Student Opportunities

Founded in 1914, AIGA remains the oldest and largest membership organization for design professionals. Through the national office in NYC and local chapters throughout the country, the AIGA works to stimulate thinking about design and design practice.

Our CCSF AIGA Student group was founded to help students to take the first step in demonstrating a commitment to their profession. The goal of the group is to get students involved in the local design community, create a community of their own and help them build valuable skills to ease their transition to the profession. Our past activities have included a juried Student Show, design speakers, workshops, gallery/museum visits and just-for-fun social events, as well as participation in the activities of the San Francisco AIGA Chapter. Each semester, we hold a membership drive to help students obtain a reduced-cost membership.

For more information, contact Lorraine Leber, Faculty Advisor.

Graphic Communications hires several advanced students each semester to serve as Peer Mentors in our courses and open computer labs. Mentors assist students with class assignments, and help them to connect with other useful campus resources. Peer mentors might work in the classroom with instructors, help teach online, or meet with students one-on-one outside of class.

Mentoring is a great way to get involved with the department and to help students who are just starting out in Graphic Communications. It is also a proven method for refining your own skills. If you are interested in the Mentor program, please contact the Department Chair, Smiley Curtis, for more information.

While you are still in school you may look for opportunities to gain on-the-job experience to sharpen your skills and resumé.

You can receive academic credit for this work if you enroll in the classes below:
    * GRPH 197 Graphic Design Work Experience/Internship
    * GRPH 198 Production Art Work Experience/Internship
    * GRPH 199 Print Production Work Experience/Internship

These courses are for advanced students seeking an off-campus work experience to augment their education. Unpaid internships lasting 80 hours or more will earn 1 unit of credit, with more credit available for a greater time commitment. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 7 units in the same semester as the internship. Students should research local firms to find a suitable work environment, though faculty advisors can help with this. Please contact Lorraine Leber for more information and assistance with placement.