Find your Niche: My Experience with URGENT Inc.
by Cole Bilot, Junior, iPreparatory Academy
by Cole Bilot, Junior, iPreparatory Academy

In Ms. Gelber’s Public Speaking class, Spring of sophomore year, the sophomores learn about the Academic Year Internship Website (aymiami.getmyinterns.org). This website allows students to search for nearby internships, apply to them, and submit timesheets once an internship begins.
For example, in April 2020, I looked for an internship that interested me, and I found graphic design. This is what is great about the Academic Year Internship Website. Because I’m interested in the arts, I found a company, URGENT Inc. where I could improve my own art and learn more about digital art and potentially animation. Another reason this internship “caught my eye” is the advertisement of the potential for interns to receive $1000 for their effort.
For example, in April 2020, I looked for an internship that interested me, and I found graphic design. This is what is great about the Academic Year Internship Website. Because I’m interested in the arts, I found a company, URGENT Inc. where I could improve my own art and learn more about digital art and potentially animation. Another reason this internship “caught my eye” is the advertisement of the potential for interns to receive $1000 for their effort.
The Academic Year Internship Website makes applying simple. On the website you apply, and then the company receives your application and schedules an interview. A week later, I got an interview and was accepted a day later.
Internships can begin in the summer before junior year, but I started in August, two weeks after the first day of school.
Internships can begin in the summer before junior year, but I started in August, two weeks after the first day of school.
URGENT Inc.’s mission is to create a positive change in underserved communities by teaching and empowering the youth. URGENT Inc. was formed in response to the 1980 Miami riots and the depressed economy in the 90s’ in order to spark change in urban Miami. URGENT was founded in 1994 and is still doing great work today.
My internship, URGENT Inc. is a youth empowerment center. I thought I would be assisting youth to become empowered; however, it turns out that the interns are the youth being empowered. I thought I would be making copies and getting people coffee, but instead, I have been pleasantly surprised. Ms. Kimberly Jean, Graphic Design Instructor, is the mentor who teaches all of the graphic design interns.
My internship, URGENT Inc. is a youth empowerment center. I thought I would be assisting youth to become empowered; however, it turns out that the interns are the youth being empowered. I thought I would be making copies and getting people coffee, but instead, I have been pleasantly surprised. Ms. Kimberly Jean, Graphic Design Instructor, is the mentor who teaches all of the graphic design interns.
At URGENT Inc. it’s far more of a learning experience than anything else. There are three different programs: Graphic Design, Film, and Entrepreneurship. There are five interns from iPrep who are learning about arts, design, and anatomy; however, the other internships, Film and Entrepreneurship, have mentors/teachers, too.
At the time of writing this, the interns in graphic design are learning about human anatomy and logo design and practicing drawing different parts of human anatomy, like the skull and ribcage. We are also working on other art related projects like the creation of four pieces of art that are based on a random part of human anatomy and a random theme. We also review practical skills like creating resumes, choosing career paths, and practicing public speaking. Overall, this internship has been a very positive experience. In just two months, I have learned much, and I know there is more to come. I’d highly recommend the graphic design internship to anyone interested in anything art related. You won’t be disappointed. |