If you are new to graphic design or want to gain more professional experience in the field, securing an internship is an excellent way to increase your employability. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipating 23,000 graphic design job openings annually through 2030, it’s clear there’s no better time than now to start a career in the industry.
Graphic design bootcamp classes or a traditional degree are great preparation for working in a creative role, though completing an internship provides another level of professional experience to your resume. Below you can read more about the benefits of a graphic design internship to help you determine if applying for one aligns with your current goals.
Build a Solid Portfolio
One significant benefit to completing an internship is the ability to gain content and work experience for your graphic design portfolio. Having a solid portfolio is incredibly important when you are trying to gain employment as a Graphic Designer, as this is often the first thing a potential employer or client will see when searching for design services. The more high-quality work samples you have available, the better employers will be able to envision your design style and determine whether you are a good fit for the role.
Gain Industry Experience
Internships provide an opportunity to gain experience and build on both hard and soft design skills. While training courses provide hands-on experience completing projects, the industry experience one can gain from working in a professional design setting is incredible for career and personal goals. In addition to learning new skills, you can build confidence working in a professional environment and gain valuable communication skills.
Network With Other Designers
Graphic designers who secure an internship have an excellent opportunity to network with other professionals and create valuable relationships in the design community. Networking is a crucial part of working in a creative profession like graphic design, where you may need to reach out for assistance with an issue or collaborate on a project. In turn, you never know when another designer may reach out to you for help or feedback on their work. Gaining these types of professional relationships during an internship can be helpful throughout your entire career.
Tackle New Challenges
One of the best ways to gain experience and learn how to overcome challenging situations is to face them head-on. Designers will endure a variety of new challenges during an internship that they may not have faced during educational classes. Learning how to navigate these challenges while under the guidance of an instructor or supervisor is extremely helpful and can help set you up for success throughout your design career. However, there is an added benefit to tackling new problems during an internship where making mistakes and growing from them is part of the learning experience.
Meet a Mentor
If you are not networking with other designers or are unable to secure an internship, it can be incredibly difficult to meet a mentor that can help you navigate through your career. While some students may find a mentor during their training courses, many complete their classes and move on to a career without gaining that type of guidance after graduation. There are countless benefits to securing a mentor, which is why students and recent graduates should consider looking for local internships. It’s important to note that anyone can apply for an internship, even if they are not enrolled in school or a recent graduate. Be sure to review any requirements before submitting your application to ensure you are eligible for the position.
Find Your Niche in the Field
Another incredible benefit of completing a graphic design internship is the ability to navigate through any uncertainty you may have regarding your career or what type of design role you want to pursue. There are many niche areas or specialized functions in the graphic design field, meaning it can be challenging to determine which you align with best without diving in and gaining experience. Learning a variety of subject areas can help you to decide which type of employment you want or what type of design work best suits your unique style.
Learn New Skills
In addition to building on existing skills, working an internship is a great way to learn new technical and soft skills in the field. While training classes and learning independently can provide a solid understanding of fundamental skills, it’s difficult to learn some areas without working on a real-life project. During certificate classes or traditional degree programs, students complete work based on curriculum and must meet specific criteria to demonstrate understanding. Working in an internship may be the first time designers are able to learn how to create a design that meets the client’s needs.
Professional References
Another benefit of securing a graphic design internship is forming professional relationships with others in the field and communicating with instructors/supervisors about professional references. These references can be crucial when it comes to resumes, confirming your experience, or even applying for grad school. Internship supervisors are an excellent choice for a professional reference, as they’ve seen your knowledge and skills first hand. Be sure to discuss this with the individual prior to using them as a reference to ensure they are comfortable doing so.
Speak With Potential Clients
While every internship will have different tasks and daily functions, you may gain an opportunity to speak with potential clients and learn how to effectively communicate as a Graphic Designer. Networking with these individuals can be extremely helpful for you both personally and professionally in the future and allows you to understand the best processes for communicating with clientele. Some designers have to learn how to talk to clients on their own, which is why it’s great to learn these skills under the guidance of a professional in the field.
Help You Secure a Job
One significant benefit to completing a graphic design internship is increased employability and earning potential. While educational classes and bootcamp courses provide exceptional training in the field, having an internship on your resume can help you stand out from other design applicants. The skills and experience you gain during an internship working in a real-life environment may give you the upper hand in some scenarios, especially when it comes to navigating compensation. If you are a graphic design freelancer navigating pay, be sure to research freelance rates to determine how much you should charge for your services.
If you are ready to start your career in graphic design and want to learn the fundamentals, graphic design classes from a provider like Noble Desktop are an excellent option. These courses teach all of the industry-standard software and skills needed to jump-start a new career. There are also live online graphic design courses for those who prefer a versatile learning option to study remotely. This eliminates the need to change your schedule or commute through heavy traffic. If you want to learn more about what options are available, try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to get started.