The Basics

Internships provide students the valuable opportunity to gain professional experiences and build contacts within industries of interest before leaving MICA. ​Internships also help you identify your professional goals while making you a more competitive candidate for future opportunities. 

​Career Development is here to help you navigate every step of your internship search. ​This guide will help you get started.
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Internship Myths

We have an approved list of internships
There are more opportunities out there than we can list in one place. You can intern with just about any company, organization, or individual who can fulfill our requirements.
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You need experience to get an internship
Internships are often a student’s first job. You are not expected to have much professional experience, that’s why you are seeking out an internship!
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We will place you
Career Development does not place students into any positions. We are here to help you along the way and provide resources to aid you in your search.
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You have to start at the beginning of the semester
Many students find their internships mid-semester. If you are seeking school credit follow our internship registration process to be approved before you begin working.
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Most internships are posted online
Many internships are not found online, especially those with individual artists or small organizations. MICA students often arrange internships to fit their specific career goals with hosts who have not established a formal internship program.
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You have to receive school credit
School credit is not a requirement for internships, unless you are an F-1 international student interning in the U.S. Film & Video, Photography, and Curatorial Studies' degree plans require an internship.
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Unpaid internships are not worth it
​Unpaid experiences can be just as valuable as paid ones. Many internships with nonprofits are not paid given the nature of their work, but will provide professional contacts and experience you would not get in the classroom. Unpaid internships are a great way to build experience and give you an advantage when applying for more competitive, paid experiences.
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Be cautious of unpaid internships at for-profit companies that do not meet MICA's internship requirements. Ensure you are receiving training and learning from the experience, not simply providing a free service to an employer. 

Keys to a Successful Internship​

Internship vs. Freelance
Are you supplying a service the internship site cannot provide, or learning from a professional with the proper expertise? Internships should provide you with training from industry professionals. If you are providing work that the site cannot do without you, it is not an internship. 
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Many employers contact MICA looking for design interns to create ads and logos for them because they do not employ a designer. If there is no designer to oversee your work, it is not an internship, it's freelance work you should be compensated for. 
​Environment & Resources
The organization should provide you with an on-site workstation and all required tools, equipment, and technology needed to complete your assigned tasks. If a company requires you to use your own equipment or to work remotely, you should think twice about accepting the offer. What’s in it for you? Are you doing work solely for the benefit of the company?
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Photo Credit -- Once Finalized
JSchlossman 2015 Meyerhoff



Supervision & Guidance
Your supervisor should be a trained professional capable of completing the work you are asked to do. Their role is to train you and be available to answer your questions for the duration of the internship. Remember, this should be a learning experience.
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Meaningful Tasks
You should be assigned projects that will teach you new skills and provide a clearer understanding of what it’s like to work in a specific industry. There should be a balance between meaningful learning experiences and menial tasks.
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Communication​
Communication is key to a successful internship. Be sure you and your supervisor agree on the expectations of your work and to ask for constructive feedback. Never be afraid to ask questions!​
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Get it in Writing
Whether you complete an internship for school credit or not, it is always a good idea to have something in writing outlining your job description, timeline, and goals. Contracts are a great way to ensure you and your supervisor are in agreement with your role and the work you will complete over the course of the internship. Career Development is happy to provide a sample learning contract if you are not seeking school credit.
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Legal Definition of an Internship

See the Dept. of Labor's Fair Labor Standards Art to learn when you must be compensated for your duties. For additional information, read the definition of an internship from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Register for Credit

Many students seek school credit for their internships. This allows them to get training outside of the classroom which they can apply toward their degree. Some companies require school credit for internships.

If seeking school credit, be sure to read through our Internship Eligibility Requirements and to attend the mandatory Internship Orientation.
F-1 students interning in the U.S. are required to receive school credit. Review Internships for International Students to lean more about work authorization requirements.

Find Opportunities

​As you begin your search, here are a few things to keep in mind:
  • Professional goals: Look for the internship that align with your own values and interests
  • Geography: Do you want to work in a specific city, state, or country?
  • Industry: What industries are you interested in?
  • Timing: When do you want to intern? Most MICA students complete summer internships when their schedules are more flexible. If interning in fall or spring, are you able to balance your schoolwork and an internship?
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MICAnetwork is our free online database listing opportunities from employers who are actively seeking to hire MICA students and alumni. 

Check out these tips and tricks that can help you use MICAnetwork most effectively.
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SYSTEM TUTORIALS
JOB AGENT
​If you are interested in specific opportunities, set up the MICA Job Agent. First, perform a search with your desired modifiers, then click on “Email me New Jobs for this Search” and a “Job Agent” will be formed. Whenever an employer uploads a job based on your search modifiers, you will automatically receive an email to your MICA account about the job.
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INTERNSHIP HISTORIES
​A database of intern histories can also be accessed through MICAnetwork. Simply click Resource Library in the left navigation, and then select Internships.
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Photo Credit -- Once Finalized
Career Fair 2016




​MICA’s annual Internship and Career Fair brings 50+ employers to campus every spring.

Visit micacareerfair.wordpress.com for details on this year's fair as well as employers who have come to fairs in the past looking to recruit MICA students
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Competitive Internship Programs

It's important to keep in mind that more competitive internships at larger organizations require extra time, planning and research. Many will have specific requirements and early deadlines. Look for summer program deadlines in late fall and early winter.
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On-Campus Interviews

Every semester Career Development brings employers to campus to conduct interviews and information sessions. Information is sent out by email and is also available to view on MICAnetwork. Students must apply to be considered for an interview.

See our On Campus Interview handout for more information.
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MICA Internship Blog

MICA's Internship Blog lists many successful internships students have completed for studio credit. See first-hand student accounts of experiences, searchable by industry and location.
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Utilize Your Network

​The most effective way to find any job is through your own contacts. You already have a great network right here at MICA! ​According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 70% of all jobs are found through networking. This is a great way to uncover job opportunities that might not yet, or may never, be posted on job sites.
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Alumni, Faculty and Industry Professionals 

Tell everyone you know what you’re looking for. Approach alumni, faculty and other industry professionals for advice. MICA alumni are always willing to help out fellow students. Focus on building contacts around your professional interests. Attend art openings, visiting artists’ lectures, shows, or mix and mingles to stay updated on current events in your industry.
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Always have business or artist cards on hand. You never know who you will run into. Be sure to get a business card in return from those you talk to.

Photo Credit -- Once Finalized
Career Fair 2016



Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to learn more about specific fields and insider tips. There are many professionals who were once in your position and in need of guidance. This is a great chance to have an open discussion and learn everything you want to know first-hand.

Follow our Informational Interviewing guide and the Making Contact section of this site to learn how to arrange a meeting.
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Online Social Networking

Clean up any pre-existing social media profiles on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, etc. If an employer were to Google search your name, would they find embarrassing photos or information about you? Your online presence should be professional and reflect positively on your work and personal life.

​CONNECT WITH ALUMNI ONLINE:
MICA Alumni Facebook Group
Career Development Facebook Group
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LinkedIn is an invaluable research tool to learn about career opportunities in your desired field, and to connect with alumni working in an industry you want to learn about. Join the MICA Alumni LinkedIn Group to expand your access to MICA alumni. ​

HELPFUL LINKEDIN GUIDES
How to Use LinkedIn
Building a LinkedIn Portfolio
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Making Contact

How to Write a Cold Email

What do you do when the place you want to intern doesn't list any information on their website? Send them a professional email asking if they are open to hosting an intern.

​You want to first introduce yourself (name, year, major), why you are interested in applying, a brief synopsis of your skills, and a link to you website or reel. Most employers will not open an attached document from someone they do not know, as they might think its spam or a virus. So make sure your portfolio website is up to date.
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Photo Credit -- Once Finalized
2016 Meyerhoff



Netiquette

See our Netiquette handout for more information.
  • Keep the subject line professional and relevant. Always use a formal greeting, especially if you do not know the person.
  • Use spell check with professional language and standard capitalization. No emoticons and TXT abbreviations allowed!
  • Be warm and friendly, thanking the person for their time.
  • Keep it concise; break text into paragraphs so your email doesn't come across as dense or overwhelming. 
  • Be careful to correspond using an email address you check regularly.
  • Include a link to your website and your contact information at the end. 
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Thank Yous

Never underestimate the importance of a thank you. Always follow up with people you meet, whether through art openings, conferences, informational interviews, or formal interviews. Sending a thank you note or follow up email to show your appreciation of their time can go a long way.
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Once you have made contact, be sure to follow up. It shows sincere interest and initiative.

Stay Organized

Keep track of everyone you have contacted and are reaching out to. A database or spreadsheet is a great way to stay organized with applications dates, responses, and interviews. 
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Prepare Your Materials

Professional Package

Your professional package consists of a resume, cover letter and portfolio website. You can find many helpful resources at ​www.mica.edu/careerdevelopment.
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The resume is the first impression an employer has of you. See our guides on Building a Resume and InDesigning Your Resume for tips about drafting this important document.
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​The cover letter works together with your resume to introduce ‘you’ to potential employers. Check out our Cover Letter Guide for more details. 
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For your website, ​You can showcase your work through MICA Portfolios, or a variety of other platforms. See our Website Website for help on assembling your online portfolio.  
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Interview

See our Mastering the Interview Guide and Career Resources page for tips to prepare for your upcoming interview.

​MOCK INTERVIEWS
Practicing is the best way to prepare for an upcoming interview. Career Development offers Mock Interview prep each semester or by appointment. We will give you a list of sample questions and tips for giving outstanding answers. 
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Accomodations

If you are looking for internships outside of your home town, it's important to think about where you will live during your stay.
  • Check other college's website for off-campus housing lists
  • Craigslist and other housing search engines by city
  • Interning in New York City? See our NYC Summer Housing Handout.
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The Meyerhoff Internship Fellowship program provides funding to students with financial need so they can participate in a valuable summer internship experiences. The funding covers living expenses and transportation costs. Students must secure an internship in order to be eligible to apply. Applications are due in late April. Details can be found online at meyerhoffinternshipfellowship.weebly.com.

This fellowship is brought to MICA through the generous support of the Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds.​
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Need more help?

​Career Development is here to help you on your internship journey and are happy to meet with you about your specific questions. 

MEET WITH A PCA
Peer Career Advisors have weekly availability in the fall and spring. PCAs can help you begin exploring your options, point you to resources, and review materials.

MEET WITH A COUNSELOR
Focus in on more specifics with a Career Counselor once you begin narrowing down where you'd like to intern. Expect to schedule your appointment 2-3 weeks in advance during the school year.

DROP IN HOURS
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00-4:00 PM
Have a quick question? Stop in during Drop Ins to ask time-sensitive questions, or to have materials reviewed quickly. No appointment required for these 15 minute meetings. 
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PROGRAM CALENDAR
Each semester we offer workshops for various professional development-related topics, including internships. 
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