At Sage, Graphic + Media Design students participate in internships to gain hands-on experience, broaden their knowledge base, and to build a professional network. At SCA internships are the norm, not the exception. This ensures students really can do what they have learned in the classroom.

Helpful links:

SCA Career Planning Website
SCA Internship Page

Preparing for an Internship

1. Register for the course. Pick up the appropriate form at Student Services. Several signatures are required so allow enough time to complete this task.
2. Submit an internship application (Career Planning Center, Library 3rd floor). While there, make an appointment for your resume and cover letter review.
3. Prepare your resume and cover letter to be reviewed by the Career Planning Center. Submit a copy of both to the Graphic + Media Design Coordinator.
4. Prepare your portfolio. You should include 12-16 pieces of your best design work.
5. Make an appointment for a portfolio review with the GMD Coordinator. Your portfolio must be reviewed and approved before applying for internships. Once your portfolio is approved, the internship process, industry experience you want and local/regional sites will be discussed. 

Course Requirements

• You must have an overall GPA of 2.8 to qualify for an internship in the G+MD program.
• You must complete a minimum of 120 hours at the internship. Submit a daily log of your activities to the G+MD Coordinator upon completion of the internship to receive your final grade.
• Keep examples of everything you work on to be included in an evaluation portfolio and presentation that you submit/present to the G+MD Coordinator upon completion of the internship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an internship?
An internship is pre-professional work experience related to your major. An internship enables you to connect the knowledge and skills you have gained in your coursework with real world applications, gives you insights into the dynamics of the field in which you are working, fosters the development of professional skills and is absolutely necessary for a strong resume.

An internship can also provide you with the answer to that age-old question: "What can I do with a major in?" Finally, if your plans include graduate school, an internship can be helpful. Many graduate schools look for evidence of experience in the field, and an internship can provide that experience.

Who can do an internship?
All SCA students. In fact, all majors are required to do at least one experiential learning experience for academic credit.

When can I do my internship?
Typically, students complete their internships when they are in their junior year or early in their senior year.

Where are internships located?
Most college-sponsored internships are located in the Capital District area. Students typically attend Sage as a full-time student and work part-time at their internship location. There are numerous non-local internship opportunities throughout the US and worldwide. Summer Breaks are a great time to advance your skills!

Here are a few of the places our graphic + media design students have interned

How do I get a graphic + media design internship?
We recommend that all graphic + media design majors research and apply for internships that the college has already developed. You do this through the Career Planning office and by speaking with your professors. For a spring internship you should begin the process in September; for a Summer or Fall internship you should begin in January.

All credit bearing internships must be approved by the Internship Coordinator. You will need an updated resume and a cover letter to apply for internships. The Career Planning office can help with this and other job search questions you may have.

How much time do I spend working at an internship site? How many hours are required?
Students in the graphic + media design bachelor degree program are required to do at least 120 hours if the internship is credit-bearing. Students typically work part-time during a semester and full-time during Summer and Winter breaks. Please check with the Internship Coordinator regarding internship policies for your major.

Are there paid internships available?
Sometimes interns are paid, but many are unpaid.

Can I do my internship at my current job?
Students can do an internship at their job site only if they can negotiate 3-5 learning objectives (i.e., a new project or job where they will learn new professional skills. It is usually in the student's best interest to explore other organizations and make new contacts. You must receive the approval of your Internship Coordinator.

Who is eligible to do an internship?
Students from all majors with a grade point average of 2.20 in the major, completion of at least 45 credits and who have the approval of their faculty advisor are eligible. Keep in mind that some majors may have different eligibility (i.e. GPA) requirements. If you are not sure of what the internship requirements are in your major, check the College catalog.

If an internship is a course, do I have to do homework? Do I get a grade?
The internship is a graded academic course. Each department has different requirements for their students. You will be required to keep a daily log of activities, prepare a portfolio, complete a project and make a final presentation upon completion of the internship.