A good internship will leave an intern with a sense of empowerment. It can give him or her the confidence in their job search and the self-assurance that they need to sell themselves to potential employers. Good internships educate interns about the details amateurs often overlook and give insight into what it takes to be a professional.

It is no secret that in the media industries experience is often more valuable then a degree. So landing a great internship should be a top priority for people looking to get their foot in the door. The thing about media internships, however, is understanding that it is not just about getting into the first place that accepts you. You need to have in mind the kind of experience you want to get and what you want to learn before you ever apply.

When it comes time to apply, there are three things to look for when selecting an internship in the media or entertainment industry.

The first key to having a great internship experience is to seek out the places that are well-known and highly acclaimed. Aim for the pace setters in the industry and not the places that aren't even in the race. It may be strange to judge a company's experience when you hardly have any yourself, but you want to learn from the best. Do you really want to have a production company on your resume that no one has ever heard of?

The ability to network with the best in the business will get you places if you are able to prove your worth. Even if the place where you intern at doesn't have an opening after your internship is over, the professionals you work with are likely to have connections within the industry, and may know of somewhere that is hiring. They can pass along your resume to the right people or even offer advice on how to land a great gig.

The second thing to look for is a place that wants to show you the whole experience. Those starting off with a blank slate should be exposed to as many facets of the company as possible. Ask the interviewer if you'll be doing different types of things, or working in different areas. It often helps interns get the big picture when they understand how everything comes together. A well-versed intern has more to offer then one that just knows one skill.

The third thing to consider while seeking out an internship is finding out how hands-on your experience will be. While it is possible to learn a lot from shadowing a reporter, you'll get more practice if they put you on the assignment desk for a

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