Starting the hunt for internships can be a daunting and stressful process. Even the interview itself can feel intimidating. The anxiety is something we all face, and it’s completely valid. For students with creative majors such as art, business, and fashion, finding an internship can be additionally challenging because you are not only trying to find the perfect balance between creativity and strategic business skills, but also searching for a launch pad that values your artistic passion and will lead to broader opportunities.
I am a student who just in the past year joined the fashion program. Although I am familiar with internships through the internship highlight series I work on for our Career Development Instagram, this topic is relatively new to me.
I hope this article can serve as a helpful guide for everyone. In this article, I aim to transform the initial stress of internships into actionable steps. We will explore the best ways to search for internship opportunities, what essential materials you need to bring, and how you can truly stand out and let your creativity shine.
Search + key terms
When searching for internships, especially ones in the creative industries, it is essential to prioritize planning ahead. We don’t want to be frantically searching at the last minute and missing critical application deadlines.
The Career Development Center recommends beginning the search process 3 to 6 months in advance. For example, if you are interested in a fall internship, you should start searching during the preceding spring or summer months. Those aiming for a summer internship should begin their applications as early as October or November (especially for competitive internships).
This advanced planning is critical because internships in the art, business, and fashion fields are known to be highly competitive and often finalize their intern selections months before the start date. It is also important to work in advance, as you want to ensure you have all the necessary materials for the application process.
To jumpstart your search, here are some resources where you can find key terms and internship organization recommendations:
- Search on Handshake via pre-filtered Collections
- KatieCareer List of Job Boards
- Go to the “Creative Jobs / Fashion Design” OR
- “Business / Fashion Merchandising”
- Internship Program
- Choose to search by area of interest, including “Arts, Media & Marketing” or “Business, Fashion, & Consulting” OR
- Check out the lists of recent student internship locations
Let’s now explore the materials you need to help you stand out from a large pool of candidates.
MATERIALS
With a creative internship, companies love seeing how you can utilize their brand and existing ideas to create something new. Let’s explore the essential materials you’ll need in the application process.
- Portfolio:
- Art and Fashion majors, your Portfolio is the most crucial element, demonstrating both your vision and execution. It shows off your mood board and the step-by-step process you follow to create a concept for your art or project. Use your portfolio to highlight specific skills and a unique perspective you can bring to the company. It will not only demonstrate your ability to conceive a concept but also showcase how you execute it professionally.
- Resume:
- Having a well-tailored Resume is also an essential material you need for the application process. On your resume, be sure to highlight relevant past job experiences or volunteer roles. Additionally, clearly list the skills you used/ learned in those jobs, ensuring that they align directly with the description of the internship, as companies look for specific abilities.
- Cover Letter:
- Your Cover Letter is the chance to personalize your application. Explain why you would be the best candidate for this specific internship by connecting your past experiences directly to the role’s requirements. Most importantly, express what the company or brand means to you, demonstrating that you’ve researched their work and are genuinely invested in their mission.
Finally, ensure that you have supporting documentation ready, as it can significantly strengthen your application. While it is not always required, having Letters of Recommendation prepared from trusted academic or professional references provides positive examples of your character and work ethic.
Letting your Creativity shine
I hope this article has provided you with the confidence and helpful tools to approach your internship search with enthusiasm and courage. You can find more information on internships here at https://katiecareervc.stkate.edu/channels/internships/. Additionally, once you secure an internship, learn how to register it for academic credit on our website.
Remember, the key to standing out in a creative field is that there are no limits to your creativity. Don’t be afraid to be bold, push through boundaries, and step outside your comfort zone.
