Student Life

Student Life

Internships provide valuable experience outside the classroom.

Graphic + Media Design students are doing amazing things in the “real-world” thanks to our well-established internship program. Sage students have done internships in Boston, New York City, London, and throughout the greater Capital Region of New York. Students cite the program as one of their best experiences at Sage, and many of our alumni have been hired as a direct result of their internships.

What is an internship?

An internship is pre-professional work experience related to your major. An internship enables you to connect the knowledge and skills you have gained in your coursework with real-world applications, gives you insights into the dynamics of the field in which you are working, fosters the development of professional skills, and is absolutely necessary for a strong resume.

An internship can also provide you with the answer to that age-old question: “What can I do with this major?” Finally, if your plans include graduate school, an internship can be helpful. Many graduate schools look for evidence of experience in the field and an internship can provide that experience. 

When can I do my internship?

Typically, students complete their internships when they are in their junior year or early in their senior year.

Where are the internships located?

Many of our internships are located throughout the Albany area, but there are numerous regional, national, and international opportunities available. Students typically attend Sage as full-time students while working part-time at their internship location. Summer breaks allow for long-distance internships and can be a great way to advance your skills!

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Sage student Robert Simpson’s cover design for the British magazine The Big Issue, completed during his internship.

Some of the places our students have done internships

  • Jacob’s Pillow, Lenox, MA
  • OVO Creative, Phoenix, AZ
  • Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA
  • Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, NY
  • Agora Games, Troy, NY
  • Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, MA
  • Exit Art, New York, NY
  • The Big Issue, London, England
  • Metroland, Albany, NY
  • New Hampshire Magazine, Manchester
  • Office of NYS Attorney General, Albany, NY
  • Art Center of the Capital District, Troy, NY
  • Mohawk Fine Papers, Cohoes, NY
  • WMHT, Albany, NY
  • WTEN, Albany, NY
  • Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA
  • EF Tours, Boston, MA
  • Albany Institute of History & Art
  • Albany Academies, Albany, NY
  • Questar, Rensselaer, NY
  • Trampoline Design, Glens Falls, NY
  • Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY
  • Business Review, Albany, NY
  • Benchemark Printing, Schenectady, NY
  • NYS Dept of Economic Development
  • Sage Communications Office, Troy, NY
  • Black Dog DESIGNS, Glens Falls, NY 

Students in the Art + Design programs have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of different clubs, organizations, and activities outside of the classroom.

Students in The Department of Art + Design have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of different clubs, organizations, and activities outside of class.

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Sage AIGA Student Club 

Founded in 1993, this student club is affiliated with the AIGA Upstate New York Chapter. Students elect officers, network with professional members of AIGA, coordinate programming efforts, raise funds for student activities, host professional speakers, and organize student trips. AIGA students have traveled to London, Italy, Greece, San Francisco, and New York; and have attended annual AIGA conventions in Memphis, Denver, Minneapolis, and Pasadena.

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Interior + Spatial Design Club

The Interior + Spatial Design (ISD) Club provides an opportunity for students to connect with one another outside of the design studio. The ISD Club hosts monthly guest speakers, a lunch and learn series, and a fall trip to museums and design firms among other activities. The ISD Club welcomes participants from all majors, not only interior design students. It’s a great way to meet others and be a part of the vitality of the Russell Sage campus.

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Vernacular

Produced annually for over 50 years, Vernacular is an art, design, and literary publication completely organized and produced by Russell Sage students featuring the best of Russell Sage’s art and literary talents. Open to all students, Vernacular provides exciting opportunities to learn practical skills in collaboration, curating, publication design, print and web production, estimating, budgeting, event planning, teamwork, management, and much more.

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Figure Drawing Studio

Figure Drawing Studio allows students to practice drawing from a live model outside of class. The studio is open Tuesday evenings from 6–9pm* in room 202 of the Art + Design building and open to all students and the community. There's no fee for students, and a nominal fee for the general public. A monitor is present for drawing sessions. Participants must bring their own drawing supplies.
*Postponed until further notice.

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Lost In Art

Lost in Art (LIA) is a student club that explores broader local art scene by organizing technical workshops and mural painting events, and builds community by curating art exhibitions and film screenings. LIA is an extension of the Art + Extended Media program, with a focus on building community through celebrating the studio arts.

Begin your journey toward a career in Art + Extended Media, Graphic + Media Design, or Interior + Spatial Design here.

Begin your journey toward a career in Art + Extended Media, Graphic + Media Design, or Interior + Spatial Design here.