INTRODUCTION
The Illuminating Engineering Society of Los Angeles and Orange County will sponsor a six week Summer Observership Program that is open to lighting, architecture or electrical engineering students at an accredited university or college in the Los Angeles or Orange County metropolitan area. Candidates will be selected based on a combination of advisor recommendations, application and in-person interview with members of the IES LA and OC Boards.

OBJECTIVE
The IES LA/OC Observership Program provides the chosen students with an opportunity to spend time observing and participating in real world aspects of the professional lighting construction industry. Through the participation and support of IES Member companies, students will spend time at each of these companies observing how they fit into the overall lighting construction industry and in turn, strengthening their understanding of the industry.

STUDENT COMMITMENT
It is the commitment of the chosen student to spend six consecutive weeks during the summer (consisting of eight-hour work days - Monday to Friday) at participating host companies. Tentative dates of the program are based on both host companies and candidates schedules. Candidates will work with the daily schedules as set forth by the host companies program coordinator, and observe all aspects of each of these components. Further, upon the completion of the Observership program, the student will provide a short Program Summary describing the features and benefits of each of the components in relation to their career objectives.

INDUSTRY COMPONENTS
By spending time observing the day-to-day operations of multiple industry components, each student will achieve a broad understanding of the lighting industry as a whole, guiding their career goals.

1. Lighting Consulting and Design
2. Electrical Engineering
3. Lighting Manufacturing
4. Lighting Sales Agency (Manu. Rep)
5. Lighting Equipment Distribution

STUDENT COMMITMENT
It is the commitment of the chosen student to spend six consecutive weeks during the summer (consisting of eight-hour work days - Monday to Friday) at participating host companies. Tentative dates of the program are based on both host companies and candidates schedules. Candidates will work with the daily schedules as set forth by the host companies program coordinator, and observe all aspects of each of these components. Further, upon the completion of the Observership program, the student will provide a short Program Summary describing the features and benefits of each of the components in relation to their career objectives.

OBSERVERSHIP CONTACTS
IES ORANGE COUNTY PROGRAM CHAIR
Richard Lund
rlund@kirlinlighting.com

IES ORANGE COUNTY PROGRAM SUPPORT
Shane Foster
shane@anplighting.com

IES LOS ANGELES PROGRAM CHAIR
Holly Ratafia
holly@hrlightingdesign.com

IES LOS ANGELES PROGRAM SUPPORT
Abigael Hutchinson
abigaelh@klikusa.com

FOR APPLICATION INFO PLEASE CONTACT
ieslainternshipchair@gmail.com

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Participants will be financially compensated for their participation in the program to total $3,600. Compensation will be distributed every two weeks with final payment upon the Boards receipt of a completed Program Summary.

APPLICATIONS
All applications must be received by the Observership Committee by April 18th to be determined. Please see all application instructions and documents below.

APPLY ONLINE!

Participating Company Guide PDF Download

TIMELINE
April 18, 2025: Applications Due
April 25, 2025: Candidate Interviews
May 2, 2025: Final Candidate Selection
July 7 - August 15, 2025: Observership Program

If you have any questions, please reach out to ieslainternshipchair@gmail.com.