3 answers
Ebbie
Student
Hong Kong
1
Question
Asked
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As a student studying in Arts related filed, how can I enhancing my chances of getting an internship ?
I am currently a Year 2 student studying at the University of Hong Kong who are looking for an internship.
#internship #college #arts
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3 answers
Stu Crew
Senior Product Manager
2
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Stu’s Answer
Hi Ebbie,
Your portfolio of work is the best advert you can have for yourself. Make sure it shows all of your recent work as best you can. Here are a few tips I remember being told when I put together my portfolio.
Make sure you have a range of work that shows all your talents. The trick is to surprise the viewer every time they turn the page with a different skill. Even when your portfolio is ‘done’ keep adding new work!
The work you show should include your own personal projects. Remember that all of your peers will have the projects you were told to do. You can really stand out if you set yourself a brief as it shows you really have a passion for what you do.
It’s also really important to show your process and development. It makes a huge difference if a viewer can see how you think and explore ideas rather than just polished final pieces. If you’re embarrassed by your old or rough work, don’t be! It shows how you’ve progressed (which shows future potential, too!)
Don’t make the portfolio too long. It’s tempting to add everything that you’ve ever done! Instead tailor your portfolio to the role you’re applying for to keep it succinct. If your portfolio is physical try to get a folder where you can remove and re-order pages. If it’s digital export a different file each time.
Finally, it’s super important to listen to feedback you get! If you keep hearing the same things from people who review your portfolio try to make changes. If you have lecturers with industry knowledge they know what people will look for and how you can make your portfolio better, so go speak to them!
I’ll finish with a small piece of personal advice - don’t get hung up on a particular role. Be excited and give it your all, but don’t hang all your hopes on one application. There are thousands of people applying for internships and it helps to keep an open mind about what you want to do. I got my internship really late because someone else dropped out. It wasn’t my dream job on paper but it was incredibly valuable. I proudly have it on my CV even though it’s not the industry I ended up working in.
Best of luck with your search!
Stu
Get your portfolio reviewed by people with industry knowledge
If there’s a skill that’s missing do your own project to fill it
Look outside your main field for internship opportunities
Your portfolio of work is the best advert you can have for yourself. Make sure it shows all of your recent work as best you can. Here are a few tips I remember being told when I put together my portfolio.
Make sure you have a range of work that shows all your talents. The trick is to surprise the viewer every time they turn the page with a different skill. Even when your portfolio is ‘done’ keep adding new work!
The work you show should include your own personal projects. Remember that all of your peers will have the projects you were told to do. You can really stand out if you set yourself a brief as it shows you really have a passion for what you do.
It’s also really important to show your process and development. It makes a huge difference if a viewer can see how you think and explore ideas rather than just polished final pieces. If you’re embarrassed by your old or rough work, don’t be! It shows how you’ve progressed (which shows future potential, too!)
Don’t make the portfolio too long. It’s tempting to add everything that you’ve ever done! Instead tailor your portfolio to the role you’re applying for to keep it succinct. If your portfolio is physical try to get a folder where you can remove and re-order pages. If it’s digital export a different file each time.
Finally, it’s super important to listen to feedback you get! If you keep hearing the same things from people who review your portfolio try to make changes. If you have lecturers with industry knowledge they know what people will look for and how you can make your portfolio better, so go speak to them!
I’ll finish with a small piece of personal advice - don’t get hung up on a particular role. Be excited and give it your all, but don’t hang all your hopes on one application. There are thousands of people applying for internships and it helps to keep an open mind about what you want to do. I got my internship really late because someone else dropped out. It wasn’t my dream job on paper but it was incredibly valuable. I proudly have it on my CV even though it’s not the industry I ended up working in.
Best of luck with your search!
Stu
Stu recommends the following next steps:
Matthew Ogorzalek
Life Coach
2
Answers
Glenwood, Maryland
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
First you want to build a strong foundation meaning get a good resume and even if it simple make sure your words match your own voice and not exactly that of what the person always wants to hear.
After that get yourself on, linked in, indeed, monster, or other like sites. Make sure you take the time to have someone else review this
and of course all this is going to take time so if you give yourself three weeks instead set aside 6 weeks.
dont stop applying even if you get one other and better ones may still be out there. sign up to recieve news letters about careers in your field
if you have had expeirience in school contact those teachers if it was recent and ask for recomendations as well as if they have any contacts
netowrking is key!
Matthew recommends the following next steps:
James Mintz
16
Answers
Updated
James’s Answer
First, ensure you’re resume highlights your arts experience. Write a good cover letter to go with it, and follow up with venues after sending... maybe even having a conversation about who they are/ what they do, time permitting. (This might help you understand if you’re interested in working there.) second, send many resumes out. Prioritize the ones your most interested in. Overall, just be yourself! Show professionalism and passion for what you’re doing. I’ve had both very beneficial as well as absolutely terrible internship experiences, so don’t be afraid to really think about whether you’re interested in the role.