Design Internships: How to Land One
The fastest way to get a design internship is to email companies directly instead of only applying online. Design interns live or die by their portfolio, so link it in the first line. Target tech, media, and consumer brands and reach out with one specific reason you're interested.
How to stand out as a design applicant
Put your portfolio link right up top — that's what they'll click. Most design internships at smaller companies are never posted — a direct, specific email reaches a real person and skips the applicant-tracking system entirely.
How to reach design companies
- List 20–50 companies in tech, media, and consumer brands.
- Email each recruiting inbox with a short, personal note.
- Put your portfolio link right up top — that's what they'll click.
- Attach your resume, send from your own email, and follow up once.
New here? Start with how to get an internship and email templates.
FirstInternships finds tech, media, and consumer brands, writes a personalized email for each from your background, and sends it from your Gmail. Free to start.
Find design companies →Frequently asked questions
How do I get a design internship?
Email tech, media, and consumer brands directly with a short, specific note. Design interns live or die by their portfolio, so link it in the first line. FirstInternships has thousands of companies you can reach this way.
What do design interns do?
Design interns take on real work — the specifics vary by company, but showing initiative and one relevant project is what gets you in the door.