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I've wanted to be a screenwriter ever since I heard the sassy one-liners in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Hollywood is my Emerald City, and knowing that to get there I would need experience more than ruby red slippers, I interned everywhere I could. As a student at The University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA), I was determined to learn about the world where business sense is as vital as creative drive.

Viva Il Cinema!
During college, I was among those selected for The American Pavilion/Kodak Student Filmmaker Program for the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to giving students access to debuts at the Palais des Festivals, the program placed us in jobs. I was with The Hollywood Reporter. While working at the magazine's booth in the Majestic Barriere hotel, I distributed Reporter magazines and interacted with (translation: gawked at) the likes of Penelope Cruz and Italian actress Monica Bellucci. One memorable "encounter" happened when I was lugging a box of magazines across the lobby and nearly collided with Julia Stiles. Stopping abruptly, I dropped the box and sent the magazines flying so that they smacked several movie moguls. I'm still hoping Julia never noticed.

Going Country
Next, I interned at Philadelphia's country radio station, 92.5 XTU. My energetic boss taught all the promotions interns the essentials of marketing music. At gigs throughout the city, we set up equipment and interacted with listeners during live broadcasts. My favorite memory was when we were heading to a Dixie Chicks concert in the station's van. While our boss revved through traffic and we bounced around on amps, I remember thinking that it was just like a scene from "Almost Famous" -- only a bit more country.

Pop Culture Paradise
During the fall of my senior year, I interned at VH1. Having grown up in a generation that revered MTV and VH1, I was excited to work at a place that had launched the careers of so many pop icons. Unfortunately, during my interview, I was too wowed by the Broadway address to ask specific questions. Once hired, instead of writing, I transcribed video footage for such segments as "All Access: Britney vs. Christina." Then again, although it wasn't my ideal job, it was still a valuable experience that taught me what to ask at subsequent interviews, such as what my specific daily duties would be. I learned that I need to always find out how I'll be spending my time and using my abilities.

A Stylish Choice
After VH1, I wanted an internship where I could write as often as I breathed. That happened at Philadelphia Style Magazine. I immediately fell in love with the glossy magazine as it spotlighted Philadelphia in the midst of its current artistic and cultural Renaissance. Under the guidance of the magazine's editor, I learned how to write with the precision and panache of lifestyle magazines. I wrote articles on everything from the sexiest summer movies to the city's best margaritas. What can I say? Vogue, eat your heart out.

Beyond the Velvet Ropes
Post-graduation, I interned with Cashman & Associates (C&A), Public Relations and Special Events. In the world of Philadelphia movers and shakers, C&A is renowned as the firm that can "shake things up" with the greatest flair. Working at the PR powerhouse, I wrote press releases and packets for the latest restaurants, clubs, and celebrity events. It was a fabulous education in how to orchestrate smashing debuts for the latest in fashion, culture, and entertainment.

Hollywood Bound
I finally moved to Los Angeles at summer's end. Having previously mailed 40 inquiries to development offices, I had eight interviews within a week. At each interview, I asked the questions I wished I had asked at previous internships. For instance, how much writing would I be doing? In addition to handling general secretarial duties, would I have the opportunity to read incoming scripts and be privy to current deals and project developments? And finally, what have other interns gone on to do? The answers to these questions were key in helping me make the best internship choice.

Fast forward a few weeks and I am now interning at two amazing companies. My daily tasks include writing coverage on incoming scripts, juggling phone calls, and providing casting ideas. Although I'm still learning the intricacies of the biz, let's just say I'm not in Kansas anymore, and I couldn't be happier.

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