InternshipRatings.com

By Joan Milnes
Director of Internships and Career Services
Montserrat College of Art

“If you ever hope to be a credible adult and want a job that pays better than minimum wage, then for God’s sake don’t pierce or tattoo every available piece of flesh. Otherwise, plan your future around saying, “Do you want fries with that?” – George Carlin

Artists and art students are independent thinkers. Their talent for creative expression often reflects the unconventional. Tattoos, body piercing, unusual dress and unnatural hair color sometimes serve as avenues for self-expression.

“The thing we often see missing is the ability to use the right side of the brain, the creative part.” - a VP at Hewlett-Packard, commenting on new hires.

Artists and art students are independent thinkers. Their ability to create new ideas is highly valued in today’s Creative Economy, the growing segment of our economy that includes artists, writers, consultants, and researchers. In fact, a recent study of metropolitan Boston shows that the Creative Economy represents 10% to 12% of the region’s private sector employment, more than biotech at 2% and more than manufacturing at 7%!

How can art students reconcile their independent-mindedness with conservative private sector internship sites seeking their creative talent? Can self-expression and conformity coexist?

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
When you were a kid, you probably had to take your shoes off before entering the homes of some of your friends. You removed your shoes because it was the accepted and expected thing to do at certain houses. Do you think that you were “selling out?” I doubt it because you know that removing shoes was a rule of the house that doesn’t change anything about you. Preparing your appearance for the workplace is similar to accepting and respecting the rules of the house.

Some workplaces are more casual than others. For example, a successful hardcore/metal record label employs several talented illustrators who happen to be heavily pierced and tattooed. Art students with conventional and unconventional appearances are routinely accepted as interns at this company. Appearance typically is not an issue for students who are accepted for in-studio apprenticeships with established artists.

By contrast, interns with a conservative appearance only are accepted at one prominent law firm to design collateral print materials. A conservative appearance is also required to assist the fashion designer at her boutique featuring custom made couture. In general, the more conservative the appearance, the more workplaces into which that appearance will fit.

Tip
Articles of fine jewelry are displayed on plain background to showcase their attractive features and to eliminate distractions. Employers of creative individuals are looking for talent in their interns, so don’t let your looks distract employers from the talents to be showcased during your interview. When applying for internships, prepare your appearance in a manner that will not overshadow your talents. After you land the internship and have demonstrated your skills, intelligence, work ethic, sense of humor and other favorable qualities, there might be opportunities to introduce self-expression into your appearance.

Joan Milnes is the Director of Internships and Career Services at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Massachusetts.