NY/CT Intern (paid)
Out of context: Reply #17
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As someone who has done both paid AND non-paid internships, I can say that it is just ONE variable in the over-all decision. Ive taken paid internships - got to work on some stuff - but learned nothing as I was more-or-less a production guy for the AD. Now, I DID get to work on some stuff that eventually was over-hauled and printed - but its stuff that was outdated in a year's time LET ALONE have it in my folio now. The unpaid internship I took was a bit more strategic and I did a bit of research. I groveled at the feet of a Pretty well-known industry guy for months (inflating his ego and letting him know I wanted him to be the Mr. Miagi to my Danielle-son)... this eventually worked out and I got the internship. The LESSONS that i learned while working for him have been INVALUABLE and while my work product now has outgrown what i did then (as a portfolio SHOULD), I can say under him and picking up these little hidden "gems" as he called them, influenced the entire process in which I think about design.
This is not to say that every unpaid internship will lead to a Disneyesque' movie story - but if you do your research, take the time to woo someone, it could pay off in spades for you... You're 17, so it IS important to put a roof over your head - but I think that now, while youre impressionable and dont have many bad-habits, it would be good to try to get in with someone who can TEACH you how to do things the right way.