4 answers
Taylor
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What should I include into my resume in order for it to stand out to internship places?
I'm an undergraduate student going to Columbia College Chicago with a major in Illustration. I don't exactly have any "community experience" and such, so I'm not too sure on what else to add to my resume.
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4 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Taylor. What matters most is showing employers your skills, potential, and readiness to contribute. Even if you haven't held many formal positions yet, you likely have more to offer than you think.
First, list your education and any relevant classes you've taken. This helps employers see what you're learning and what you're trained to do, even if you haven't had a job yet.
Next, you can create a Skills section. List the art programs and tools you know how to use, such as Adobe Photoshop, etc. Also add useful soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and creativity.
One of the most important parts is your projects or portfolio. In creative fields, employers care a lot about what you can make. Add a section called "Projects" or "Selected Work" and describe a few class projects, personal pieces, or anything you've created on your own. Even if these weren't official jobs, they still show what you can do. Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio so employers can see your artwork.
If you've ever done freelance commissions, posters for clubs, artwork for friends, or participated in online art challenges, these count as experience, too. List what you created and what tools you used, just like you would for a job.
You can also add extracurricular activities like art clubs, student galleries, exhibitions, or events you participated in. These show that you're involved in the art community and motivated to improve your craft.
First, list your education and any relevant classes you've taken. This helps employers see what you're learning and what you're trained to do, even if you haven't had a job yet.
Next, you can create a Skills section. List the art programs and tools you know how to use, such as Adobe Photoshop, etc. Also add useful soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and creativity.
One of the most important parts is your projects or portfolio. In creative fields, employers care a lot about what you can make. Add a section called "Projects" or "Selected Work" and describe a few class projects, personal pieces, or anything you've created on your own. Even if these weren't official jobs, they still show what you can do. Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio so employers can see your artwork.
If you've ever done freelance commissions, posters for clubs, artwork for friends, or participated in online art challenges, these count as experience, too. List what you created and what tools you used, just like you would for a job.
You can also add extracurricular activities like art clubs, student galleries, exhibitions, or events you participated in. These show that you're involved in the art community and motivated to improve your craft.
Kim Good
Senior Recruiter
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
You've got some fantastic responses already! It would be great to add a link to a detailed portfolio of your work. Including relevant coursework on your resume that matches the type of internship you want can also be very helpful.
Beyond your resume, think about "building your brand." Start networking and connecting with people both directly and indirectly. As Corey suggested, LinkedIn and community connections are excellent places to begin.
Make sure to clearly list any sports, activities, clubs, or student organizations you're involved in on your resume to highlight your active participation.
Wishing you the best of luck!
You've got some fantastic responses already! It would be great to add a link to a detailed portfolio of your work. Including relevant coursework on your resume that matches the type of internship you want can also be very helpful.
Beyond your resume, think about "building your brand." Start networking and connecting with people both directly and indirectly. As Corey suggested, LinkedIn and community connections are excellent places to begin.
Make sure to clearly list any sports, activities, clubs, or student organizations you're involved in on your resume to highlight your active participation.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you!
Taylor
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
102
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hello Taylor,
Great question! I am not as versed in illustration and design as other backgrounds but I think you should definitely share a link to your portfolio. If you don't have a portfolio I am sure there are sites on line that allow you to take photos of your work and share them in a portfolio. I also think if you have any volunteer experience that is relevant that would be great on a resume. For example; if you volunteer at the boys and girls club for their art program, or maybe a local company allowed you to paint a window mural or something like that. If you haven't done these things maybe you can see if it's something you can do so you have that experience to add to your resume. Perhaps you could reach out to a nonprofit and ask if they need illustration expertise for one of their fundraisers - you can offer your service for free in exchange for a recommendation for your applications.
Best of luck to you!
Great question! I am not as versed in illustration and design as other backgrounds but I think you should definitely share a link to your portfolio. If you don't have a portfolio I am sure there are sites on line that allow you to take photos of your work and share them in a portfolio. I also think if you have any volunteer experience that is relevant that would be great on a resume. For example; if you volunteer at the boys and girls club for their art program, or maybe a local company allowed you to paint a window mural or something like that. If you haven't done these things maybe you can see if it's something you can do so you have that experience to add to your resume. Perhaps you could reach out to a nonprofit and ask if they need illustration expertise for one of their fundraisers - you can offer your service for free in exchange for a recommendation for your applications.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you, Tiffanie!
Taylor
Corey King
Solution Architect
7
Answers
Bainbridge Island, WA
Updated
Corey’s Answer
I spoke with my wife, who works in design, and here's her advice:
1. Wong's advice is great. No matter your role, you need to present yourself in a way that appeals to employers.
2. My wife suggests having a diverse portfolio. Show your growth as an artist from basic to advanced. Include work in different mediums like pencil, paint, and digital.
3. Here's a key tip: Your chances of getting a job or internship increase if you know someone there. Use online tools like LinkedIn to find internships and see who works at the company. Look for connections like someone from your hometown, someone who went to your school, or someone in a similar field. Don't hesitate to reach out. The worst that can happen is they don't respond.
I hope this helps, Taylor. Good luck!
1. Wong's advice is great. No matter your role, you need to present yourself in a way that appeals to employers.
2. My wife suggests having a diverse portfolio. Show your growth as an artist from basic to advanced. Include work in different mediums like pencil, paint, and digital.
3. Here's a key tip: Your chances of getting a job or internship increase if you know someone there. Use online tools like LinkedIn to find internships and see who works at the company. Look for connections like someone from your hometown, someone who went to your school, or someone in a similar field. Don't hesitate to reach out. The worst that can happen is they don't respond.
I hope this helps, Taylor. Good luck!
I appreciate this a bunch, thank you so much!
Taylor