BFA Internships
All BFA students must complete 1 semester of an internship before graduation. Students may register for the internship class prior to applying to secure an internship assignment but will be dropped by [drop date] if an internship has not been secured, which may affect financial aid. It is important to note that registration for the class alone does not automatically secure an internship and all students registered for the internship class must fill out the application below in order to be assigned to one.
Meet Victor Pagona, your Internship Supervisor!
Victor Pagona is an Associate Professor of Practice, Community Art Education Specialist, Art and Art History, and the supervisor of the UTSA School of Art’s Internship program. A first-generation college graduate, his interest in photography, photography history, and art led Victor to the University of Wisconsin at Superior where he earned his BFA in studio art with an emphasis in Photography and an MA in Art History. Additionally, he earned his MFA in Photography and Sculpture from The University of South Carolina.
Victor is a working artist with over 20 solo shows, and numerous group exhibitions. His most recent body of work was created using a combination of digital and silver-based media along with other materials. He often collaborates on mixed media video-based installation/performance work with his wife Sarah Vaught Pagona.
Victor's Office Hours
Main Campus: Main Art Office, ART 4.01.06
• Monday- 12-4
•Tuesday 9-1
Southwest Campus:
•Wednesday 10- 3:45
How can Victor help you?
As the Art Department internship supervisor, Victor's role is to guide and support interns in their professional development within the field of art. He plays a crucial role in providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for interns to gain practical experience. Here are some ways he can help:
1. Internship Possibilities :
o Help students obtain an internship that fits with their career path.
2. Mentoring and Guidance:
o Provide regular one-on-one feedback sessions to discuss progress and offer constructive criticism.
o Encourage critical thinking and creativity in problem-solving.
3. Skill Development:
o Offer guidance on artistic techniques, materials, and processes.
o Facilitate workshops or training sessions to enhance interns' skills.
o Encourage experimentation and exploration in their work.
4. Internship Management:
o Supervise and assist interns in managing their projects, ensuring they meet deadlines and quality standards.
5. Networking and Professional Development:
o Introduce interns to industry professionals and provide opportunities for networking.
o Assist with resume building, portfolio development, and job search strategies.
6. Evaluation and Feedback:
o Conduct performance evaluations and provide recommendations for improvement.
o Document the interns' achievements and contributions for future reference.
7. Conflict Resolution:
o Address any conflicts or issues that may arise among interns or with their work.
o Mediate disputes and provide solutions in a professional manner.
8. Compliance and Administrative Tasks:
o Ensure interns adhere to organizational policies and guidelines.
o Complete administrative tasks such as tracking hours, maintaining records, and reporting to higher management if necessary.
How it works
Grades for the internship will be based on the following criteria:
- Your attendance and preparedness for the ONE GROUP meeting, and ONE "one-on-one" in my office
- Your level of work & participation in the internship
- Your professional, detailed, and well-organized weekly online journal, which you will submit on BlackBoard Learn
- Your professional and well-organized portfolio, which you will turn in at the end of the semester
- Your professionally presented Mid-term paper, i.e. a written internship progress report & assessment
- The Final Evaluation from your on-site internship supervisor
- Completed minimum of 150 hours on-site/contact hours by or on the last day of regularly scheduled classes—meaning, before "Study Days" & "Final Exams" begin (minimum 10 hours weekly onsite & maximum 15 hours weekly on site)
There will be ONE mandatory internship meeting at the beginning of the semester for enrolled interns. You will turn in your weekly journals of your activities during the semester. You will also create a portfolio of accomplishments, and write a mid-term paper detailing your progress as an intern.
Employers
Employers are expected to provide a stimulating, guided learning experience for our ART/ART HISTORY seniors. While certain skills and levels of proficiency may be expected of the student upon entry into the internship, the internship is a UTSA course designed to provide an applied learning experience for the communication major. Each host organization must provide the intern a supervisor to guide, oversee and assess the student's work. Students should be given as much responsibility as they can reasonably handle while enrolled in ____. Interns should be exposed to the organization's culture and communication-based directives, and be involved in as many of these activities and opportunities as possible.
Employers are asked to work with students in forming a set schedule based on the UTSA Academic Calendar and respective semester of enrollment—i.e., work with their other on-campus classes and work-life balance—in order to provide an adequate amount of work for the student to meet their student learning outcomes and objectives. It is understood that workloads on projects may vary, but at minimum should total a minimum of 150 hours for the semester.
Employers are also asked to complete a final progress report/evaluation at the end of the semester, rating the student's professionalism, quality of work, and other aspects of performance. All employers are also asked to write a "To Whom it may Concern" letter of recommendation for the student at the end of the internship. Your evaluation and letter of recommendation become part of the final grade for the student. If at any time during the semester problems arise, please discuss them with the student and inform the Internship Coordinator immediately, so that problems may be resolved quickly. You may dismiss the student from employment should serious problems persist.
TO BECOME AN "APPROVED" ________Senior Capstone Internship Partner with the UTSA School of Art, first submit the Internship Proposal Below.
