[thanks to everyone who sent in their resumes and emails! for now i think we're set with applications so thank you!]
some times you have to admit to yourself when you could use some extra help. i’m a big “do it yourself” person but d*s has grown to the point where i could really use an extra set of hands to help with the day-to-day aspects of the site. so, i’m looking for an intern! well, an intern slash contributor really. i’m looking for someone (preferrably in the nyc area) who’s web and design savvy, interested in learning the ins-and-outs of running an online publication and able to navigate wordpress software. the position would include helping with day to day tasks, uploading content and organizing various aspects of the site, including help with events and biz lady meet-ups. in addition, interns would have a chance to create their own column for the site. the position is unpaid but this is a wonderful chance for someone who’d like to gain experience with online media and make contacts within the design/publishing scene. i’ll be bringing this person to industry events, design fairs and any relevant meetings i think would be great for networking. i’m also happy to help them with future employment contacts and references in the design or publishing fields. the start date for the position would be jan 1, 2008 or earlier. so, if you’re interested in helping out just shoot me a line right here. thanks!
[eames desk above, from dwr]
46 Comments
if I lived in NYC, I would be signing up! Good luck, Grace.
Ditto!
Me too, this isn’t a job that could be done in California, right? Sounds like perfection to me.
thanks guys!
the job can easily be done remotely, it would just involve a call or two on the phone every week.
if you’re able to make it out for design shows, etc that would be a big plus, but obviously it’s not necessary- just a great way to network :)
grace
What a great opportunity! Grace, do you have an estimate on how many hours per week the job might entail?
leigh
i’d be hoping from 6-10 hours per week, to be done whenever you prefer. but the way we run everything at d*s is: if it only takes you 2 hours to do a project instead of 4 then you only work those two hours. it would basically be as much time as it takes to get projects done, whether it’s content for a weekly column or some maintenance for the site. everyone works at their own pace so as long as projects are finished the hours don’t matter to much to me ;)
grace
how wonderful!
why don’t you just put this on you job board section?
chic
if you click above- it’s not up yet ;)
grace
some very lucky guy or gal about to have their dreams made. if i didn’t already have a design job, i’d be packing my bags and headed north. my first unpaid internship was for my colleges ITC media services…banners galore! good luck with it all!
Oh man. I’m so about to quit my job and apply. I wonder if there’s any way I could do both…
Having been a design intern in NYC for several college years, this strikes a nerve with me. Is there any way you can offer your intern some kind of stipend or college credit? I know its acceptable to offer unpaid interships in NYC, but even for 10 hours a week, its not really fair to the intern, no matter how much “networking” they might be able to do. I also understand that you’re in a tight spot as well, but I would hope you can work it out so that compensation is fair.
I really love your site and your writing, so I don’t mean any offense. This is just something I feel very very strongly about.
ohhh… I love that desk!
Jessica
I did unpaid internships for years in VA growing up- I was able to secure interviews, jobs and valuable contacts through them that were worth the time for me.
I’m sorry if you had bad experiences with unpaid internships in the design field but I can guarantee you than anyone working with D*S will have a position that is both fair and fun. If I’m able to offer compensation at some point I certainly will.
Grace
This would be a wonder job for me but unforttenatly I live in Lisbon-Portugal!
Good Luck!
There aren’t enough hours in the day! This sounds like a dream internship, and a great excuse to travel.
As someone who worked at an unpaid internship at the NYTimes after some years of already having a career (at the age of *gasp* 29), I can assure anyone out there it was worth more on my resume and in interviews than any college degree or job I already had on that sheet of paper. Consider it an investment in your future, and you won’t go wrong. An internship with designsponge would have immense benefits in terms of future salary and more meaningful job prospects. If you simply can’t afford 10 hours a week unpaid, consider taking out a small low interest loan for that time. Again, these kind of internships are completely an investment in your future, and a better one at that. Just my two cents.
I’m all for the priceless experience and investment of an unpaid internship, 100%. But how about a supplemental part-time job in retail or another design related field instead of a loan to compensate for the unpaid hours? (Loans can be a dangerous thing sometimes…). So, Grace, have you hired someone yet??!! Please keep us posted!
I’d like to also add that it’s obvious that Grace isn’t a big corporation with money to burn, which makes it even more palatable that it’s an unpaid internship.
Oh my! I wish I were able to do this (I’m in Mississippi)! I’m a graphic designer by training, but I’m really interested in getting into some more online media type things. I’ve just been waiting until the right time to dip into the blogging world.
i’m going to go through everyone’s emails tomorrow- i’m up to my ears in gift guides to finish for tomorrow right now. and then i have an interview with a magazine tomorrow so i’ll be in touch with everyone who emailed asap- thank you!
just a note- if i find another job and am able to pay an intern i certainly will. thanks for noting that i’m not a huge corporation. if i have any money to spare it always goes to the d*s scholarship or any writers who create content for the site. so as soon as i have more i’ll certainly look to compensate any interns.
grace
wow, intern! big step. i knew you when.
internships DO pay, even if not immediately. my first unpaid interior design internship (in my 30′s no less- talk about a tough road financially) led to paying work quite quickly and i learned much more from that unpaid internship than from the college i was paying lots of $ to attend…
d*s, as a neophyte design blogger myself, if i lived in new york, i’d be your intern in a heartbeat. what a great and fun opportunity for someone. good luck in your search!
I did click the link above, and saw that the information was not up, hence the reason for me asking why isn’t this internship/job offer not posted on your job board section.
chic
i think you’re missing my point- the job board isn’t build yet.
no job = no money = no funds to build the job board yet.
i’m hoping to have it up for things like this, and for people to post their resumes, in 2008.
grace
as someone who is thinking about hiring an [unpaid] intern myself in the new year, i think it’s completely valuable to the student/young professional that gets the position. you get some fabulous experience and something great to put on your resume. my husband interned for his current company for a year (at 29) during his masters program, and he’s been a designer there ever since. it’s well worth it, and necessary to get a leg up today.
good luck grace! if i hear of anyone looking, i’ll send them your way.
I agree. The experience and contacts gained are well worth doing the work unpaid. Especially valuable to someone who lives in NYC and can attend events with you Grace. I had an intern for a while last year during a particularly busy time and all I could offer was access to my rolodex and admittance to industry events. She went on to a great paying kitchen design job after a few months, but I don’t think she felt taken advantage of. I’ve also been thinking about getting an intern to help again in the new year as well. Still working on the business plan for the whole year.
Now, do we think I can get an unpaid intern to cook and clean for me? sigh, probably not! Good luck Grace! Anyone would be lucky to work with you. I even thought about it for half- a – second!
There is no question that the experience and networking opportunities are of great value. Just go to linkedin, that’s what it’s all about: opportunity and resume building.
good luck grace! whoever you choose will be in great hands :) -joy
Oh I’m so excited!!! This is the best thing to happen all week. Thanks, Grace, for giving one of us the opportunity to be apart of all you do!
I’d also like to add that places like my work, which are part of big corporations, don’t pay all their interns. It’s totally acceptable. Besides, something like this, it isn’t a big time commitment and most people out there who apply will probably be doing it partly for fun.
MM
I understand the dilemna of the unpaid internship, on both sides. While I think Grace is making a great offer, it really gets me when large organizations and companies offer them. Not everyone can afford to work and not get monetary reimbursement for it, no matter how great the perks are. I know a lot of kids who’ve turned down great opportunities because they were unpaid, and they were putting themselves through school, helping support parents, families, etc…
I think Grace is great to do all she can…she is an individual! But if your company or organization has an unpaid internship, please encourage them to offer SOME kind of payment or stripend so that the opportunity does not discriminate against those from a more disadvantaged background.
Thanks! (and man, if I lived in NY I’d sign up too!) Good luck =)
oh boy. i know this feeling. you will have NO trouble finding something to help you and it’s such a good thing. i have had an apprentice for the past 3 months at 8 hours {max} per week and it has changed my life. gook luck, g. xx
wait a sec…
I found myself gawking at a shelf unit of that same design at Sam Flax today on 20th Street
and now you tempt me further with this blog post.
oh yeah – around the block on 19th is God’s Own Antique Store.
I almost bought a 19th Century desk they’re selling, but I think I’ll get a Lexus instead.
Ciao, Miss Sponge
If only i knew more about web design/didnt have to finish my senior year!
Best of luck in your search Grace and congrats to the future lucky new D*S employee!
I’ve turned down an unpaid internship before, but that’s because it was in Wisconsin. I’d totally love to be part of Design*Sponge in that way… but too bad I’m in San Fran working overtime as it is…
Good luck Grace! I’m excited to see what beautiful things you and your future intern will to our design world
As someone living outside the US it’s really interesting to hear all your views about unpaid work/internships and amusing to hear the groaning about “having no money”. It’s pretty hard to believe that! It’s says more about your priorities and choices ….ie: keeping your $ and employing some poor sucker to work for free.
Good luck with the search.
As a design enthusiast, who is 30 and who just had a child this is a great opportunity. Grace, as a new mother who wants to pursue a design career and is staying home with her child, I would definitely be interested. I don’t have any experience but I’m very willing to learn. Please send me an email if I can assist in any way.
I am an industrial design/ ceramics major in Boston… when I have more technical experience I am giving you a call! I love your site and read it daily.
man, i don’t read for one day and you post an internship! I’m looking! I just sent in my résumé… I hope I’m not too late!
I work in the interior design industry here in San Francisco and I love your blog. The internship (unpaid) that I had at a company in nyc was amazing and I wouldn’t change a thing. Sometimes you have to bight the bullet and get another job to supplement what you really want to do. It’s about passion and commitment.
The pros completely outweigh the cons in terms of experience and knowledge, contacts and information.
I feel you would make an incredible resource for any design hungry “student”. Anyone would be lucky to intern under you Grace. I hope you find the right fit and good luck!
excuse me: * bite!
As a web designer and a big fan of your site, this would be a dream internship. Unfortunately I’m in Alabama and in a demanding full-time job. If you don’t find anyone, I might be tempted to apply and relocate to try something new… Good luck Grace!
Btw, I love the Converses under the desk. I don’t know if this is your office area (doesn’t seem like this is your apt based on your previous blog), but I love little details like that… especially when they involved Converses.
anne
i wish that was my office! sadly it’s not, though my couch has a pair of off-white converse in front of it ;)
grace
I stumbled on the above comments two years after the fact and I feel compeled to write because I’m enbarking on an Intership at the age of 45. I’m moving from print to online sales and in this tough economy there’s lots of people with online experience. S0 if I can “suck it” up after earning good money in magazine publishing in order to gain much needed knowledge and contacts in online in my mid-forties anyone can. I’m working two other jobs to make it happen. As stated in previous posts- it’s an investment and “real, hands-on experience” will help to open more doors than my university degree and related sales experience. Go for it!
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