1. – Do Your Homework
This may be the most important decision you make career wise so be prepared and plan a strategy. It’s crucial that you do your homework before you reach out to any company now days. Take the time to research and find out everything you can about the company you may be potentially working with. Check out their work/portfolio online if it’s available, see who their clients are, the industries where they operate, strengths, weaknesses etc. Every company has a weakness or an area in which they can
improve upon, discover where those loopholes are and figure out how you can position yourself within the company and add value as a designer and problem solver. Finally, stay up on the latest happenings in design and technology through sites like smashingmagazine, technorati and mashable or hit up your local bookstore for a copy of computerARTS or Wired magazine.
2. – Creativity “A Shoe In”
Graphic design internships can be competitive but the good thing is that we are all different and communicate different from a visual perspective, so make it a point and habit to ‘stand out’ from the rest. I read an article a while back where an individual was trying to get a new client so he mailed in a package to the new prospect, and in that package contained a shoebox with a size 13 converse sneaker with a note inside that read something to the effect of “Now That I have My Foot In The Door Lets Talk”. Spend a few bucks and send in a minature trophy (adtrophy.com – no affiliation) to the creative director or HR director and let them know how they just recieved an award for hiring the next up and coming intern/designer. With tactics like this you will definitely get results or an appointment at minimum, then it’s your job to sell yourself and close the deal.
3. – Take Initiative & Change The Game
Be efficient and effective, if you complete your project or task ahead of schedule offer to assist someone else, stay hungry, go above and beyond what is asked of you to add value. Become incomparable and extraordinary, communicate with everyone even if it’s to say hello, “be in it to win it!”, stay in the mix and try to get to know as many of your associates as possible. Become an asset not a liability, if you have alot on your plate make a ‘to do list’ and find out what’s priority to stay on schedule. Expand your network and learn as much as possible. Make an impression so your design internship will become an opportunity even if it’s not there it may be somewhere else through a recommendation. If you aren’t on fire about what your doing and dread coming in each day you are definitely not in the right place.
4. – Look The Part: Stay Fresh
You don’t have to be a fashion plate but appearance plays a part. The first day you will be able to gauge the overall look and feel. Keep it professional, if you arrive with yesterday’s collar stain and last nights hangover you will be treated as such. If you are unsure go for simple solid clean lines and colors…greys, blacks, white and blue. Go light on the fragrances, seems as if this has been an issue off and on. You may never have to wear a suit or tie but remember there is a level of respect that you will or will not receive that kind of goes unspoken, regarding your appearance and how you dress.
5. – No Apologies Don’t Be Late
No doubt this should probably be number one on the list, stop with the excuses and start planning. It’s better to arrive 45 min. to an hour early and be in the area than to arrive 10 min. late. Trains and buses get held up daily if you work in the city, sick passengers, fights, traffic etc. it’s a given. Plan to begin your day relaxed and not rushed you will always be more effective. You be the boss when it comes to managing your time nothing else should matter, getting enough rest, whatever it is. If you can master this and make it a habit you will be highly successful when and if you decide to start your own graphic design firm.
6. – It’s An Investment
If this is your first graphic design internship don’t expect much when it comes to compensation, of course their is always the exception. When I did my first internship I was fortunate to get like $300 a week, which I didn’t really have to spend because I was at a nice posh agency that came with all the perks like breakfast, lunch and dinner if you stayed late, along with free company car service home on occassion, I was in heaven! Now $300 is not a lot of money but I was totally hyped to get paid something. Your good if you receive travel and lunch expenses. And I know some companies only give you course credit and that’s it. But you have to look at as an investment and opportunity to network at the end of the day.
7. – Represent
Most graphic design internships don’t end with you getting the job, not sure what the stats are but it’s just a reality. That being said just stay on the grind each day 24/7 and make it your time to shine! Looking back at my internship there were 25 of us chosen out of 600 applicants and only 1 person got a job after it was all said and done, and the 1 guy that was hired, his Father was basically friends with one of the partners. Thats why networking is important it’s all about who you know! There are many talented individuals with the skills to pay the bills. But they fall short and by the way side sometimes because they are lacking when it comes to being connected especially in todays economy, this is where social media comes into play, buts thats for a different post. Rest assured above all if you keep your attitude and mindset in the spirit of giving no matter how much or how little you know, looking serve and assist whoever you come in contact with you will definitely rise above the masses, trust me on that it’s money in the bank!