So you’re thinking of getting an internship?  Good idea, lucky for you a bad economy doesn’t hurt your chances of getting an internship.  In fact, in times like these big companies cut full-time positions and replace that staff with interns—the ethics of that may be something to discuss at another time but for now, use it to your benefit.  Good luck!

Decide what area(s) you want to learn more about - Do you want to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of magazines? Maybe you’d like to intern at a publication or editorial website. How marketing works in fashion/design/advertising? Why not try an internship in marketing or PR? How web design agencies work? Intern at one! Internships are great because not only do they let you test out the waters of a future career—but they also help to gain real world experience that you would never gain from school.

Make a list of prospective places you would like to work - Magazines, agencies, companies, anything! Do some research on the website; they may list available internships under the Careers tab, if not, look around the site for contact information and call or email them asking for the contact information about the employee or department that handles interns.

-OR-

Look for an opportunity - Craigslist, Fashionista, Ed2010, and the SPD Job Board have been a good start when I’m looking for online listings. I’ve also had a bit of luck with word of mouth.  My W internship was sparked by talking to a friend of a friend about career goals, turns out his best friends sister worked in the art department.

Apply - Send a well-formatted, spell-checked, and professional resume and coverletter.  Make sure to include a digital-portfolio (pdf or website) or writing samples based on the type of internship you’re applying for.

Interview – Dress professionally and bring a resume!  PSDTuts has a good resource for preparing and talking about your graphic design portfolio.  Do research the company before hand and think of questions to ask (and answers to questions that you may be asked during the interview.)  Be sure to follow up and say thank you after the interview!

Talk to your advisor – Due to labor laws many internships require you get school credit—sometimes this can suck.  I have always found a creative work-around so that I haven’t had to pay extra tuition to take an internship, which at Parsons is $1000 per extra credit.  Options include registering your internship as independent study, or (I’ve never tried this) them writing a letter that makes it seem like you’re receiving school credit. Ed2010 offers advice about getting around a credit-only internship.

For the more seasoned readers; what was your first internship and how did you find it?

Related posts:

1. My Top 8
2. 9 Goals in 2009
3. Questions Answered: What to Major in if You Want to Work for Magazines
4. How to Present Yourself as a Great Artist Without Making Great Work
5. Inspiration Folder – Creative Space