Panel presents interning advice

The clock ticked down five minutes a piece for the 10 students presenting information Wednesday on their internship experiences at the School of Fine Arts. \nThe Internship Slam, hosted by the Graphic Design club, provided younger design students the chance to hear tips on everything from portfolio formats to computer skills from upperclassmen.\nSenior Joseph Traylor, intern at the IU Alumni Association presented samples of his work during his five minutes while providing those in attendance reassuring advice on internships.\n"Using the computer as a tool is not the answer, It's all about problem solving," Traylor said.\nThe panel agreed one of most important parts of interning is learning to feel comfortable in the work environment. Whether small or large, interns should be willing to learn about all parts of the design process from concept generation to the final product.\nThe process of design became clear for senior Cassie Wright after she interned at WonderLab over the summer. Wright designed brochures and advertisements for the non-profit organization. \nDesigning for WonderLab gave Wright a chance to design for a different audience, because WonderLab is geared toward children. Wright, who originally thought she wanted to do newspaper design, discovered a less structured alternative for her career path.\n"If you take a wide variety (of internships), you can find out what you like," Wright said.\nThe panel also addressed how to successfully present design work. Portfolios with a small, diverse body of work go over the best with potential employers as well as a student who is confident and willing to talk about his or her experiences. \n"You have to be able to communicate an idea. That's super important," said senior Ian Sienicki, an intern for the IU Alumni Association.\nFor many students, internships can also help students decide which careers they may not want. \nSenior Jennifer Rose thought she wanted to work and live in Chicago but after interning at Bradford Group over the summer, she changed her mind.\n"My internship was very good for me because I learned what I don't want to do," she said.\nGraphic design student and sophomore Danielle Perdue took light notes while the panel spoke, reaffirming what she already knew.\n"I liked seeing the panel confer and reference each other. I also liked seeing examples of their work," Perdue said.\nOne of the problems addressed at the Slam was the age gap between established designers and incoming design graduates. Rapid technology, tight budgets and apprehensive leadership can limit the implementation of new software that is often taught in class. But in the end, regardless of computer skills, having solid design fundamentals is key to landing an internship.\n"The perfect internship would be the one that is paid, gives you a computer and gives you bright colorful things for your portfolio," Rose said.\nWhile the perfect internship is hard to find, real world experience is important for students entering the workforce.\n"Another great thing about unpaid is that it could turn into paid," Wright said.\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsey Luken at lluken@indiana.edu