Gain in-the-Field Experience

According to cartoonist and renowned author of comic book Calvin and Hobbes, Bill Watterson, "Experience is food for the brain."   Experience in life-situations in which we learn by doing, build expertise through practice, and perfect skills, is extremely important to a student or professional in the design and fashion world.  Whether you are a high school student applying to an art program, a graduate of a liberal arts bachelors program who wants to shift focus into the realm of art and design, or an art school guru who possesses a degree in design, photography, or animation, your résumé is not complete without significant in-the-field experience. 

There are many ways to gain business or real-world job experience while in art or design school.  Many programs offer internships as courses that can award you with credit towards a certificate or art degree.  Others offer summer or after-school internships affiliated with the school.  It is imperative that you take advantage of offerings through your chosen school; not only will you have something more to tack on to your resume, you will also acquire strong connections with professionals who can later recommend you for employment.  Furthermore, internships offer you the opportunity to sharpen the skills you learn in specific courses.  On-the-job settings require you to select different abilities depending on the task at hand, and teach you how to remain flexible and business-oriented as you hone your skills. 

Apprenticeships are another useful way to gain in-the-field experience.  Apprenticeships help build and expand your knowledge in your area of artistic expertise.  They usually require you to work under the tutelage of a business professional or practicing professor.  While you may not gain large financial rewards as an apprentice, you will win priceless experience that will show your limitless interest and drive and broaden your career opportunities.

Following are a few examples of apprenticeship programs or internships that are available to art students:

• The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. created the Design Apprenticeship Program.  Find out more information at: http://www.nbm.org/media/video/design-apprenticeship-program.html
• Interested in studying abroad?  Visit http://www.studyabroaddirectory.com/listingsp3.cfm/listing/17282 to learn more about the Academia Riaci in Florence, Italy, offering a one-year accelerated course in art, design, and apprenticeship. 
• Worship the Met?  Check out an array of internship opportunities offered by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  While these internships require strong base knowledge in art history, they seek applicants who will add to the diversity of their environment, including those still enrolled in undergraduate programs.  For more information, check out http://www.metmuseum.org/education/er_internship.asp

Now that you are aware of the importance of in-the-field experience, start building that résumé!   Admissions officers and potential employers will see that you are not only dedicated to art and design education, but passionate enough to spend your time learning in real-world situations.