An internship is an important way for you get professional references, add depth to your design portfolio, and get experience working with design teams. In an internship, you may find you are working with people who might hire you when you graduate or who will provide references and professional contacts to you.

Graphic designers should begin to develop their professional portfolios during college. You can include examples of work you've done independently or as part of a team. Projects you complete during an internship become an important part of the portfolio.

Students of graphic design may need to buy their own computers and graphic arts software. Often, graphic design programs encourage you to use Apple computers. These have become standard in the field.

About one-third of all graphic designers are self-employed. In many cases, graphic designers work "in-house" for large companies and nonprofit groups. They help design newsletters, web pages, and new product logos, to name a few.