Internships?
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- webhead
I own a really small, and fairly progressive interactive shop and we are starting to look for a designer to bring on staff. Right now I own the place and work closely with a group of other independents to get my work done.
I have had a few students approach me about working with me for the summer as Interns, and I was wondering what folks typically expect from an internship. When I was project manager at the interactive department at my previous agency we had several unpaid interns over the summer that put in crazy hours and did some really good work.
What do students typically expect from internships these days?
Thanks.
- usrper0
its a good question to ask them.
or is it
- chimchim0
I come from a school that has mandantory 18 months of paid 'internships' built into our program. So I would be somewhat bias, but I have to say people expect to be paid. Nothing massive, I mean, most kids will work for $10 - $14 depending on the situation.
people from my school typically venture out to Madison to work for Lands End each quarter, so it's not such a stretch to send another kid out to work for you.
best of luck.
if you are willing to pay students and are serious about a business relationship with a design school, I can put you in contact with people that will bring you a steady flow of interns year round.
- webhead0
See, that's what I was looking for. I know I would be able to hire a full time producer, who could also assist in bringing in new clients--but I'm not sure what I could afford in way of bringing in and teaching an intern.
I think I would offer the ability for somebody to grow in the arena of their choice, which would be a plus--and something outside of corporate work--but is that enough?
- jeneraa0
In order to ensure an effective internship, for both yourself and the student, you should engage the student in the culture of your firm, especially if you find that the culture you guys have encourages an open flow of thought AND greater performance as a team than the sum of your parts.
Essentially you should learn of their objectives with the internship, then consider your own. Where can you go from there is the question.
But the intern must feel like they are a part of the greater whole, because then they too will be getting something out of it...
- chimchim0
well put.
I wish I could formulate thoughts and communicate them with written words!
- a-train0
i am currently looking for a internship for the summer, so i can throw my 2cents in...
I think that most students would like to work for $10-15/ hr. but the biggest thing (at least for me) is to start building a portfolio... all i need money for is gas and food : )
- imakedesign0
in the uk we have to do a six weeks placement and they very rarely get paid anything.
but your a nice guy...
- webhead0
I am a nice guy ;)
Any other opinions?
- instantok0
i worked a summer full time between two different firms...both unpaid...it sucked but it was the best thing i could have done for myself...if you can't afford to pay an intern i would suggest at the very least covering lunches and travel...my boss didn't but would take me grocery shopping and give me some spare cash every now and again...it's funny but that almost meant more than a steady paycheck...almost
- Fanco0
students like me want to be intergreated into the team. we dont want to be replacement workers for full time staff that go on vacation.
dont give us shitty work. have confidence in us and be ready to help us thought. if the student doesnt ask questions, then something is wrong.
and PLEASE pay them. I've just finished up a three month unpaid internship. it was pure hell. the work experience would of been better if i would at least recieve some money.