamWorks HQ in Glendale, California
What Do DreamWorks Interns Actually Do?
- Work on real projects in feature films, TV animation, or production
- Attend exclusive training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs with industry pros
- Gain experience with CG animation, storyboarding, visual development, and technical pipelines
- Get exposure to industry-leading animation software and tools
- Network with professionals, which can open doors to a full-time job later
What About High School Students? Any Internships for Them?
Unfortunately, DreamWorks doesn’t offer internships for high school students, but don’t stress since there are plenty of ways to start learning animation and building your skills before college. Here’s how you can start getting the experience right now:
- DreamWorks Animation Summer Camps & Workshops
Sometimes, DreamWorks partners with animation schools to offer summer workshops and online courses. These programs are great for learning storyboarding, character design, and animation fundamentals. Keep an eye out for collaborations with art schools or virtual training programs!
- Free & Affordable Online Learning
Want to learn animation without spending a lot of money? Here are some of the best free ways to start learning:
- Khan Academy – Pixar in a Box (Free! Covers everything from character movement to story development.)
- Coursera & Udemy (Tons of beginner-friendly courses taught by animation pros.)
- Toon Boom & Blender Tutorials (Free tools to practice animation and start building a portfolio.)
- Pre-College Animation Programs
If you want to improve your skills, check out summer animation programs at top art schools like:
- CalArts (California Institute of the Arts – One of the best for animation!)
- Ringling College of Art & Design (Offers pre-college programs in animation & storytelling.)
- SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) (Great for animation training.)
- Enter Animation Contests & Festivals
Even as a high school student, you can get recognized in the industry by submitting your work to animation festivals and competitions like:
- The Walt Disney Imagineering Storytelling Contest
- Nickelodeon’s Animated Shorts Program
- National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)
Winning (or even just entering) these competitions can help you build your portfolio and get you noticed by industry professionals.
Internships at DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks offers a paid internship program that lets you work alongside professionals in the industry. Here’s a detailed explanation of how it works:
How Long Are Internships at DreamWorks?
Internships run for 10 weeks and are available three times a year:
- Spring (January–April)
- Summer (June–August)
- Fall (September–December)
Interns work on real projects while gathering experience in various departments like animation, production, marketing, software engineering, music, and more.
Who Can Apply?
DreamWorks’ internship program is open to students currently enrolled in college or those who have graduated within six months of applying. This means that if you’ve recently finished school, you still have a chance to be considered for one of these roles!
Is the Internship Paid?
Yes! These internships are paid, and depending on the department, the opportunity may be remote, hybrid, or in-person at their studios.
Internship Departments at DreamWorks
Here’s a look at some of the internship positions available at DreamWorks:
- Business Affairs/Legal
- Feature & TV Animation Production
- CFX/FX (Character Effects & Special Effects)
- Current & Preschool Series Development
- Employee Engagement & Events
- Human Resources
- Image Finaling
- Marketing & Publicity
- Music & Sound Production
- Software Engineering
- Story & Visual Development
- Talent Relations & Casting
- Technical Direction
Each internship offers experience with industry professionals, and interns get to work with both 2D and CG pipelines.
Application Deadline for Summer Internships
If you’re planning to apply for the Summer internship, here are the important dates:
- Applications Open: March 3rd
- Applications Close: March 9th
- Internship Duration: June 9th – August 15th
DreamWorks Trainee & Apprentice Programs
You might be perfect for DreamWorks’ Trainee and Apprentice Programs if you are a recent graduate looking for a planned entrance into the animation industry.
Trainee Program
This is a 12-week, full-time, paid program for graduates with less than five years of experience in animation. It’s designed for people who might be switching careers or just getting into the industry.
What makes it awesome?
- You’ll work directly on TV or feature film productions.
- You’ll be mentored by industry veterans who have worked on major DreamWorks projects.
- You’ll get union benefits (since this program falls under the Animation Guild).
Animator Apprentice Program
This is also a 12-week paid program, but it’s specifically for those with less than two years of animation experience. It’s designed to refine your skills in animation cycles and character movement while preparing you for full-time animator roles.
- You’ll work on actual animation assignments to improve your skills.
- Industry mentors will provide guidance and feedback.
- The program is also covered by the Animation Guild.
DreamWorks LAUNCH Fellowship Program (For Underrepresented Talent)
DreamWorks is serious about diversity, and their LAUNCH Fellowship Program is proof. This program is for students and recent graduates from underrepresented backgrounds, including:
- People from diverse racial and ethnic groups
- Individuals with disabilities
- Military veterans
- People from low-income backgrounds
What’s Included in the LAUNCH Fellowship?
- An 8-week virtual program where participants attend workshops, courses, and speaker series.
- Opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
- A stipend for all Fellows who successfully complete the program.
- No need to relocate since it’s fully virtual!
This program is a fantastic way to get industry connections and build a strong foundation for a future career in animation.
Acceptance Rate and Competitiveness
Landing an internship at DreamWorks Animation isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s super competitive, and for good reason. While they don’t officially disclose information on acceptance rates, it’s pretty clear that getting in isn’t easy. Here’s why:
- Thousands of Applicants: Every internship cycle, DreamWorks gets flooded with applications from animation students all over the world. It’s a super popular program, and tons of people want it.
- Limited Spots: Even though loads of people apply, there aren’t that many positions up for grabs. From what’s out there, DreamWorks only picks around 100 interns each year, so the competition is high.
- Tough Selection Process: If you need proof that it’s not easy to get in, sites like comparably.com even mention that securing an internship here is “somewhat difficult.” That’s just a nice way of saying they’re really picky about who they bring on.
With all this in mind, your best chance at getting in is to submit a strong application. Make sure your resume, portfolio, and cover letter show off your best work and prove why you’d be an outstanding candidate!
What Applicants Say About DreamWorks Internships (Reddit Insights)
Over on r/animationcareer, a few hopefuls and past applicants have shared their experiences applying for DreamWorks internships. Here’s what we found:
- Not Everyone Hears Back at the Same Time
Some applicants received rejection emails quickly, while others were left waiting for weeks. It’s common for different departments to respond at different times, so don’t assume silence means rejection!
- You Can Track Your Application on Smartr
DreamWorks uses a hiring system called Smartr, where you can check your application status. This is a great way to know where you stand without waiting for an email.
- It’s a Competitive Process
There are tons of applicants for internships, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get in the first time. Some applicants mentioned reapplying multiple times before getting an offer.
- Some Roles Are More Competitive Than Others
Certain roles like animation, story, and visual development are highly competitive. If you’re open to business, HR, or marketing roles, you might have a better chance at getting in.
Is DreamWorks a Good Place to Work?
DreamWorks pays well compared to other animation studios, and interns even get paid, which isn’t always the case at other companies. While starting salaries might not be huge, there’s a lot of room for growth, and experienced animators can earn six figures. If you’re passionate about animation and willing to put in the work, DreamWorks can be a fantastic place to build a long-term career!
| Position | Estimated Salary (Per Year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interns | $20 – $30 per hour | Paid internships, varies by department |
| Production Assistant | $40,000 – $50,000 | Entry-level role, helps with scheduling & production tasks |
| Storyboard Artist | $80,000 – $120,000 | Creates visual sequences for films & TV |
| 3D Animator / CG Artist | $75,000 – $130,000 | Works on character animation & special effects |
| Technical Director (TD) | $100,000 – $150,000 | Handles animation software, lighting, and pipeline development |
| Animation Director | $150,000 – $200,000 | Leads animation teams and sequences |
| Visual Development Artist | $120,000 – $170,000 | Designs the visual style & aesthetics of projects |
| Producer (Film/TV) | $160,000 – $250,000+ | Manages budgets, teams, and project schedules |
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a DreamWorks Internship?
Now that you know all about DreamWorks’ early career programs, let’s talk about how you can get noticed.
- Personalize Your Resume & Portfolio
Make sure your resume and portfolio are specific to the role you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a story internship, have plenty of storyboards and narrative-driven content in your portfolio.
- Show Your Passion for Animation
Hiring managers love seeing personal projects. If you’ve worked on independent films, online animations, or collaborative projects, highlight those in your application.
- Apply Early
Many past applicants mentioned that applying as soon as applications open gave them a better chance of getting noticed.
- Network & Get Referrals
If you know someone who works at DreamWorks, ask for a referral! Many companies prioritize referred candidates, so connections can be extremely valuable.
- Keep Applying!
If you don’t get accepted the first time, don’t give up. Many DreamWorks employees started as interns and applied multiple times before securing a role.
Summary
DreamWorks Animation offers some amazing early career opportunities, from internships and apprenticeships to trainee programs and fellowships. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or someone wanting to get into animation, there’s an option for you. If working here is your dream, don’t let one rejection stop you. Keep building your portfolio while applying and improving your skills. One day, you might just see your name in the credits of the next big animated film!
