Art & Design Internships

An internship is a temporary job at a creative consulting firm, or in-house design office, studio, or gallery that is geared toward an upper-level student or recent graduate. Employers may hire interns to assist on a specific project or for a set amount of time, such as the summer or a semester. Students and young creatives often develop their practice by broadening their education with a mentor, while gaining experience in a professional environment. Employers benefit from each intern’s unique approach, perspective, and assistance during the creative process.

An internship is an important opportunity for students to:

• Apply design and creative skills acquired in school to real-world projects
• Collaborate with professionals
• Gain insight into the professional world of art and design
• “Test-drive” a particular working environment where they may hope to land a full-time job
• Network with creative professionals

Receiving Course Credit

Upon landing an internship, a student can then request to be enrolled in the internship course (Art 399/499) to receive course credit.

Art 399
For first time interns

Art 499
For students completing more than one internship at the same or different location

To receive credit for your internship, students must:

• Complete a minimum of 120 hours of work during your internship and turn in a final portfolio of work at the end of the semester
• Work in an approved office/work setting that ensures that you are getting legitimate field experience
• Complete the internship agreement form--both student and supervisor must sign off on this
• Design interns should be supervised by someone who is a senior designer, creative director, or related field
• Art interns should be supervised by someone who is a gallery/studio director, curator, or related field
• Students should check with their advisor to clarify that their potential internship is credible for internship credit

Students can potentially apply up to 6 hours of internship credit towards their degree.

Any office, studio, gallery, organization, or agency that meets the above credentials is eligible. Below is a list of places where students have completed internships in the past.

It is highly recommended that a student reach Junior or Senior standing before completing an internship (to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed on site). Students can complete internships during the Fall or Spring semesters as well as over the summer.