Ashley Romps is a senior Studio Art major at Michigan State University who worked as a Ceramics Intern for Cherry Hill Potter’s Guild in Canton, Michigan, where she developed her own pottery skills while helping to maintain the studio. Romps shared about this experience in the following Q&A that originally was published by the Excel Network.

What were your internship responsibilities?

As a Student Ceramics Intern, I helped around the studio with tasks and projects when needed, like loading and unloading kilns, mixing glazes, firing the raku, and cleaning the studio space. I built upon my wheel skills by throwing clay, trimming on the wheel, and then glazing.

How did you obtain your internship?

I used Handshake and met with someone from the Excel Network to help plan my internship.

What did your daily routine include?

I helped with raku firings and loading kilns when needed, worked on my own pottery skills, and cleaned the studio space. Wheel throwing was typically a daily task for me because that is my preferred method with pottery.

What was your favorite experience from the internship?

Being part of an art fair and then being rewarded for the hard work that goes into it.

What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?

I built upon my wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing skills.

What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of this internship?

I learned that art fairs play a large role in making money as a potter. I plan to continue progressing in my pottery skills and am thinking about being a children’s pottery instructor one day.

What advice do you have for other students seeking internships?

Attend job fairs and career-building events. Look on Handshake!