FAQ Page
Should I join an LA-Tech career prep academy before applying for the internship program?
Although not required, students can apply to a career prep academy and then decide to move forward with our internship placement program.
A scholar entering a career prep academy is:
Motivated to pursue a career in the tech industry
Has little-to-no experience in tech
Wants to shift their interest to a career in tech
1
How do I qualify for paid internships?
There are two types of internships we offer our applicants:
Subsidy Only Internships
These internships are paid with LA County meaning the County sponsors your internship at the company you are placed at.
Only internships have specific requirements and only candidates that meet the criteria can apply.
Income Eligibility
Covid Vaccination
LA County Resident
Between the ages of 18-24 years old
2
Do I need to be currently enrolled at a college to participate in LA-Tech’s opportunities?
No! You don’t have to be enrolled in college to participate in internships or academies with LA-Tech.
3
Can I complete more than one (1) LA-Tech career academy?
Yes. Scholars can complete more than one academy during different semesters.
4
Am I limited to the number of internships I can apply for at LA-Tech?
No! We encourage you to apply to as many internships as you want, but please keep in mind before applying that you are interested in the position.
5
Are there any restrictions for undocumented students within the career prep academies and internships?
Undocumented students are not limited to our career prep academies as long as they are over the age of 18. Unfortunately, at this time, undocumented students are not eligible for internship opportunities.
6
Are the academies and/or internships paid? If so, how much?
Yes! Both our academies and internships are paid opportunities to our scholars. The wage is contingent on funding and company limits.
7
What do I need to have to qualify to participate in an academy?
Our FIKA academy is subsidized by LA County, meaning you must meet the following requirements to qualify for subsidized roles/academies:
Between the ages 18-24 years old
Must be LA County Resident
Must have COVID-19 vaccine or proof of qualified religious/medical exemption
Exemptions?
Must meet income requirements
The Microsoft Academy is different from FIKA where you do not have to meet those requirements above.
8
Am I guaranteed an internship placement?
While LA-Tech cannot guarantee what internship you will be selected for, we will work with you directly until you have secured a commitment. While our coaches will provide you with guidance and support, it is up to the scholar to apply for and interview with each role/company.
Due to the changing needs of our internship providers, we cannot guarantee placement at a particular company. Please note that internships in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas are very competitive.
9
Will I be referred to every position that I apply to?
While LA-Tech does encourage you to apply for internships, it does guarantee that you will be referred to all positions.
Additionally, all applicants MUST have a fully complete general application, including pre-recorded video, in order to be referred and be sent the invite to join the Scholars Slack channel, where we regularly post opportunities.
10
When can I expect to hear back from LA-Tech/Company on the status of my application?
Scholars should expect a timeframe of 2-3 weeks to hear back from their success coach on the status of their application. However, in some instances the hiring manager will make contact with you requesting an interview over Zoom or in-person. Please make sure to respond to the request in a timely manner.
Additionally, if a role is closed or filled you will be notified via email by your success coach.
11
How much time will be spent at my internship?
The number of internship hours vary by company and your wants/needs. For example, if you seek a full-time internship, our coaches will refer you to full-time-only opportunities.
12
Will my internship opportunity become a full-time job?
While we cannot guarantee that your internship placement will become a full-time opportunity, many of our scholars have been “promoted” to full-time following their placement.
13
Are internship opportunities only in Los Angeles?
Since we are a non-profit based in LA, internships sourced will be LA-based, even if remote.
14
Can anyone even outside Los Angeles apply for internships with LA-Tech?
Since we are a non-profit based in LA, we work closely with the communities surrounding the city. However, if you attend a university/college outside of LA but your permanent residence is within LA County you can still apply using your permanent address.
15
What does the process of landing an internship through LA-Tech entail? / How does it work/ what is the timeline from application to placement like?
Scholars are open to apply to roles that are currently open at any time with regard to requirements and eligibility factors
An assigned coach will be able to help guide scholars through this process, as well as suggest roles they feel best fit the student, aid with resume revision, etc.
As you begin to apply for roles the timeline to hear whether they would like to interview might vary depending on the company, and this is for numerous reasons:
Companies decide to give our students enough time to get their applications in and then review them all at once
Companies will look at applications as they come in, making that timeline slightly different, nonetheless:
When you interview with a company the response period usually takes no longer than 2 weeks from being interviewed to being told whether or not you will be offered the position.
Lastly, if the company moves forward with you, they will send an offer letter, we ask you to review and sign the letter within 3 days, or at your earliest convenience.
If you have any questions about the offer letter please contact your Career Coach who can support you.