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Internships are excellent for college students and even a wise investment for professional adults who are considering a change in careers. With Design of the Times' new feature on Internships and Apprenticeships, we thought it would be a good idea to describe what you can expect from an internship within the world of design.

There was a time when it seemed every young artist scrambled to become a comic book artist in that golden hey day when the industry was booming, churning out title after title in a roiling sea of diamond-cut foil covers, when mainstream and independent companies alike were running strong. Roughly around the time the Internet became a household staple, things changed dramatically: comics started going online and sale of paper books dropped. Already cutthroat, the industry became a feeding frenzy of genuinely talented individuals scrambling to make a dream into reality. As in any field of entertainment, the competition became fierce for paying jobs and what was once an over-saturated market became a boneyard of dead story lines. Times changed for distributors, major companies shaved their offered titles and the search for work turned many artists away.

Architectural internships are rather plentiful which bodes very well for the prospective architect cum intern. Almost all require very good written and verbal communication and AutoCAD skills; most seek interns who are self-starters with excellent follow-up abilities. After choosing which city you'd like to study in, shine up the resume or CV and tailor it to your internship of choice.

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If you think you have the drive and talent to become a seamstress, internships are an excellent way to spend experience the lifestyle and work environment of a chosen career field.

Always write a polished and succinct cover letter highlighting your talents and experiences in the field. Explain why you’re interested in the position and what you could bring to the table. Also sparkle up that résumé and tailor it to the internship. Make sure there are no grammatical, spelling or factual errors.

If you have a portfolio of designs and dresses, you may wish to include it. Then scour the internship possibilities online and in your local area. Seamstress internships tend to be seasonal with interns needed for summer launches. If any position is closed, make sure to bookmark it and check it again in the winter. Be one of the first to apply for best chances.

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A lot of people want to learn how to tattoo. They basically have two options: either get a DIY kit and learn how to do it for themselves or try and get a tattoo apprenticeship. Obviously, the recommended method is to search for the tattoo apprenticeship. This, however, can be a very difficult task. The number of experienced tattoo artists out there that are willing to take someone under their wing is getting smaller and smaller.

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Budding professional photographers may want to consider an internship to gain new insight and sharpen their skills along with learning philosophy of a certain facet. Internships allow for personal, hands-on experience with set designers, stylists, clients and photographers. Many cities are available for internship so choose yours, polish the résumé and sharpen the cover letter, scour the Internet for details, and then apply.

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Design of the Times is now your online resource for design internships around the country. Each week we will publish a list of the latest internships to be announced by design houses, architecture firms, photographers, etc. Let us know what you think in the comments section!

There are many design internships available - make sure you have a current résumé, a solid cover letter and know where you want to intern. If you know a second language, you have an immediate plus in your favor. Make sure to list it!

In today’s world, a working knowledge of technology is often essential. Most jobs require some level of technical know-how. Technology isn’t stagnant, but rather dynamic: always changing, updating and making older equipment and software obsolete. For students today, having hands-on contact with technology in the classroom is a must. Not only is learning the skills necessary for future employment, technology is often a required component of the curriculum.

Digital cameras are a type of technology that are always improving and evolving. They are also easy to access and less expensive than many other things. Most schools can obtain at least a few digital

While most people would consider Chicago more the 'it' city of the Midwest, Detroit is displaying a powerful movement towards permanently snatching the fashion tiara off the Windy City's head. For over seven years now Michigan has hosted the Detroit Fashion Week, an event geared towards enabling local designers meet international standards, freeing them from their borders and propelling them into a bigger scene and audience.

Treehugger has a great article about the current protests in Spain. The Indignados (Outraged) have been camping out for about two weeks in Madrid's main plaza, Puerta del Sol.