Navigating Graphic Design Summer Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on a graphic design career can be both exciting and overwhelming. A graphic design internship is an important stepping stone for aspiring designers looking to immerse themselves in the competitive world of visual design. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of graphic design summer internships, covering everything from eligibility and finding the right opportunity to crafting a compelling application and excelling in the interview process.

What is a Graphic Design Internship?

During the internship, participants work closely with seasoned professionals (often as part of a marketing team) on real-world design projects spanning various domains. Interns may work in various roles, such as that of a production artist, to create print and digital assets for clients. Interns gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge design software like Adobe Creative Suite (which includes Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop) and collaborating on effective visual storytelling strategies.

These internship programs typically cater to students and recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees in graphic design, visual communication, or related fields. Ideal candidates demonstrate proficiency in design principles, color theory, typography, and layout design. Additionally, they possess the strong communication and teamwork skills vital for working with clients, colleagues, and cross-functional teams.

A graphic design internship lets budding designers sharpen their skills, broaden their professional network, and establish a competitive advantage in the job market. This experience sets the stage for a rewarding and successful career in the ever-evolving field of graphic design.

Eligibility and Timing

Specific eligibility requirements vary by institution and program. For instance, graphic design majors who have successfully completed specific coursework may be eligible to do the internship required by the degree program. Students might complete their internship during the fall or spring semester or during the summer term. Some programs may allow registration for summer internship credit for the following fall term.

Read also: Breaking into Motion Graphics

The best time for a Graphic Design student to conduct an internship is the summer after their junior year or after completing specific coursework. At a minimum, students must have a GPA of 3.0 and have completed introductory courses in graphic design and typography as well as idea labs and static design systems. Completion of dynamic design systems courses is also highly recommended.

Earning Academic Credit

Graphic design students can gain valuable work experience and earn credit toward their degree by taking on an internship with a company or organization engaged with graphic design practice. While some Graphic Design programs do not require an internship, students can choose to earn credit toward their Graphic Design elective requirements. For example, to earn 3 hours of credit, students must work a minimum number of hours during the internship. Students can work more hours on site than the minimum required.

When deciding how many credits to work toward, keep in mind that the Graphic Design curriculum requires a certain number of hours of Graphic Design electives. Students who earn hours of internship credit may only earn credit for one Graphic Design elective course.

Finding the Right Internship

Securing an internship experience is the student's responsibility. Sometimes, faculty in Graphic Design are approached by businesses or become aware of internship opportunities who desire an intern. At the same time, some are able to secure an opportunity through networking, from family or friend contacts. Students are encouraged to look at all available opportunities so that you will find the perfect opportunity that matches your experience level and interest.

Here are some effective strategies and resources to help you find the ideal opportunity:

School Career Center: Career centers are staffed by knowledgeable professionals offering personalized guidance and access to exclusive internship opportunities matching your career goals and desired employment type. Students can meet with a career counselor to discuss possibilities for internships that will provide them with the experiences they need to succeed in their career.
Specialized Job Boards: For graphic design students, specialized job boards like Behance, Dribbble, and AIGA Design Jobs are valuable resources for discovering graphic design internships.
Job Fairs: Employers and job seekers come together at job fairs to network with industry professionals and potential team members. Prepare by researching the attending companies, updating your resume, and practicing your elevator pitch.
Conferences: Conferences offer networking opportunities with industry professionals and potential employers. Make the most of these events by researching the speakers and attendees, bringing your portfolio, and conversing with people who share your interests.
Design Competitions: Graphic design competitions provide opportunities to showcase your work, gain recognition, and land internships. Research different graphic design job roles to better understand potential career paths and the skills required for different options.

When choosing a site, look for one that will expect you to create and produce design work, and where you are under the direct supervision of a designer, art director or creative director. Design students usually get internships with graphic design firms, advertising agencies, and corporate, in-house departments. The internship does not need to be located in Grand Rapids. Internships can be completed on and off-campus site. Your supervisor must be a professional in one of these fields and capable of offering appropriate feedback on your work.

Considerations When Searching

When sifting through internship postings and job descriptions, consider the job type (full-time or part-time) to ensure it aligns with your availability and commitments. You might also find seasonal opportunities, such as summer internships. Also, consider your career goals when thinking about finding an internship. You might work in a design firm, an advertising agency, or an in-house design group within a company or institution. You might choose to focus on specific areas such as web design, publication design, or exhibit design. The goal is for you to work with design professionals; therefore, typical freelance jobs might not meet the internship criteria. Your faculty advisor will let you know if the position will fulfill the internship criteria.

Application Process

If you wish to earn academic credit for your internship, first choose a site for your internship and apply. Once you have narrowed down your choices, meet with the Graphic Design Program Coordinator to discuss the internship, the type of work you will be doing and the application process. The approval process may take as long as a month so start early.

Required Documentation

Upon completion of your internship hours, submit the required internship documentation to your faculty advisor.

Internship Experience Agreement: Complete the Internship Experience Agreement.

Liability Insurance

Students conducting internships may be required to have liability insurance.

How to Get (and Nail) a Graphic Design Internship Interview

Now that you know how to find a graphic design internship, let’s review some tips for snagging that interview and getting hired.

Build a Portfolio

A strong portfolio is crucial for showcasing your design skills and creativity. Here are some tips for building a great portfolio:

Select your best projects. Include high-quality work that demonstrates your range of skills as a content creator.
Include diverse examples in your portfolio, such as marketing materials, branding projects, and web design work.
Include any design software you used for each project. This will help showcase your proficiency in various tools.
Tell a story. Provide context and a brief description for each project, explaining your design process, objectives, and the final outcome.
Keep it organized. Use a clean layout, clear navigation, and consistent visual branding across your portfolio.
Update it regularly. Continuously refine and add new work to showcase your growth as a designer.

Prepare a Resume

A well-crafted resume makes a lasting impression. Follow these tips to create an effective resume:

Keep it concise. Limit your resume to one page, focusing on your most relevant work experience and achievements.
Use action verbs. Begin each job description with a strong action verb, such as "designed," "collaborated," or "implemented."
Highlight your skills. Clearly list your design software proficiencies, specialties, and relevant certifications.
Include relevant coursework. Students and recent graduates can include coursework that showcases their graphic design knowledge.

Customize Your Cover Letter

A tailored cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants. Consider these tips for writing a compelling cover letter:

Address the hiring manager. Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the specific person responsible for hiring.
Demonstrate your research. Show that you've researched the company by mentioning the values, projects, or clients that resonate with you.
Showcase your skills. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the internship's requirements, and explain how you can contribute to the company.
Be concise and professional. Keep your cover letter to one page, and maintain a professional tone throughout.

Get Ready for the Interview

A successful interview is crucial in securing an internship and requires thorough preparation. Follow these tips to excel in your graphic design interview:

Research the company. Deepen your understanding of the company's work, values, clients, and recent projects to show genuine enthusiasm and interest. Learn about their production design approach, the design team you'll potentially work with, and the company culture.
Practice common questions. Prepare responses for typical interview questions, such as describing your design process, discussing your favorite projects, outlining your strengths and weaknesses, and explaining your long-term career goals. Be prepared to discuss your design process, favorite projects, goals as a designer, and examples of how you've applied creative thinking to solve design challenges.
Bring your portfolio. Whether digital or printed, prepare to discuss specific projects and detail your role, design decisions, challenges, and outcomes. Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and easily accessible on a tablet, laptop, or well-organized physical portfolio. Be sure to emphasize your self-motivated nature and ability to work independently on projects when discussing your graphic design experience.
Dress professionally. Although the creative industry may have a more relaxed dress code, making a good first impression is crucial - even in a virtual interview. Dress professionally to show your respect for the opportunity and the company.
Ask thoughtful questions. Prepare a list of insightful questions highlighting your interest in the company and internship opportunity. Inquire about the in-house team structure, senior graphic designers you’ll work with, mentorship opportunities, typical projects, and any expectations the company may have of its interns.

Internship Requirements

While one site, learn more about your employer and their professional practice through interviews, observations and documentation. Following the internship, you will write a paper and design a book that documents the internship. Specific requirements can be found here.

Important Considerations

Internships are first and foremost teaching moments.
Internships should have a direct relationship to the student's program of study.
Enjoy your work. Be a good intern. Ask questions.

Summer Internship Specifics

If you secure a summer internship, promptly submit the required contract to the coordinator for review. If your internship fulfills the requirements, you will receive approval to register for the course in the Fall.

Overrides and Registration

Request an override to register for ART 491 - Internship in Studio Art.

tags: #graphic #design #summer #internship #requirements