Internship Information for Students
Student can download a PDF of the Internship Program Guide.
Finding An Internship
Internship opportunities will be posted on the Interior Design bulletin board and in the Job opportunities notebook. There are also some internships posted in the Coop Learning Office at Suffolk University. However, it is the student’s responsibility to find an appropriate internship! Don’t forget to check out trade publications. The yellow pages lists many of these companies also, with the advantage that they are all local listings. Networking: pursing leads that you hear of by word of mouth, is often the most effective method of searching. You can network at local Interior Design events, and at meetings of any of the local trade associations (IIDA, ASID, ISP, NEIDC, IFMA, AIA). Alumni of NESAD/SU work all over the Boston area and can often be a good source of information about internships. Professional Contacts (people that you meet at informational interviews, or other places) can also provide you with good leads.
Negotiating for An Internship
Make sure that you talk very specifically about what your job responsibilities will be, and who will supervise your work. The interview should be a two-sided process. You want to get an internship that gives you the greatest amount of creative experience as possible! This is not to say you should refuse to make Xeroxes or work in the resource library
Making the Most of Your Internship
You should always treat your internship seriously and professionally Show up to work on time. Act responsibly. Always meet deadlines. Your internship is often your best reference when you look for full-time work! And, many internships have led to full-time jobs. Be assertive. Suggest ways that you may more fully participate in the work of the firm. Even if you do only production on some jobs, you can do some creative work for the project on your own time and have it critiqued. Try to experience all of the “jobs” at your company
Waiver of Internship Requirement
A student who has completed work in an appropriate situation, with or without a salary, may petition to have the Internship requirement waived, with the approval of the Interior Design Program Director. Please note: a waiver does not earn credit. In order for a waiver to be considered, the student must have been employed for a minimum of 8 hours per week for a semester. Any student wishing such an exemption must complete a Request for Exemption from Internship Requirement form. Should the student be currently involved in such an equivalent situation, a verification form will be sent to his or her employer at the end of the 15-week period.