FAQ's: Art & Design Internships

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What is an Internship?

Internships are paid or unpaid credited opportunities that provide students with hands-on, career-related work experience in their area of study. Internships are arranged on an individual basis in order to match a student’s personal career goals and interests with an employer’s needs. Students receive a PASS/FAIL grade and earn academic credits for their experience.

How does the internship program work?

Internships have two components, a class work component and an on-site internship component. Art 390 (the first internship course) must be taken prior to a student doing their first internship. Art 490 (the second internship course) is taken concurrently with a student’s second internship.

What kinds of internships can I do?

Students are encouraged to do internships that relate to their career and personal aspirations. For art majors, this might include internships in the areas of graphic design, web design, computer game design, photography, illustration, interior design, video or television graphics, gallery or museum work, or art education.  Students are welcome to bring forth their own ideas as well. View a list of places where SU students have interned>


Does that mean that I can intern anywhere?

Not exactly. Internships must be approved as credit-worthy by the Internship Coordinator, in advance.

Credit-worthy internships:

  1. Are related to a student’s field of study or career goals
  2. Offer a structured professional environment with adequate supervision to ensure that the experience is a learning experience. A student’s first internship must be on-site work under direct supervision. (Home-based businesses are governed by a separate policy and will be evaluated individually.)
  3. Offer a new learning experience for the intern
  4. Provide an opportunity for the intern to do meaningful work that is specified and documented in advance of the start date.

Can I start an internship any time?

Yes and No. You must make sure that you have met the eligibility requirements for the internship and get the internship approved. This requires planning ahead; particularly for your first internship. See your academic advisor to begin planning two semesters ahead. Learn more about planning for an internship>

Who can I talk to about internships?

  • Natasha OrtizFortier, Art Internship Coordinator
    Office: AC 232
    443.334.2894
    nortizfortier@stevenson.edu
  • Career HQ Career Counselors: Knott Hall Carriage House (upstairs) link
  • Other students: See Intern Wall-of-Fame (AC 202)
  • Your academic advisor.

Does an internship count toward graduation?

An internship fulfills the Focused Elective Requirement for VCART majors. Students can count up to two internships (6 credits) as Focused Electives. Art students are encouraged to complete two internships—one as a junior and one as a senior. To determine if your internship credits will count toward graduation, meet with your academic advisor.

Can any art major do an internship?

Yes, if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

Eligibility for first internship. (Art 390)
2.5 Minimum Cumulative GPA
Pre-requisites: ART 221 & ART 390 (Part I)

Eligibility for second internship. (Art 490)
2.5 Minimum Cumulative GPA
Pre-requisite: ART 390 (Part I & II)

How long is an internship?

Students must complete a minimum of 120 hours on site to earn their internship credits. Learn more about specific academic requirements/assignments>

Can I do a first internship before the end of my sophomore year?

Students must complete Art 221 and Art 390 prior to doing their first three-credit internship. Students who wish to do an internship before then should meet with the Art Internship Coordinator to discuss options. Learn more about planning for an internship>

How do I find out about internship opportunities?

The Art Internship Coordinator and Career HQ maintain databases of internship leads and opportunities. Opportunities are also posted in AC 202, e-mailed to students on the art majors group list as they become available, and posted on Mustang Central. The Art Internship Coordinator (Amanda Hostalka | AC 237) also maintains a binder of past intern paperwork students can use as a reference. Students are encouraged to seek out opportunities that are not posted as well and use their networking skills to open new doors.

Is an internship placement guaranteed?

Internships are not guaranteed. Strategies for finding an internship are covered in ART 390, but it is up to the student to secure an internship opportunity. It is advised that students plan for this process two semesters in advance.

What is required of me during my internship?

Students have academic work to complete before and during the internship. This work is used to evaluate the student’s internship performance. Students are visited on-site by the Internship Coordinator.

  • Students must meet professional expectations set forth in the Program Agreement Form.
  • Specific Assignments required before and during the internship. More>
     
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