How to Get an Internship in Web Design

As companies are learning that internships can get them good work for free, more are using interns. But a web design internship can be hard to get, especially if you live far from major cities, in places where internships are more competitive.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make sure your internship fits your program concentrations and career goals. It helps to major or minor in technology or graphic design.

2. Get a portfolio. This step is of major importance. You can include volunteer projects, projects done in classes or those done for freelance contracts, but having real evidence of your design abilities puts you in a higher category of applicants, and a well-thought-out, full portfolio is better than something thrown together.

3. Demonstrate skills. List all of the software packages you know. If you know that employers are looking for certain skill sets, experiment with prominent programs out of class on your own to add them to your skills list. Remember, any "raw" skills you have will be honed while on the job; for internships, a very basic comprehension of a software is much better than none.

4. Anticipate questions about process. Think about what an employer might ask you to test your knowledge of the field and have your answers ready. This will make you sound much more knowledgeable during your interview.

5. Show your track record. Demonstrate your ability to work hard, tenacity and competence for project deadlines. As much as possible, put your best foot forward, highlighting past accomplishments to tell your employer what you bring to the table.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop around. Look on sites such as Craigslist for unique and interesting internship possibilities. Don't just jump on the first one that comes along; you owe it to yourself to try to find an internship you will enjoy and from which you will learn a lot.

Resources

• IAmNext: Internship tips
• Web/Graphic Design internships

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How To Make Big Money With Low-Budget Postcard Projects. PostcardProfits.com
• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[Rains506]

on 7/17/2009 Well written. Finding an internship for a good web design firm can be tough. Finding a good internship in general can be tough if you want to avoid those coffee fetching, envelope licking ones! I'd recommend researching reviews on different web design companies and their internship programs. One site that is good with this is www.UltimateIntern.com. This site provides comprehensive internship reviews posted by actual interns. So, you'll see how they got the job, the best and worst part of it, daily tasks, and tips and advice for potential interns. Good Luck!