#50 Intern programs provide the ability to give back, stay current, see diff approach, teach, challenge yourself & always have fresh coffee.

When I was a junior, I worked as an intern for 30 days. I felt like I learned more in those 30 days than I did in 3 years of school. I promised myself that if I was ever in the position to provide that experience for someone else, I was going to do it. I’ve kept that promise, and I’ve discovered that internships are one of the best ways for me to teach, expand my own art directing, and help foster the future leaders of the design field. I’ve also learned to face the challenge of communicating with students who don’t know what they don’t know. You know?

Having students in the studio also inspires us to ask different questions than we normally might, and at times, try things we typically wouldn’t try – because sometimes that exploratory instinct gets lost. Overall, internships can be a really great part of your studio, giving you that extra boost of energy that comes from teaching and listening to a younger creative. But like anything, the more prepared you are, the better. Take it seriously. Have a job description. If you’re going to really put them to work, then pay them something. And in all honesty, have them get you coffee or run an errand for you now and then. It sounds silly, but I truly believe that younger generations have developed this horrible sense of entitlement. A little humility or humbling now and then will prepare them for the upcoming reality of what we all face when presenting our ideas and living our design life.

Have you had any internship pros or cons? Do you have any additional tips or advice?

PS: I wrote a similar post for the Notes on Design blog - read that here.