I was approached by PIAZ several months ago and was asked if I would be interested in sponsoring an intern from Wyoming over the summer in the pre-press department. I reluctantly agreed and soon received a very excited e-mail from Nicole Evenson. Nicole is currently attending a graphic arts trade school program in Wyoming and wanted to gain firsthand experience in a production-oriented shop. I admit I was somewhat concerned that I would be paying wages to an inexperienced person and have to train someone for a short-term position.

Although the summer isn’t usually our busiest time of the year, this year was an exception. With the unfortunate closing of a major web shop in town, we were inundated with new work. Nicole stepped in like a seasoned veteran. She was never late, absent or asked for time off. She amazed us with her computer skills and work ethic. Nicole caught on quickly to our stripping and plating procedures and actually taught my prep manager a few things in Quark. Nicole learned far more than she could ever have learned in a classroom and was able to see the end result of her new skills.

Nicole’s presence has also reminded the people in our company how important it is to continue our own training. Our industry is growing in directions that will soon pass us by without a firm commitment to continuing education. I also must credit the school she is attending in Wyoming. They seem to have given her a well rounded knowledge, not only in pre-press but the basics of graphic arts as well.

I would very much like to see our community colleges offer a complete course of this type. It would certainly benefit our industry and improve the opportunities for those of us currently employed in the graphic arts field, as well as anyone who would be interested in entering. I would certainly encourage others to participate in internships. It is refreshing to see someone so anxious to learn about our industry and reminds us all that there is more to this than just getting a paycheck.

—Ray Schlagel

An intern is someone who works as a low-level assistant or trainee in the occupation they decide to pursue to gain practical experience. But there is more to understand about an internship. For an individual who has chosen the printing industry as their field of study, there is more to learn out of the classroom than in it.

My instructors have always said there is a huge difference when you are actually out in the industry. I never really believed them until I was given the opportunity to venture all the way down to Phoenix from Wyoming and give it a shot. Thirty-four hours by bus later, I found myself in the pre-press department at Fidelity Press West.

I didn't know quite what to expect and neither did Fidelity. Right away when I arrived I was putting my skills to work, which included outputting film, stripping, plate-making, and many other pre-press tasks. I admit it took a little time to catch on to the tricks of the trade and I had my share of mistakes, but being an intern has increased my knowledge about the industry.

An internship is beneficial to both the company and the individual. It gives both the chance to seek out future employment. It is a wonderful opportunity to receive advanced schooling and hand-on learning.

I am returning to Northwest College in Wyoming (yes, Wyoming), for my second year of studies. I would like to thank PIAZ for forwarding my résumé and Fidelity Press West for the practical experiences and the many lessons I have learned. Who knows, I may be returning to the valley next summer for round number two.

—Nicole Evenson