Design Thinking Internships Go beyond the classroom.
Spread your design thinking wings!
With a Design Thinking Internship, you’ll tackle hands-on, practical projects and solve real challenges facing businesses and communities. Work closely with seasoned mentors and experts who are passionate about sharing insight on their respective industries. Strengthen your portfolio, professional network, and leverage diverse perspectives to develop a deeper understanding of design thinking.
Design thinking is a versatile and transferable skill that can be applied across diverse fields. As part of the Minor in Design Thinking, an internship is key to unlocking your true potential as a workforce innovator. Engage in real-world experiences to build confidence and resilience to identify creative solutions, challenge the status quo, and thrive in dynamic environments.
Fall 2023 Internship Openings
Marketing Solutions Collaboration Intern | Fermentation Science and Technology (FST)
Location: Ramskeller Teaching Brewery, RDC Fabrication Labs, and Fermentation Science and Technology Labs – Colorado State University
Internship Duration: January 16, 2024 – May 10, 2024
This internship position is semester-long commitment. Your weekly schedule will depend on the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled, and schedules will be determined in collaboration with RDC Lab Staff.
Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until the internship is filled, however, application materials should be received by the first day of classes during the semester of your internship for full consideration.
Internship Description: We are seeking a motivated and skilled intern to join our team as an
Educational Media Production Intern. This internship will provide you with valuable hands-on experience in the field of digital media production and instructional design, while contributing to the safety and efficiency of our fabrication labs. As an intern, you will play a crucial role in creating training content and media that will educate our members on safe equipment operation and workflows for various fabrication tools and stations.
Design Challenge: To enhance safety, efficiency, and knowledge in our fabrication labs among a diverse set of lab users by refining existing content and assisting in the development of new user-friendly training videos, instructional graphics, and other educational materials. The goal of the educational media to be produced is to enhance safety, streamline workflows, and elevate the educational experience within our fabrication labs.
Collaborating with a diverse team of experts, you will harness your creative prowess and digital media finesse to empower our community members with the knowledge and confidence to master an array of fabrication tools and stations. The educational media produced will provide any new or returning fabrication lab users with effective introductions and practical guidance to our tools, technology, policies, and operations to ensure safe and effective usage, handling, and care of equipment. Content will be tailored for our diverse university audience and traverse multiple domains of technologies offered in our Prototype, Wood, Metal, Imaging, and Ideation Labs.
Minimum Requirements:
- Currently enrolled as a CSU student.
- Understanding of design thinking principles.
Preferred Experience:
- Proficiency in video editing software (e.g. Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Premier, After Effects).
- Experience with curating educational video content.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Good communication skills and a collaborative attitude.
- A portfolio or sample work showcasing video editing skills and creativity.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively.
- Passion for creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
- Basic knowledge of graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator) is a plus.
- Basic understanding and experience with organizing content to communicate operational workflows.
- Interest in and basic knowledge of fabrication processes, woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and related areas.
- Basic knowledge of shop safety.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Script Development: Collaborate with lab staff to develop clear and concise scripts for the training videos, ensuring that all critical safety guidelines and operational procedures are covered.
- Media Creation: Assist in creating supplementary visual media such as images, infographics, animations, and interactive elements to complement the training videos and improve the overall training experience.
- Video Editing: Work closely with the fabrication lab staff to edit, enhance, and produce training videos for each piece of equipment in the lab. These videos will provide step-by-step instructions on safe operation, maintenance, and best practices.
- Content Management: Organize and maintain a centralized library of training videos and media, making it easily accessible to lab members and staff.
- Feedback Integration: Incorporate feedback from lab users and staff to continuously improve the training content, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.
- Quality Assurance: Conduct quality checks on the edited videos and media to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to our safety standards.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with RDC staff to support various media projects and initiatives, contributing to the overall success of the fabrication lab. Meet regularly with the RDC Graphic Design & Communications Coordinator to ensure that brand consistency and quality are upheld and utilized successfully.
Application Process: To apply, please send electronic versions of your resume and a cover letter to the email address below. Please address how you meet both the required and desired qualification in your cover letter:
Paul Callahan
RDC Fabrication Labs Coordinator
paul.callahan@colostate.edu
(970) 491-1513
Educational Media Production Intern | Nancy Richardson Design Center (RDC)
Location: Nancy Richardson Design Center Fabrication Labs
Internship Dates: January 16, 2024 – May 10, 2024
Internship Duration: This internship position is semester-long commitment. Your weekly schedule will depend on the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled, and schedules will be determined in collaboration with RDC Lab Staff.
Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until the internship is filled, however, application materials should be received by the first day of classes during the semester of your internship for full consideration.
Internship Description: We are seeking a motivated and skilled intern to join our team as an
Educational Media Production Intern. This internship will provide you with valuable hands-on experience in the field of digital media production and instructional design, while contributing to the safety and efficiency of our fabrication labs. As an intern, you will play a crucial role in creating training content and media that will educate our members on safe equipment operation and workflows for various fabrication tools and stations.
Design Challenge: To enhance safety, efficiency, and knowledge in our fabrication labs among a
diverse set of lab users by refining existing content and assisting in the development of new user-friendly training videos, instructional graphics, and other educational materials. The goal of the educational media to be produced is to enhance safety, streamline workflows, and elevate the educational experience within our fabrication labs.
Collaborating with a diverse team of experts, you will harness your creative prowess and digital media finesse to empower our community members with the knowledge and confidence to master an array of fabrication tools and stations. The educational media produced will provide any new or returning fabrication lab users with effective introductions and practical guidance to our tools, technology, policies, and operations to ensure safe and effective usage, handling, and care of equipment. Content will be tailored for our diverse university audience and traverse multiple domains of technologies offered in our Prototype, Wood, Metal, Imaging, and Ideation Labs.
Minimum Requirements:
- Currently enrolled as a CSU student.
- Understanding of design thinking principles.
Preferred Experience:
- Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.).
- Strong creative skills and an eye for visual aesthetics.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset to work effectively with colleagues from different departments.
- Understanding of social media platforms and trends, with the ability to create engaging content.
- Basic understanding of marketing, advertising, and design thinking principles
- Proficiency in data collection and the creation of impactful survey content for use in market assessment.
- Knowledge or interest in fermentation science and brewery operations.
- Marketing, brand identity, or advertising portfolio.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to mentor and collaborate with fellow students.
- Passion for creativity, innovation, and a desire to contribute to problem solving using design thinking.
- Ability to identify areas of improvement for brand engagement based on observation of current customer interactions, data collection, and surveys.
- Ability to identify viable methods to drive customer interest and brand engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Collaborate with the Ramskeller team to develop marketing campaigns and merchandise that drive brand awareness. Collaborate with the RDC Graphic Design & Communications Coordinator to ensure that brand consistency and quality are upheld and utilized successfully.
- Marketing Strategy: Work closely with staff to understand the unique selling points of events, products, and services they offer. Assist in devising effective marketing strategies to increase visibility and engagement.
- Media Creation: Create visually appealing and compelling marketing content, including but not limited to social media graphics, posters, flyers, digital displays, and promotional videos, to promote upcoming events, new products, and services.
- Branding and Messaging: Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all marketing materials, aligning them with the university’s overall image and values.
- Feedback and Analytics: Monitor the performance of marketing campaigns and gather feedback from the university community to continuously improve marketing strategies.
Application Process: Please send electronic versions of your resume and a cover letter to the email address below. Please address how you meet both the required and desired qualification in your cover letter:
Paul Callahan
RDC Fabrication Labs Coordinator
paul.callahan@colostate.edu
(970) 491-1513
Fabrication Labs Monitoring and Student Mentorship Intern | Nancy Richardson Design Center (RDC)
Location: Nancy Richardson Design Center Fabrication Labs
Internship Duration: January 16, 2024 – May 10, 2024 (You will be expected to complete hours during finals week in order to maintain a consistent lab coverage schedule for the entirety of the semester)
This internship position is semester-long commitment. Your weekly schedule will depend on the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled, and schedules will be determined in collaboration with RDC Lab Staff.
Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until the internship is filled, however, application materials should be received by the first day of classes during the semester of your internship for full consideration.
Internship Description: Participate in an engaging and immersive Design and Fabrication Internship opportunity that encompasses lab monitoring, student mentorship, and assistance with everyday lab operations. This internship is designed to provide students with valuable experiences, practical skills, and personal growth opportunities in the dynamic field of design thinking.
Minimum Requirements:
- Currently enrolled as a CSU student.
- Understanding of design thinking principles.
- Experience and/or operational knowledge of several of the following machines:
- Ink Jet Printing, including: Dye sublimation, Direct to textile, and UV.
- Fabric assembly, including: Industrial sewing machine, Seam welder, CNC embroidery machine, and Long arm quilting machine.
- Media cutting equipment, including: Laser cutter, Vinyl plotter and cutter, CNC routers, mills, and lathes.
- 3D printers
- AR/VR hardware and software
- Woodworking equipment, including: table saw, jointer, planer, sanding machines, miter saws, scroll saws, band saws, etc.
- Woodworking hand tools, including: planes, metal scrapes, chisels, spokeshaves, and handsaws.
- Metal welding and cutting process, including: MIG, TIG, stick, soldering, plasma, and oxy fuel
- Sheet metal fabrication equipment, including: slip roller, metal break, metal shear, etc.
- Applicable knowledge of general lab safety practices.
- Basic lab tool experience, including: drills, wrenches, screw drivers, hammers, and sockets.
- Understanding of basic wood and metal construction.
Preferred Experience:
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to mentor and collaborate with fellow students.
- Passion for creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
- Troubleshooting and repair skills specific to the above listed machines is especially desirable.
- Public speaking
- Training student peers and performing tool demonstrations
- Tracking supplies and inventory
- Developing and implementing tool use systems and protocol
- Related software experience- Adobe CC, Rhino, RhinoCAM, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, 3DS Max, and printer slicing applications.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lab Monitoring and Student Mentorship (100%): Serve as a mentor to fellow students by sharing your knowledge and expertise in design thinking principles. Guide and support other CSU Creatives in their design projects, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Assist in the day-to-day lab operations including maintaining a clean and organized workspace for the creative process.
- This employee will be responsible for monitoring the various Fabrication Labs during class use, open access hours, and after-hours events like workshops, demonstrations, and lectures.
- The ideal candidate will be thoroughly trained on all machines in the Fabrication Labs with the expectation that they will enforce lab safety policies and prevent accidents from occurring. They will also assist the Lab Coordinator by enacting lab use systems to track inventory, enforce student access policies, and maintain lab equipment.
- The chosen candidate will work closely with the other RDC Lab Staff which includes the other lab monitors and the Lab Coordinator to build systems which perpetuate a lab culture that is inclusive, competitive, safe, diverse, respectful, and rewarding of hard work.
- Required attendance of weekly staff meetings to plan for events, maintain communication across the network of RDC Fabrication Labs, and envision the future of possibility for our facilities.
- Willingness to work on weekends during open lab hours.
- Willingness to administer trainings during times outside of their regular weekly schedule as permitted by their class schedule.
- Ability to self-direct and stay on task during work hours is essential.
- This position may require the employee to move weight up to 50 lbs.
- It may also require the employee to access hard to reach areas of machines, such as crawling underneath or climbing a ladder up to 10’.
Application Process: Please send electronic versions of your resume and a cover letter to the email address below. Also, have your class schedule ready to share during the interview process. Please address how you meet both the required and desired qualification in your cover letter:
Paul Callahan
RDC Fabrication Labs Coordinator
paul.callahan@colostate.edu
(970) 491-1513
Fabrication Labs Operations and Development Support Intern | Nancy Richardson Design Center (RDC)
Location: Nancy Richardson Design Center Fabrication Labs
Internship Duration: January 16, 2024 – May 10, 2024 (You will be expected to complete hours during finals week in order to maintain a consistent lab coverage schedule for the entirety of the semester)
This internship position is semester-long commitment. Your weekly schedule will depend on the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled, and schedules will be determined in collaboration with RDC Lab Staff.
Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until the internship is filled, however, application materials should be received by the first day of classes during the semester of your internship for full consideration.
Internship Description: Participate in an engaging and immersive Design and Fabrication Internship opportunity that encompasses lab monitoring, student mentorship, and the fabrication of RDC merchandise. This internship is designed to provide students with valuable experiences, practical skills, and personal growth opportunities in the dynamic field of design thinking.
Minimum Requirements:
- Currently enrolled as a CSU student.
- Understanding of design thinking principles.
- Experience and/or operational knowledge of several of the following machines:
- Ink Jet Printing, including: Dye sublimation, Direct to textile, and UV.
- Fabric assembly, including: Industrial sewing machine, Seam welder, CNC embroidery machine, and Long arm quilting machine.
- Media cutting equipment, including: Laser cutter, Vinyl plotter and cutter, CNC routers, mills, and lathes.
- 3D printers.
- AR/VR hardware and software.
- Woodworking equipment, including: table saw, jointer, planer, sanding machines, miter saws, scroll saws, band saws, etc.
- Woodworking hand tools, including: planes, metal scrapes, chisels, spokeshaves, and handsaws.
- Metal welding and cutting process, including: MIG, TIG, stick, soldering, plasma, and oxy fuel.
- Sheet metal fabrication equipment, including: slip roller, metal break, metal shear, etc.
- Applicable knowledge of general lab safety practices.
- Basic lab tool experience, including: drills, wrenches, screw drivers, hammers, and sockets. o Understanding of basic wood and metal construction.
Preferred Experience:
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to mentor and collaborate with fellow students.
- Passion for creativity, innovation, and a desire to contribute to the development of design and fabrication projects.
- Troubleshooting and repair skills specific to the above listed machines is especially desirable.
- Public speaking
- Training student peers and performing tool demonstrations
- Tracking supplies and inventory
- Developing and implementing tool use systems and protocol
- Related software experience- Adobe CC, Rhino, RhinoCAM, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, 3DS Max, and printer slicing applications.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lab Monitoring and Student Mentorship (60%): Serve as a mentor to fellow students by sharing your knowledge and expertise in design thinking principles. Guide and support other CSU Creatives in their design projects, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Assist in the day-to-day lab operations including maintaining a clean and organized workspace for the creative process.
- RDC Tools and Merchandise Development (40%): Collaborate with our design team to fabricate functional tools or merchandise that align with the RDC and Fabrication Lab needs and brand identity. This will involve conducting usage or market research, prototyping, and collaborating on the production process.
- This employee will be responsible for monitoring the various Fabrication Labs during class use, open access hours, and after-hours events like workshops, demonstrations, and lectures.
- The ideal candidate will be thoroughly trained on all machines in the Fabrication Labs with the expectation that they will enforce lab safety policies and prevent accidents from occurring. He/She/They will also assist the Lab Coordinator by enacting lab use systems to track inventory, enforce student access policies, and maintain lab equipment.
- The chosen candidate will work closely with the other RDC lab staff which includes the other lab monitors and the Lab Coordinator to build systems which perpetuate a lab culture that is inclusive, competitive, safe, diverse, respectful, and rewarding of hard work.
- Required attendance of weekly staff meetings to plan for events, maintain communication across the network of RDC maker labs, and envision the future of possibility for our facilities.
- Willingness to work on weekends during open lab hours.
- Willingness to administer trainings during times outside of their regular weekly schedule as permitted by their class schedule.
- Ability to self-direct and stay on task during work hours is essential.
- This position may require the employee to move weight up to 50 lbs.
- It may also require the employee to access hard to reach areas of machines, such as crawling underneath or climbing a ladder up to 10’.
Application Process: Please send electronic versions of your resume and a cover letter to the email address below. Also, have your class schedule ready to share during the interview process. Please address how you meet both the required and desired qualification in your cover letter:
Paul Callahan
RDC Fabrication Labs Coordinator
paul.callahan@colostate.edu
(970) 491-1513