I recently applied to be an intern at a local design firm, and I think there may be 5-10 more people who have also applied for this position. There weren’t any requirements, except that you needed to know Revit (which I do). I’m just afraid that an upperclassman will be chosen over me just because they may be more “experienced.” I have interned before and I know a lot of design programs, but my university also discourages freshmen from interning (just because they think we won’t find anything), so this also adds to my fear.
I was wondering if you guys had any tips in how I could make myself the more desirable candidate and how I should go about the interview and not make myself look “juvenile” for the internship? And yes, I DO want to intern this summer- waiting another year or doing something else is not really how I imagine my summer this year…
Stress your skills. Talk about the projects you’ve designed, tell the recruiter about your strengths – and weaknesses. (It’s OK to have weaknesses, especially at your age; the candor will be appreciated and taken as a sign of maturity.) And if you don’t get the job, treat the whole interview as a learning experience. Because there IS a skill to interviewing well, too, and often it’s based simply on experience. Good luck!
I applied for a design startup in Bali about a year ago. Was so much easier to get in since not a lot of people apply for startups I guess. Even though i believe it will teach you a lot more. I think interning as a freshman is already a sign that you are eager to work and therefore a good strength that you have, maybe highlight this and show that you’re very enthusiastic about the design firm you’re applying for. Otherwise you can try doing the same as I did. Website is http://startmeup.careers ( hope this isn’t too cheecky)