Graphic Design Internships
Real World, Professional Experience
At Sage, graphic 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:
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 design students have interned
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Jacob's Pillow, Lenox, Mass |
Kathode Ray Media, |
How do I get an graphic design internship?
We recommend that all graphic 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 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.
How do I officially register for the internship experience with the College?
You will need to complete the "Internship Registration Form" (salmon-colored form available in the Career Planning Office) to be officially enrolled for academic credit. You will need to get signatures from: Internship Coordinator, your faculty sponsor, your faculty advisor, your Field Supervisor and the Dean of the College. This form must be submitted before the Add/Drop period for the semester you are
registered for.
Now that I have read this, what do I do?
Start planning now. Meet with your Faculty Advisor to discuss how and when an internship fits into your major. Visit the Career Planning office to explore your options. Browse through the internship listings available in the Career Planning office. Make an appointment with Career Counselor to evaluate your resume and to discuss effective job search skills.
