10 Ways to Make an Art Internship a Permanent Job

From super intern to full-time pro!

Internships. College credit or learning experience..or both? Definitely both, but also consider it as an opportunity to become a full-time player in the design industry rather than just a student trying to pass a course. Internships should be treated as a real job, even if you’re not paid! Your employer is giving you the giving you the opportunity to get your feet wet, enter the design business — learn from the experience. After all, they’re taking time out of their busy workday to include you in and navigate you through the backstage part of the design business. Consider this experience indispensably awesome.

Even better, an internship doesn’t have to end right there. It can become a permanent creative career! But it won’t be easy. You need to follow the right steps and make it happen yourself. Yes, YOU need to make it happen. No one will do the work for you.

Let’s start at the very beginning. First you need an internship — How do you do that?

1. Ask around.

Ask your professors, colleagues, your school’s alumni crew and your academic advisors. It’s similar to networking. These people are involved in the art industry in some way and may know of something that can help you out. Be polite and courteous (of course).

2. Look within yourself as an artist.

Look back through your projects as a student designer. Which ones did you enjoy doing most? Were you into technical, meticulous planned designs, like information designs? Or were you successful at expressing individuality through branding? Figure out what you’re interested in and try to look for internships in that field. It also may be the case that you want to expose yourself to a side of design that you didn’t get to practice much in school. Whatever it may be, remember, internships are a great learning experience.

3. Research those companies!

After you figured out what you want to do, find the companies that can offer you an opportunity to work with them! Remember that not all companies will be looking for interns so don’t be discouraged. Narrow down your list and study each company’s world by looking through their website or finding any online articles about them and their work. This will be extremely helpful if you get an interview.

4. Rework your resume, tighten up your portfolio and apply.

It’s similar to trying to find a part-time job, or any job for that matter. Make your resume clearly demonstrate what you’re made of. Read application details carefully and follow any steps they provide (they may ask for a tailored cover letters). Remember, you’re in competition with other designers who want this internship. Treat the internship as if it’s a job you’re pursuing.

5. Interviews, thank you’s and call-backs.

Now, this portion of the process may take awhile or be brief. Either way, stay professional throughout. Dress to impress for the interview and say your thank you’s. When they call you back, that’s when you can celebrate. Be optimistic, but don’t get bummed out if you don’t get the internship you wanted.

Checkpoint! Great, now you’ve got the internship!

You’re showing up on time for work and working hard right? During the time of your internship, you have the opportunity to get to know the company and their side of the design industry and decide whether this is something you want to pursue outside of school.

Once you’re convinced you want a job with the company (make sure to consider if it’s a place you see yourself thriving in and blossoming in), see the following steps below.

6. Go above and beyond.

Don’t just try to work hard and get the job done. Do more than that! It’ll show your boss that you’re ambitious and want to do more than just intern work. Seek out extra work and new projects. Show that you’re willing to go beyond the internship job description.

7. Learn and add value.

Rather than just learning more about the company demonstrate your creativity and bring your ideas to your co-workers and boss. But don’t be a pushy know-it-all. You still have a lot to learn. But by showing participation and thoughtfulness, you’ll surely establish that you’re a valuable team player who’s interested in benefiting the company. Your boss (and coworkers) will appreciate your input.

8. Seek input and feedback from your co-workers.

This shows that you want to be the best you can and are taking full advantage of this learning experience. Keep track of what you do and personal (attainable) work goals. You want to keep improving what you do. Remember, your only training consists of what you learned in design school. This is your chance to learn the ins and outs of real world design. Take advantage of your “student status” and ask questions.

9. Don’t be shy and just ask!

The company won’t know you’re interested in a permanent job unless you ask. Also keep your eyes peeled for areas in the design department that they might need help and propose a job that could meet their needs.

10. Get the job and celebrate.

I think this explains itself.

Now in some cases, especially depending on the size of the company, their budget and the economy, a full-time job may not be offered. If this is the case, inquire about possible contracted or freelance work. Always remember to keep connected with your boss and co-workers. You never know what opportunities they may know of down the road. If you did a great job as an intern, they may contact you!

Co-workers are also a great means of procuring and recommending work — freelance or otherwise. Keeping good ties with other designers in the business can be beneficial for both your career and your designs. Just remember, learning about design doesn’t stop at the end of an internship. Becoming a designer is an ongoing process and a full-time commitment!

This post was originally posted on ArtBistro.