BFA in Design Internship Information
Design Students – Working Towards a Future Job
An internship is an opportunity for a student to have an experiential leaning opportunity in the field of design. Companies today are facing fierce competition for quality employees. As a result they understand the value of internships. Many companies are willing to hire talented college students as interns. Companies also might be willing to create brand new internship opportunities for you if you can show that you will bring valuable skills, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic into their company. Not all internships are advertised. In fact, the perfect internships for you probably isn't advertised - but a convincing letter or visit that exhibits your talents can result in the creation of a position.
Internships can open a world of opportunity that you didn't even know existed. So, dream big and use the internship opportunity to try something out that you always dreamed of doing, or even something new that you aren’t so sure about.
Work Hard!
While you are working at an internship work your hardest. Go above and beyond the call of duty and show your employer that you are a producer. If you are not being challenged enough you should seek out new, interesting assignments or offer to assist full-time staff with their current projects. Don't be an energy sponge. A good intern is one who takes directions but who is not in constant need of training and attention.
Basic guidelines:
3 credit internship = 15 hours / week
Good for local internships.
6–9 credit internship = 30 hours / week
Good for summer full time internship
9 – 12 credit internships = 40 hours / week
Good for full semester internships
Learn.
Do be a knowledge sponge. Educate Yourself - before you start any internship find out what skills you might need and start learning.
Do learn what will be expected of you before you begin your internship so you can minimize the basic skills training you will need at the start of the internship. For example, if you know you will need to write HTML code to design Web pages and you don't already know HTML you should buy an HTML guide and teach yourself the basics. An internship is a learning experience and you will receive some training, but the more you learn in advance the more productive you will be as an intern.
Process:
- YOU are responsible for finding and maintaining your internship. The process is similar to finding a job, only a bit easier – employers often say yes when the applicant seems sincere and ready to work. So, you will need to research what and where and who you want in an internship. You will need a short resume and some way for the employer to see what you can do. A website or a print piece is a good place to start. You will also need a cover letter and or phone call or visit to perspective employers. If you are stuck, visit the FSU career center. They are there to help you get started.
- Once you have identified the employer you must submit an Design Internship Form to the Art Advisor. The form can be picked up from the Art Advisor's office or downloaded here: Design Internship Form [pdf] .
- Please notice that the form must be signed by the employer AND a faculty in the design area. (Gail Rubini, Chad Eby, Keith Roberson) and then submitted. You will be then added to the Intersnship class section for credit. THIS FORM IS DUE BEFORE THE END OF DROP/ADD.
- At the end of your internship, your employer must submit a letter of evaluation by the LAST DAY OF CLASSES FOR THE SEMESTER. This can be an email to you or the art advisor or Gail Rubini ( grubini@fsu.edu). The letter of evaluation must be received by the Art Advisor or Gail Rubini in time for the grade of S/U to be submitted.
Download the Internship Form [pdf]
If you have any problems or questions, please contact Gail Rubini at grubini@fsu.edu.