ClearBrands
Location: Zelienople, Pa.
Employees: 3 full-time, 4 to 5 freelancers
Number of interns: 2
Length of internship: 3 to 5 months
Internship program created: 2006
What it does: Creates branding for middle-market companies.
Description of internship: ClearBrands hires interns in graphic design, marketing, and communications. Because they assist the designer and creative director in the design process, they are expected to contribute the same level of work as full-time employees. Interns also participate in client meetings, press checks, and photo shoots, and maintain correspondence with printers and photographers. (bi-weekly stipend or college credit)
Notable perks: The small office allows a substantial level of participation. Interns are expected to speak up at client meetings and at the design stage, and will come away with actual portfolio pieces. And there's a dog in the office.
Why interns? At the small office, interns help bring in a new wave of ideas each semester, according to Carlyn Donley, writer and project manager at ClearBrands. The company values assertive, independent interns who look to actively contribute to the branding process. "They must possess a knack for taking control of their duties with authority and confidence," she says. "We don't expect our interns to help or assist us. We expect our interns to actually do the level of work we do."
