The 411 on Internships in the Design World

As a college student, I am sure you have heard about internships quite a bit. It seems to be the big buzz word everyone is talking about. “When should I start looking for internships? Can I apply to internships as a freshman? Where can I find internships that actually sound interesting to me?” I am here to answer all your questions regarding internships, specifically for those considering an artistic related field!

Q: If I am a film major, is my coursework enough of a look into what a film based career would look like? What are ways I can get some more information about what the responsibilities of a job in the film industry are?

A: Excellent question! Your classes here at Binghamton are a great foundation of knowledge pertaining to your major and will provide you with a solid basis for all things film. However, getting involved and seeing what it takes to have a career in film might require you to investigate those who have positions you are interested in later in your job path! I suggest using Fleishman’s Mentor Match to get in touch with an alum who has a position in your desired field, and allow you to gain more information on how to get more hands-on experience! 

Q: As a drawing major looking to attend career fairs hiring illustrators, how can I best prepare myself and market my artistic abilities to employers? What can I do to make myself stand out from the crowd?

A: I love that you are taking advantage of Binghamton’s career fairs in order to get your name out there and see how to get involved in your desired industry! As an art major myself, I think it is important to start building up your brand: what makes you stand out as an artist and designer? Cultivate a website or physical portfolio with pieces you think answer that question. This gives employers and recruiters a first hand look at your experience, talents, and what you have to offer to their company. 

Q: Is the internship application process similar to the arts as it is to other career clusters? Is the process more hands-on than other career fields?

A: Good question! Internship applications vary in length and requirements depending on what the company itself is asking for from you. From my personal experience, it is some of the basic personal information, your resume, and usually some form of compilation of your past work, whether it’s on a website or in a file. Fleishman has a good overview on how to create a creative resume, to highlight your artistic skills while showing off your experience! Some art and design internships might not even ask for any creative pieces, and just want your name and resume! Really it primarily depends on the position you are applying for and the specific company’s needs. 

Internship hunting can be a difficult process, taking lots of time and dedication. But when you receive multiple offers back because of all the hard work you put into your portfolios and applications, all of your efforts will be rewarded. In my opinion, internships are the best stepping stone to experience and a permanent position after you graduate. Take advantage of Fleishman’s resources to get your internship journey started today!

By Hannah Paseltiner
Hannah Paseltiner Student Career Influencer Intern