Southampton College

Arts and Media Division
Fine Arts * Communication Arts * Graphic Design
Co-op Experiences

Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting) - "I assisted Miriam Schapiro with deskwork, such as filling out applications for museums where she would have an exhibit or galleries that wanted her works for shows. I helped her work on a piece that she had to send to a show in a museum. I also transported her to places around the area that she needed to visit such as galleries where I had the chance to look at other artists' work. With Mrs. Schapiro, I learned a lot about what the creative must do in order to achieve their goals. I learned that creativity is not only done by thinking, and coming up with new ideas. Creativity is also affected by our surroundings, the environment in which we live, and many other factors that affect our thinking. Learning from other artists' works, their motivations and inspirations affect our creativity. Their style of painting, the materials they use to create their art, the colors that they use more often are all very important points to study. Not only you learn about new ideas and techniques but also you expand your creativity with the impact that this artist has made upon your life. Miriam Schapiro's art has affected me so much that now every time I see a beautiful decorative pattern or fabric I connect them to her work. The experience was wonderful."

Kerlin Morales, Miriam Schapiro Studio, NY


Graphic Arts - "Probably the most atypical experience I had was when Ralph and Matt had to go away for three days for a group conference. I was left in charge while they were gone. I pretty much got the book out on my own. I was thanked in the credits of the final issue of the series for the work I did. Based on this experience, I'd say I've earned Ralph's and Matt's confidence over the course of the semester. As a result of this experience, my expectations of the Co-op were definitely surpassed. I had assumed that a company as large and prosperous as Marvel wouldn't delegate much more than simple office duties to an intern, but I've had the benefit of actually experiencing what it's like to take on some of the tasks of an assistant editor. I have been advised to apply for an assistant editor position. Before the co-op, I always thought I'd wanted to do freelance penciling or coloring, but now I realize that what I really enjoy is working in Editorial; freelancing on the side is always a possibility.

My initial objectives were met by this experience. I was able to apply what I learned as a graphic design major. I've also been able to learn techniques and methods of creating comic books by observing what goes on. I've also set a new career goal, I want to work as a comic book editor. I feel I earned the respect of those around me by doing my job as well as I could, and by admitting if I made a mistake or didn't understand something. All in all, I think I had a really good experience working at Marvel Comics. It was fun, friendly and an exciting environment to work in."

Bill Scurry, Marvel Comics, NY
Marvel Comics Co-op


Communications/Advertising/Public Relations - " All in all, interning at Madison Square Garden was a huge opportunity and great thrill for me this summer. I met and networked with a lot of people who are in charge of very important programs and departments throughout the arena. On game nights I would help out the New York Knicks workers by helping them hand out Knick towels and T-shirts to fans and celebrities sitting near the court. On occasion they would need me to hand out towels to the players during the game. I definitely enjoyed the experience and look forward to returning next summer, hopefully, working a part time job with the New York Knicks!"

Joaquin (Jake) Acosta, Madison Square Garden, NY
Madison Square Garden Co-op


Communication/Radio & Television - "My first day at Fox was intimidating. I have never been intimidated at any sport that I have competed in but this was different. In less than thirty minutes I learned how to log in highlights and footage for the archive. I had the opportunity to see some of my highlights on the news and it was very exciting as well as rewarding. Many employees at Fox could not believe I was an intern because of my work ethic and the way I presented myself in the work environment. My Co-op was only the beginning and this has already been a dream come true!"

Chuck Zegarra, FOX Sports, NY
Fox Sports Co-op

Typical Co-Op Placements

  • AMEX, NY
  • ABCTV Sports, NY
  • Curran & Connors, NY
  • Cablevision
  • CBSTV, NY
  • Dan's Papers, NY
  • East Hampton Independent, NY
  • Freeman Public Relations, NJ
  • Fox Sports, NY
  • Guild Hall Museum, NY
  • Long Island News 12, NY
  • LTV, NY
  • MTV, NY & CA
  • Murray Hill Studios, NY
  • National Basketball Association, NY
  • New York Islanders, NY
  • New York Knicks NY
  • Sony Music, NY
  • Spotlight Newspapers
  • The Ricki Lake Show, NY
  • Visionary Marketing,NY
  • Visionary Graphics, NY
  • Visually Speaking, NY
  • WBAB, NY
  • WDRE, NY
  • WEHM, NY
  • WINET, NY
  • WLNG, NY
  • Wordhampton, NY
  • WVVH, NY
  • Several local prominents artists


Communications/ Radio & Television- "I was allowed to experiment a little by filming in different locations. Eventually I became fluent enough in operating the field camera that footage I shot was used by the BBC and also on a B-roll tape put together by the Amex. B-roll is an industry term for extra footage that can be used for voice-overs or teases. The AMEX, though still a small and growing facility, definitely falls into the realm of fast paced media. Something that I was expecting from the get go, however nothing truly prepares you for the real world like the real world."

Colin Grotheer, Broadcast Services Dept., The American Stock Exchange, NYC
American Stock Exchange Co-op


Communications/Public Relations & Advertising, - "The client accounts that I worked closely on included Fisher-Price, Tyco Preschool and Mattel Preschool, Warner Brothers Consumer Products and Studio Stores, Kash'n Gold Electronics and Victoria Vogue. It was for these clients, among others, that I compiled media lists and conducted mass media mailings, made media calls to determine the appropriate person that fit our particular need, drafted press releases and often sat in on brainstorming sessions with the other account executives. At the beginning of my Co-op, the second week to be exact, I attended the annual Licensing Show in which Freeman PR was the publicist for both the show and LIMA, a licensing association. To me this was quite a thrill. Being able to attend this event proved to me that this agency was willing to allow me to be a working and functional part of their organization."

Jaime Saberito, Freeman Public Relations, NJ
Freeman Public Relations Co-op


Graphic Design -"From a personal and professional point of view of my time at Curran & Connors Inc., my goals have, without a doubt, been met. Even though I was not guaranteed a full time position after my Co-op it would have been foolish to turn down the opportunity to use this great design firm as a stepping stone into my graphic design career. The work environment was similar to school but accomplished at a faster pace. I needed to make an adjustment immediately. On my second-to-last-week of the Co-op I was offered a full-time position which exceeded my expectations. I now hope to have a long and enjoyable career at Curran & Connors.

John Eineman, Curran & Connors Inc. NY
Curran & Connors Inc. Co-op


Art Education-"It was my responsibility to conquer teaching without my supervisor's guidance. This taught me patience, control, and authority and gave me the satisfaction and self-confidence in knowing that I could handle the responsibility of seventeen 8 to 11 year-olds. It was the most rewarding experience when the children depended on me for advice and assistance with the assigned projects. I felt very needed and important in their progression with the assignments.

Everything I did at USDAN was typical of a school classroom, so I believe that in relation to my major and my career goals, I know what to expect. I found my experience at USDAN to be one of the most rewarding I have ever had. Never have I felt so important to young lives.

Jessica Black, USDAN Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, NY
USDAN Co-op



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