Graphic + Media Design students are doing amazing things in the “real-world” thanks to our well-established Internship Program. Sage students have done internships in Boston, New York City, London and throughout the greater Capital Region of New York. Students cite the Internship Program as one of their best experiences at Sage. The program connects Sage students, employers and faculty to ensure a rich and vital educational experience. Many of our alumni have been hired as a direct result of the Internship Program.
Here’s an overview of the Graphic + Media Design Internship Program:
What is an internship?
An internship is pre-professional work experience related to your major. An internship enables you to connect the knowledge and skills you have gained in your coursework with real world applications, gives you insights into the dynamics of the field in which you are working, fosters the development of professional skills and is absolutely necessary for a strong resume.
An internship can also provide you with the answer to that age-old question: “What can I do with this major?” Finally, if your plans include graduate school, an internship can be helpful. Many graduate schools look for evidence of experience in the field and an internship can provide that experience.
Who can do an internship?
All Sage students. In fact, all majors are required to do at least one experiential learning experience for academic credit.
When can I do my internship?
Typically, students complete their internships when they are in their junior year or early in their senior year.
Where are internships located?
Many of our internships are located throughout the Albany area, but there are numerous regional, national and international opportunities available. Students typically attend Sage as full-time students while working part-time at their internship location. Summer breaks allow for long distance internships and can be a great way to advance your skills!
Here are a few of the places our Graphic + Media Design students have interned:
- Jacob’s Pillow, Lenox, MA
- OVO Creative, Phoenix, AZ
- Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA
- Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, NY
- Agora Games, Troy, NY
- Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, MA
- Exit Art, New York, NY
- The Big Issue, London, England
- Metroland, Albany, NY
- New Hampshire Magazine, Manchester, NH
- Office of NYS Attorney General, Albany, NY
- L&P Media, Troy, NY
- Mohawk Fine Papers, Cohoes, NY
- WMHT, Albany, NY
- WTEN, Albany, NY
- Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA
- EF Tours, Boston, MA
- Kathode Ray Media, Greenville, NY
- Albany Academies, Albany, NY
- Questar, Rensselaer, NY
- Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY
- Business Review, Albany, NY
- Benchemark Printing, Schenectady, NY
- Zone 5, Albany, NY
- NYS Dept. of Economic Development (I Love NY), Albany, NY
- Sage Communications Office, Troy, NY
How do I get a Graphic + Media Design internship?
We recommend that all Graphic + Media Design majors research and apply for internships that the college has already developed. Students should begin the process by contacting the Graphic + Media Design Internship Coordinator. For a spring internship you should begin the process in September; for a summer or fall internship you should begin in January. All credit bearing internships must be approved by the Internship Coordinator. You will need a resumé, cover letter and portfolio of work to apply for internships. The Career Planning office can help with initial resumé and cover letter development, while the portfolio needs approval by the Internship Coordinator as part of the application process.
How much time do I spend working at an internship? How many hours are required?
Students are required to do at least 120 hours if the internship is credit-bearing. Students typically work part-time during a semester and full-time during summer and winter breaks. Please check with the Internship Coordinator regarding additional internship policies.
Are there paid internships available?
Paid internships are sometimes available, but most internships are unpaid.
Can I do an internship at my current job?
Students can do an internship at their job site only if they can negotiate 3-5 learning objectives (i.e., a project or job where new professional skills will be learned). It is usually in the student’s best interest to explore other organizations and make new contacts. You must get approval from your Internship Coordinator for these unique situations.
Who is eligible to do an internship?
Students with a grade point average of 2.20 in their major, completion of at least 45 credits and have the approval of their faculty advisor are eligible. Keep in mind that some majors may have different eligibility (i.e. GPA) requirements. If you are not sure of what the internship requirements are in your major, check the College catalog.
If an internship is a course, do I have to do homework? Do I get a grade?
The internship is a graded academic course. As a Graphic + Media Design major, you will be required to keep a daily log of activities, prepare a portfolio of work completed during the internship and make a final presentation upon completion of the internship.