Real World Experience

While attending your program at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division

Benefits of the Real World Experience

Become introduced to the fieldBuild your resume with experience and recommendations Network with others in the industrySharpen your skillsExperience new positions like web designer, project manager, and SEO Expert

Options to considerInternship (Bachelors Students) Special Projects classes (Bachelors Students) Independent Study (Associates Student, Bachelors Students )

No pre requisites or requirements Volunteering (Diploma Students, Associates Students, Bachelors Students ) In Class Experience (Diploma Students, Associates Students, Bachelors Students)

Associates: one program elective Bachelors: four program electives

VolunteeringVolunteer, work individually or as part of an external team with a non profit of your choice (administered by Volunteer Club) Ask the club advisor to help you get connected to a projectBe recognized in the annual Paloma Awards; ask for recommendations from your volunteer sponsors Include this work as part of your industry experience

In Class ExperienceOne great option is to use your in class project assignment to conduct a real world project with a clientContact an organization you would like to create a project for and ask them if they would like to participate and to what extentComplete your project according to class guidelines Review or present your finished project to the organization (this can be part of your portfolio too)

Factors for SuccessMotivated StakeholdersA team dynamic that worksA cooperative and responsive client

What can go wrongA client that will not or cannot explain what they want or cannot be satisfied Team members that do not performTeam members that argue; personality conflicts

OutcomesPotential Portfolio PieceTeam ExperienceMultimedia Project ExperienceHappy ClientReferencesNetworking

SuggestionsAcquire one-three quarters of documented experience Start Planning early!Look at your program of studyContact your Academic Counselor, Instructors, Club LeadersResearch Opportunities