Funded by an anonymous donor, the Hollywood Bowl-Occidental College internship program will offer Occidental students an exclusive opportunity to intern with either the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, or The Ford.
Students will spend 10 weeks taking on meaningful projects, receiving mentorship from industry professionals, and immersing themselves in the creativity and excellence of the LA Phil.
“By welcoming Occidental students into our venues and our teams, we’re investing in the next generation of creative leaders with hands-on learning that demystifies how a cultural institution operates—from artistic programming to audience engagement and production,” says Meghan Umber, president of the Hollywood Bowl and chief programming officer for the LA Phil. “We’re excited to support students as they explore their interests, develop professional skills, and experience firsthand the collaborative spirit that drives our work.”
Participants will have the opportunity to explore career pathways across 10 high-impact sectors, including philanthropy, programs, marketing and social, data and evaluation, production, and orchestra management.
Through these fully funded internships with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Oxy students will not only explore potential career pathways, but also deepen their sense of purpose, access, and possibility in one of the world’s most creative cities. –Jamila Chambers
“This partnership is a powerful reflection of the Occidental Promise—where Oxy’s liberal arts education comes to life beyond the classroom, empowering students to integrate critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application at the highest level within the dynamic landscape of Los Angeles,” says Jamila Chambers, executive director of the Hameetman Career Center.
“Through these fully funded internships with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Oxy students will not only explore potential career pathways, but also deepen their sense of purpose, access, and possibility in one of the world’s most creative cities.”
Thanks to the donor’s generosity, the gift will fully fund participants’ living expenses and provide a stipend, ensuring that this transformative opportunity is accessible to all qualified students, upholding Occidental’s longstanding commitment to equity.
Recognized by Billboard magazine as a top music business school for six consecutive years, the Hollywood Bowl-Occidental College partnership builds on the College’s expanding opportunities for students to engage with the music business industry. Following the 2024 launch of the John Branca Institute of Music, which bridges academics with real-world industry engagement, the College recently welcomed renowned producer Michael Lloyd as the inaugural Linda and Mike Curb Visiting Fellow and will debut three new music business courses this fall.
This new internship program will add to the breadth of funded summer opportunities available to Occidental students, including InternLA, the Undergraduate Research Center’s Summer Research Program, and the recently expanded Justice Summer Internship Program—all made possible through the generosity of donor support.
Occidental College and the LA Phil will announce its inaugural cohort in May. The program is open to students from any major and applications are being accepted through March 13.
