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Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

Graphic Design - Bachelor of Fine Arts Internships

A graphic design internship is required for all graphic design students starting fall 2024.

Internships

  • provide a professional experiential learning environment beyond the classroom.
  • enhance students’ skills, professionalism, networking, and ethics centered around equity.
  • prepare graduates for transition from student to practicing professional.
  • bridge the gap between the classroom and the business of graphic design, helping students understand applied design through client-based projects.
  • drive students to reach beyond their comfort zone and broaden their skills and experiences.
  • help students seek successful employment after graduation within the design industry with employers seeking to hire designers with professional experience.

The course is offered throughout the academic year to upper-level graphic design majors who are currently enrolled in or have completed Typography. There are two internship options: Design Streak Studio internship (capstone internship course) and One-Client Based internship.

One-Client Based Internship
Students can intern in departments within Illinois State University or with community partners in Bloomington-Normal and beyond. Students can earn an internship by attending the Graphic Design Internship Fair hosted biannually during the academic year by the school, and through the University’s Career Center Internship Fair. Students obtaining a graphic design internship on their own must have their internship approved by the Internship Coordinator and Professor of Graphic Design Archana Shekara. All internships must be graphic design or design related fields supporting student learning.

Students who do not earn an internship must fulfill the required credit hours by successfully completing one course from a recommended list. These courses broaden student experience in understanding the cultural and social aspect of design and prepare them for a wider range of design applications in the professional industry. 

Students interested in the internship program should e-mail Professor Archana Shekara and discuss with their Academic Advisors as they plan their Program of Study.

Clients interested in partnering with the Graphic Design area to establish a new creative internship should email Professor Archana Shekara.