Five steps to getting that graphic design internship

You might as well forget going after the posted graphic design internships. There are so many people applying for these spots that your chances are slim to none. Here is a better way to approach the internship hurdle: 1. Compile a list of companies that you would like to do your internship with. 2. Call these companies. Don’t ask if you can apply for an internship position. Instead, ask for the creative director or senior art director. 3. Ask for a meeting. Tell them that you are an art student, and ask if you can come in for a 15-minute informational interview and get some feedback on your portfolio. Most will agree. This is a low-pressure way to get your portfolio in front of someone in the business. 4. Rock the meeting. Arrive early. Dress professionally. Have your portfolio in top form. Be respectful of your interviewer’s time. Recap the meeting by reiterating the suggestions that they gave you. Thank them for their time. 5. Send a follow-up thank you e-mail. Thank them for their time and suggestions. Casually mention that you are interested if the opportunity for an internship arises. Now you are on the top of their list, provided that you had a good portfolio and came across positive and eager. Remember to research the company beforehand so you know who their clients are and what kind of work they do. It might even be worth your while to design a couple of ads for the specific industry they do work for. If they do a lot of health care work, for instance, do a couple of ads for health insurance. The No. 1 thing that they are looking for is your ability to come up with good ideas.