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Faculty of Fine Arts

Student internship guide

This guide is designed to support current undergraduate and graduate students across all departments in the Faculty of Fine Arts who are thinking about, preparing for, or actively participating in an internship.

It offers practical advice, important considerations, and useful resources to help you navigate each stage of the internship process, from identifying opportunities to reflect on your experiences.

Overview

The Faculty of Fine Arts supports internship experiences through a variety of models: credit-bearing courses, self-directed placements, and department-specific programs.

Each department has its own approach to supporting internships, and offerings may evolve over time. To find out more, contact your department’s internship coordinator, program director, or administrative staff.

Internship opportunities vary across departments, but commonly include:

  • Working with local performing arts festivals, galleries, or collectives
  • Assisting in curation, production, or event planning
  • Supporting community arts projects or educational programs
  • Collaborating on digital content or communications
  • Contributing to research-creation projects 

While internships can be enriching, they also come with challenges and may include:

  • Navigating unclear expectations or roles
  • Balancing internship hours with coursework or paid work
  • Adapting to new environments or workplace cultures
  • Feeling uncertain about how your contributions are valued

Despite these challenges, internships can foster growth and equip you with the tools to navigate difficulties and advocate for a meaningful experience. 

If challenges arise, contact your faculty supervisor to discuss next steps. 

More information about internships

Steps to pursue an internship

Begin by reaching out to your department’s internship coordinator, advisor, or faculty mentor. They can help you understand internship options, eligibility, and departmental processes.

When emailing them, briefly introduce yourself (e.g., your program, year of study, and interest in pursuing an internship), and explain what kind of guidance you’re seeking. A respectful and clear message increases the chances of a helpful response.

Research available internships through department announcements, Career Services, partner organizations or self-initiated searches. Consider what aligns with your interests, goals and availability. 

More tips

  1. Search smart by exploring opportunities through department emails and announcements, faculty and peer recommendations, university internship partnerships, arts-related job boards, and networking events and professional associations
  2. Reach out to professionals and request informational interviews with professionals or organizations you are interested in. These conversations can offer insight and even lead to internship opportunities.

Develop or update your resume, portfolio (if applicable) and cover letter. Tailor your materials to reflect your strengths and how they connect with the internship opportunity.

More tips

  1. Craft strong materials: Update your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills, write a customized cover letter for each application, and tailor your materials to the position and organization.

  2. Practice for interviews: Review common interview questions, practice articulating your goals, skills, and interests, and do not hesitate to send a thank-you or follow-up email afterward.

  3. Learn from others: Talk to faculty and peers about how they secured their internships. Their advice and experiences can provide valuable guidance.

  4. Internship awards: review the application process.

Submit your applications and prepare for interviews. Be ready to speak about your background, interests, and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Once you receive an offer, confirm your acceptance and follow any steps needed by the host organization and your department to begin the internship.

Complete necessary paperwork such as a learning agreement, internship registration (if for credit), and any other institutional or departmental forms.

During and at the conclusion of your internship, take time to document what you learned, gather feedback from your supervisor, participate in check-in meetings and reflect on how the experience has shaped your academic, professional and personal growth.

More tips

  1. Track your progress: Keep a journal or digital portfolio to record your tasks, achievements, and reflections and identify skills developed and areas for growth.

  2. Gather feedback: Request evaluations from your site supervisor, reflect on your performance through self-assessment, and, in some cases, faculty may also assess your experience.

  3. Write your final report: Learn the final report requirements from your department. In general, summarize your tasks, key learnings, and reflections, and highlight both accomplishments and challenges. Don’t forget to showcase your experience in your CV or portfolio.

Engage actively with your internship responsibilities, meet expectations and seek feedback. If needed, negotiate tasks in relation to the learning objectives you set at the beginning.

More tips

  1. Set clear goals: Define learning objectives before you begin, ideally with guidance from a faculty member, and ensure tasks align with your academic and career aspirations.

  2. Build strong relationships: Communicate openly and professionally with your supervisor and colleagues and be proactive in seeking mentorship and feedback.

  3. Navigate challenges: If internship tasks differ from your expectations, discuss your goals with your supervisor and practice flexibility while still advocating for meaningful learning opportunities.

Resources

In addition to your ongoing conversation with your department, there are several university-wide resources can help you prepare for and reflect on your internship. You can also search for opportunities and on social media sites like LinkedIn. 

Student Success Centre

Career counseling for students offering guidance with your CV, internship and job postings. They also run workshops, job fairs and industry panels.

GradProSkills

Workshops and coaching for graduate students to support professional development before, during and after your internship.

Experiential Learning

Resources and services to help students learn by doing at Concordia.

Art Volt

Career services for graduate students and recent alumni of the Faculty of Fine Arts. 

Some internships may be eligible for financial support. Look into programs like:

Insights from our students

Portrait of Lucy

Lucy from the Department of Studio Arts - Fibres and Material Practices  completed an internship at the Nelson Museum Archives and Gallery. During their internship, Lucy took on the role of Assistant Curator. This position included installation of exhibitions, curation of an upcoming show, writing agreements and statements, research and community outreach. 

Key takeaways: The importance of holding community as an arts organization was a big part of this position’s learning. I was able to further understand how we as individuals can support each other within the arts and then also carve out space for what we believe in within the organizations we work for. I also learned more about managing timelines when working with grant funding, multiple artists, and logistical timelines. As a whole this position was so valuable to me to gain insight into what these  positions entail and what skills I would like to continue to develop. 

Advice for future interns: Find organizations that align with your values and that you  are willing to put your energy into. Use these opportunities to better understand your  communities and how you can be of service/take part.

 
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