Student Opportunities

Requirements:

• All internships require a minimum of 150 hours
• Need instructor permission
• Plan one semester ahead
• Must be junior/senior standing

The department encourages:

• all Art History majors to complete Field Experience in Art History.
• all Studio Art majors to complete Field Experience in Studio Art.
• all Graphic Design majors to complete Internship in Design.

An internship not only provides a real life experience in the arts, but also provides useful contacts for employment possibilities and recommendations for graduate school.

Internship for Credit Workflow: In order to ensure a fair and manageable system to deal with internships, the Art, Art History and Design Department of Oakland University has set forth guidelines to serve as minimum requirements for a student to receive internship credit. All internships require a minimum of 150 hours of work.

Field Experience Course Guidelines: The internship should be purposeful, provide opportunities for reflection, present a continual challenge to the student, and incorporate active learning with the student as an active participant.

Contact your AAH Field Experience Adviser to begin the planning process.

Contact your AAH Field Experience Adviser to obtain a hard copy of this report.

Due: It is expected that the student will turn in a hard copy of the Final Report and Internship Activity Log to the AAH Field Experience Adviser by the last day of classes in which the student has their internship.

If an internship cannot be completed within one semester, this should be discussed with the AAH Field Experience Supervisor before the end of the semester. “P” or 'progress' grades can be assigned for internships that require more than one semester to complete. However, if a student wants to be considered for a “P” grade, a request should be made three weeks prior to the last day of classes with detailed explanation.

Document Structure:

• 3-5 typed single spaced pages, not including the cover, bibliography or appendix pages
• Standard margins and paragraphs
• Times or Times Roman font in black
• Page Order:
  • Cover, with name, internship supervisor's name and contact information
  • Table of Contents
  • Bibliography of readings and resources, please include websites where appropriate

Based on Internship Proposal, students are expected to discuss some of the following:

• Were you personally, academically and professionally prepared for your internship?
• Were any college courses particularly helpful during the internship?
• Which courses/experiences do you wish you had prior to the internship?
• Was the internship useful?
• Based on your Internship Proposal, did you learn what you expected to learn?
• Did you like what you were doing?
• Were there any problems?
• How was the learning accomplished?
• How was the communication with your internship supervisor and co-workers?
• What resources did you use?
• If you could do your internship over, what specifically would you do differently?
• In which areas would you like to further your knowledge and skills?
  • Personally?
  • Academically?
  • Professionally?
• Relate your experiences to the AAH Department Field Experience Objectives.

1. Preparing for an internship: Have a current resume and portfolio or writing sample. Visit Career Services for help with resumes and cover letters. Broaden the description of your abilities and emphasize transferable skills that appeal across different jobs. Be sure to note strengths in communication, organization, management and work ethic. When creating your portfolio only include pieces that are your best work and are appropriate to the job you are applying. Your portfolio may have to change depending on the internship. Also, be prepared to talk about your work.
2. Finding an internship:
   1. oakland.edu/art-arthistory/student-opportunities
   2. oakland.edu/cldc
   3. internships.com
   4. idealist.org
   5. Create your own internship and inquire with museums, galleries, advertising agencies and nonprofits.
   6. Network, ask faculty, alumni and professionals in an area you are interested in to offer suggestions.
3. Taking an internship:Some internships are offered year-round and others are offered during the summer only, so plan accordingly. If taking an internship for credit you must be junior/senior status and have 16 credits in the major, of which 8 must be at a 300-400 level, and need permission of the instructor. You must speak with the adviser the semester before the intended start date to take an internship for credit. Explore internship opportunities even after graduation to help you get your foot in the door and establish a greater network.
4. Applying for an internship: Be mindful of application deadlines. Ace the interview with interview tips from career services. After the interview, send a thank you note/email and any additional materials that the interviewer requested within 48 hours.
5. Making the most of your internship: Ask questions. Assume responsibility. Keep records of your experience. Make contacts and network. Stay in touch with your supervisor and contacts after your internship ends.