Wilson Football Factory

    Instead of traveling down to my hometown in Virginia for this summer, I decided to stay in Ohio to find my summer internship. I knew I would've found a bigger variety of jobs in the city but I wanted the experience of being on my own for the first time. I also knew that almost all of my friends were also staying in Ada for the summer. 

    In the beginning of trying to find a place to work, it was hard for me to find good graphic design positions that met all the requirements for the internship credit so I turned to Polar Careers to find additional help. Andrea Domachowski was amazing help and the reason I landed this great opportunity with Wilson. She critiqued my résumé, cover letter, and portfolio and helped me look and sound more professional. After submitting everything for the job process for Wilson, I was offered an interview and hired that day. Wilson was looking for summer help at 40 hours a week, paying $13 an hour. This was the perfect opportunity for me because it was within walking distance, filled all the requirements for my credit, good pay, and for a company that is very well known. 

During the second week of August, I started working for the Customization Graphics Department for Wilson. They started me off with the basic "arts and crafts" while the main office worked on ordering a computer for my desk. For the next 3 weeks, I worked on the "arts and crafts" which included printing, peeling, laminating and cutting thousands of metallic decals and heat panels a day.  Once I received my computer, I was able to start designing proofs for customized orders and working on special projects. 

After a long 10 weeks, I learned many new skills and the behind scenes of production design. I expanded my knowledge within the design programs I use on a daily. I learned to put myself out there and communicate with my coworkers on projects that were worked on together. By putting myself out there, I was able to design and make my own Wilson football. Making my own football was my favorite part of this internship because I was able to see what I designed in physical form.