If you are a student or recent graduate preparing for a summer internship then this is for you. Internships are an amazing opportunity to gain valuable experience, network with people in your industry, and give you a chance to make a lasting impression on the right people. So, how can you make sure you stand out from the crowd? Professional print products! They are hands down the best way to leave a lasting impression. Here’s what we believe are the essential print materials you’ll need with some practical tips for designing them.
The Importance of Professional Print Products for Internships
Despite the world becoming more digital by the day, physical print products still hold significant value. Having a well-designed business card, CV, or portfolio on hand can boost your professional image and help you stand out from the crowd.
Business Cards
Business cards are a great way to share your contact information and make a positive first impression. When you see a business card you remember where you got it, who gave it to you, and what it was for. This just doesn’t happen when someone simply airdrops their contact info to your phone.
When it comes to designing your business cards, here are some basic design tips:
- Keep it simple and clean: Avoid clutter and focus on the important information.
- Use readable fonts and professional colours: Choose fonts and colours that reflect your professionalism.
- Include essential information: Ensure your name, contact information, LinkedIn profile, and job title or area of study are displayed clearly.
- Choose high-quality paper: Opt for sturdy, high-quality paper to ensure durability.
- Consider what finish you will use: Matte or gloss finishes can add a professional touch to your business cards.
CVs (Curriculum Vitae)
A well-designed CV makes a strong first impression. It highlights your education, experience, skills, and achievements in a clear and concise way. Much like business cards, having a printed CV is something tangible you can give to potential employers that helps to make you memorable.
Here are some design tips we recommend for your CV:
- Have a clear structure: Divide your CV into sections such as education, experience, skills, and achievements.
- Use bullet points: Bullet points make your CV easy to read and highlight key information.
- Keep the layout clean: Avoid overly decorative elements and focus on a professional appearance with lots of white space.
- Use high-quality, lightweight paper: This gives your CV a professional feel without being too heavy.
- Consider a colour accent: A slight colour accent can make your CV stand out without being distracting. The key word here is “accent” so keep it simple.
Portfolio Printing
A printed portfolio is especially important for those of you in a creative field, allowing you to showcase your work in a tangible and professional format. Here are our top tips for designing and printing your portfolio:
- Organise content logically: Grouping similar types of work together allows for easy navigation for viewers.
- Use high-resolution images: Make sure all your images are high-quality and consistent in their formatting.
- Include a table of contents: A table of contents helps readers navigate your portfolio easily.
- Opt for high-quality, glossy paper: Glossy paper enhances the appearance of images.
- Think about binding options: Spiral binding or hardcover can give your portfolio a professional look and feel.
General Tips for Designing Professional Documents
Overall, keeping a consistent design theme across all your documents creates a much more cohesive and professional image. Using professional software such as Adobe InDesign or Canva can give a really polished and professional result. Make sure your writing is readable and conveys your information clearly. It goes without saying that proofreading is essential. You don’t want any silly mistakes to take the shine off all your hard work.
Investing in some professional print materials for your summer internship is a really good idea. These materials present you professionally and, more importantly, leave a lasting impression on potential employers.
Contact us for more information and to get started creating the perfect print products for your professional journey. Better yet, pop in and see us at our Greenwich University shop.
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