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Course

Design Internship

DSGN-40007

Design Internship: Take Your Skills to the Next Level
120 Hours (minimum) | Prerequisite
: Completion of all 4 core required courses in the Digital Design and Creative Strategy Certificate Program and Faculty Approval

The Design Internship offers you the unique opportunity to gain real-world experience and apply the knowledge you've learned in the core courses of the Design Certificate Program. As a student who has completed four core courses and received a faculty referral, you'll embark on an immersive internship that places you in the field, working alongside industry professionals.

Over the course of at least 120 hours, you'll engage in hands-on projects, observe the inner workings of a professional workplace, and gain invaluable mentorship that will enhance your career prospects.

Course Details

This internship is not just about observation—it’s about becoming a part of the team. By participating in the day-to-day operations of a design studio, agency, or in-house department, you’ll get a firsthand look at how projects move from concept to completion. This exposure will help you better understand industry standards, workflows, and client relationships, equipping you with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive design market.

Mentorship is a key element of the internship, offering you guidance, feedback, and career advice as you refine your craft. You’ll also have the chance to network with professionals in your field, expanding your connections and building relationships that could lead to future opportunities.

By the end of the course, you’ll have practical, hands-on experience to showcase on your resume. This internship is the perfect way to boost your professional marketability and gain the confidence you need to start your career in design.

What You'll Learn

  • Gain a minimum of 120 hours of real-world experience working with industry professionals.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge in practical, hands-on design projects.
  • Develop skills in navigating the inner workings of a professional design workplace.
  • Receive mentorship from experienced professionals, enhancing your career growth.
  • Build a strong network and gain industry contacts that can open doors for future opportunities.
  • Refine your portfolio with live project experience, demonstrating your ability to deliver quality work in a professional setting.

Course Information

3.00 units
TBD
Notes: Quarters Offered: Summer
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term. 

Course sessions

Please contact the Arts, Humanities, Languages & Digital Arts department at 858-534-5508 or unex-digital@ucsd.edu for information about this course and upcoming sections.