Where to look for internships and how to apply
Sometimes the hardest part about getting an internship is just finding one. The second hardest part is nailing the interview. Being that there are so few articles on applying/interviewing for creative roles, we made a quickstart guide. These tips are a combination of research, personal experience, and some tidbits we picked up from Joe’s Professional Practice Class. Use them wisely.
Where to Look
Handshake
This website can be used during and after school, so you can find internships now and full-time jobs in your future career. It’s a good idea to get your account set up by uploading your resume, listing your courses, and personalizing your profile to differentiate yourself from the crowd. You can also see where other alumni have worked, and get real reviews of the different opportunities available.
Visit Site
Faculty
Lisa Rosowsky once referred to the school’s design network as, “the MassArt Mafia.” It was a joke but it was true. Look to your faculty (many of whome are also MassArt alumni) to find opportunities or connections you likely won’t find on any websites. Be polite though, don’t go asking for a reference after blowing off their assignments all semester.
View Faculty Contacts
Glassdoor
While this one won’t be at the top of your list for applying for interning positions, it’s pretty handy in helping you gauge whether or not you want to work at a place. Here, you can find company reviews, pay rates, and general information on who the company is.
Visit Site
This is a great place to get connected with alumni, many of which could help you land an internship at their company. You can also connect with your teachers and classmates—this is the place to grow your network. There are internships posted on here, and you should apply, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. It’s good to apply on a variety of platforms.
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Built in Boston
Boston is one of the biggest cities for startups. Big in tech, health, and education, there is a place that is always hiring if you are interested in the path of a product designer.
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How to Apply
Applications
If you use an online platform, you will likely need to fill out a digital form for an application. This is where uploading a resume will come in handy, usually you will be able to auto-import it from the site. But, the resume is only the first of a few important steps. The cover letter is your real first impression, and equally as important.
Cover Letters
They can be daunting, and they can feel repetetive, but they humanize the experiences you put on your resume. When you write a cover letter, you’ll want to cover a few things:
- Who you are (the tasteful version),
- Why you’re excited about the job you’re applying for (why should they hire you),
- What relevant experience you bring to the table.
Don’t write them a novel, and don’t worry if you don’t have technical experience. It’s okay to talk about any kind of work you’ve done. It’s an internship—they’re aware this may be your first professional design experience.
Following Up
You need to bug employers a little. Emphasis on “a little.” Chances are they have a large number of applicants for any given position. Find their contact info (hint: find the hiring manager on the company’s LinkedIn page), and write them a quick email. Reiterate your enthusiasm about joining their team and why you’d make a good fit. Doesn’t hurt to politely ask for a decision timeline as well. Try not to follow up more than twice though, desperation won’t get you a job.