WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN INTERNSHIP

At NYSID, the purpose of the internship is to expose a student to various aspects of the interior design industry and to build on their experience so upon graduation they have used their skills and knowledge from their studies in a professional environment.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN A NYSID INTERNSHIP?

Tasks of expertise related to a field outside of interior design. For example, marketing of any kind, website posting and maintenance, posting of social media and administrative duties that fall outside of interior design related tasks, i.e., bookkeeping, reception, office management, and personal assistant duties of any kind.

CAN I REQUIRE THAT AN INTERN HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE AND WORK INDEPENDENTLY WITH NO SUPERVISION?

No. A student intern may have prior professional work or internship experience but their work must be supervised by a regular employee of the company. Their supervisor should not be another intern. Interns are not responsible for company project deadlines. The supervisor is responsible for the intern's workload, and should ensure they have enough work to do and understand what is required. The intern should not be expected to seek out other company employees for tasks.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INTERN AND A DESIGN ASSISTANT?

While the duties may be the same, a design assistant implies it is an ongoing position with the same weekly work schedule, unless otherwise agreed upon by the employer. An intern’s schedule should be flexible because a student’s school schedule takes priority and generally lasts one semester, or 10 – 12 weeks, unless otherwise agreed upon.

IS IT BEST TO INTERN AT THE SAME COMPANY UNTIL GRADUATION?

No. Since internships give the student industry experience, staying at the same company greatly limits the experience a student will have. Interning at a variety of companies will increase their knowledge of the industry.

WHY SHOULD INTERNSHIPS BE PAID HOURLY AND COMPLY WITH THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE?

Internships can be subject to stringent labor guidelines. In the U.S., federal law mandates that unpaid interns must not benefit the company economically or be used to displace the work done by paid employees. Therefore, any unpaid design work or work contributing to the profit of the company can be construed as violating federal internship guidelines. Paying an intern protects the employer as well as the student.

CAN I HAVE THE INTERN START IMMEDIATELY?

It is best to arrange the start date and weekly internship schedule with the student. The employer may find that students schedules do not always align with their requirements, but often interns and employers can find a mutually beneficial schedule.

WHAT JOBS CAN I POST ON THE NYSID JOBS BOARD?

Paid jobs related to the field of interior design. For example, positions in an interior design or architecture firm, trade or retail showroom, or other established business related to interior design. Each posting is reviewed by our Office of Career Services to ensure they are a great fit for our interior design students.

WHAT JOBS CANNOT BE POSTED ON THE NYSID JOBS BOARD?

Unpaid jobs or jobs related to a field outside of interior design. For example, marketing of any kind, website posting and maintenance, posting of social media and administrative duties that fall outside of interior design related tasks, i.e., bookkeeping, reception, office management, and personal assistant duties of any kind.

WHAT IS THE COST OF POSTING A JOB ON THE NYSID JOB BOARD?

Posting an open job on the NYSID Job Board is free.

How do I post on the NYSID Job Board?

Log in through Handshake to post a new position, view and edit the list of currently posted positions, see applicant information, or mark the posting as filled.