Tip of the Week: Have some knowledge of programs

It can be an arduous task to learn many different software programs as a college student. Maybe you have a full schedule of classes and you don't have the time. Maybe you don't have the access to some of the more high end software. That is no excuse to not know anything about a program when you are applying for internships that require that knowledge.

Before taking most multimedia internships, I'd suggest you have some type of knowledge using Avid, Final Cut, Photoshop, After Effects and all the MS Works programs. It can be as in-depth as physically using these programs at school, or just reading manuals and watching tutorials on the software. It is of the utmost importance to know something. Most internships will require that you have some experience with that, and they will be very disappointed if the person they chose to intern has no experience or knowledge of their software.

We all know Scripps has Photoshop and Final Cut available (as well as MS programs) to their students. Go out and take photos or shoot some video and get some experience working with these programs. You'll be thanking yourself when you are asked to do these same tasks at your internship.

I do not know about the availability of Avid or After Effects at school, but there are great tutorials and guides that will at least walk you through the basic tasks. That is usually all most publications will want. As an intern, you are there to learn to run with these programs. They hope that you have learned to walk with them already. It doesn't take much time to practice with these programs. Getting the basics comes very quickly. As you get more time with them, you will find that the programs are not as difficult as they once seemed.

And, hopefully, with some practice, you will look like a pro at your internship. Well, maybe a semi-pro.