Hometown: Rochester, MI
Major and class standing: Graphic Design, Senior
Where you interned: Michigan State University, The Department of Art, Art History, and Design
What was your internship title and role/responsibilities?
I am responsible for designing and producing print materials such as booklets, brochures, and posters for events hosted in any of the Kresge galleries, Scene Metrospace, and the MSU Union Art Gallery. Additionally, I manage our social media accounts and website. I also handle photography and videography for use across various platforms. My role also involves extensive work with printing, cutting, and installing vinyl, as well as working on communication projects such as writing and sending out emails.
How did you obtain your internship? What resources did you utilize to secure your internship?
I obtained this internship through a recommendation from one of my graphic design professors to my boss. To secure the internship, I participated in portfolio workshops and sought guidance from mentors to help me prepare for the interview and portfolio review process.
What did your daily routine include?
My daily routine as a Senior Graphic Designer varies greatly depending on the projects at hand. Some days, I dedicate an entire shift to a major project like designing a book. On other days, I might focus on social media tasks, website updates, working with vinyl, and then heading to the galleries for installation work.
Your favorite experience from the internship?
My favorite aspect of this internship has been the opportunity to collaborate with a fantastic team of people. Whether it’s my supervisors, the department faculty, fellow student employees, or my peers, I’ve built valuable relationships that I will always cherish.
What was your least favorite part of the internship?
My least favorite aspect of this internship is probably the moment I’m experiencing right now, saying goodbye to all the wonderful people I’ve worked with and spent time with over the past year.
What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?
I’ve learned so many skills during this internship, including using WordPress, vinyl cutting and installation, professional printing production, reviewing test prints, formatting documents correctly for print or digital spaces, working collaboratively and independently on real-world projects, creating buttons, communicating with and obtaining materials from faculty across different disciplines, meeting specific print deadlines, and much more.
What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of the internship? What are your future plans?
I gained valuable insights into the graphic design industry during my tenure in this role, and I’m excited to be pursuing a full-time Graphic Design position after graduation at Northern Michigan University.
What advice do you have for other students seeking out internship opportunities?
My advice for students seeking internship opportunities is to stay persistent and not get discouraged if you haven’t found the perfect fit yet. Trust that you will find the right opportunity with time and determination.
