Connect with Toy Design Students through FIT's 2025 Summer Internship Program
December 11, 2024 | Toy and game manufacturers looking to connect with up-and-coming toy designers are invited to participate in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Toy Design Department’s Summer 2025 Internship Program.
The internship program introduces the next class of toy designers to companies across the industry.
Portfolio reviews will be open to companies by virtual appointment only, from Friday, March 7 through Tuesday, March 11. Based on discussions with toymakers, Chair of the Toy Design Department Damian Mucaro and his team will work to match the interests and abilities of students with the specific needs of each company. Company representatives will have the opportunity to review candidates’ portfolios and talk with students before final assignments are made.
Students can provide the following services to companies:
- rendering presentation boards
- 3-D modeling, sculpting, and breadboards
- conceptualizing ideas
- communicating with manufacturers
- research and development
- sketching and storyboarding
- computer-aided drafting (CAD)
- rendering exploded views for costing
- preparing sales presentations
- computer proficiency
- styling
- storytelling
The program is a full-time position of eight to 10 weeks beginning Monday, June 2 and ending by Friday, August 15. Many participating companies have gone on to hire their interns upon graduation. Past participating companies have included: Faber-Castell/Creativity for Kids, Commonwealth, Mattel, Hasbro, Jazwares, KIDdesigns, Nickelodeon, Spin Master/GUND, and more. Read some of their testimonials here.
Interested companies may contact Eleanor Hutchins. Click here for more information.
The Toy Association is a proud supporter of the toy design department at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City through scholarship grants and student memberships in the Association so that up-and-coming toy designers may take advantage of industry networking and other professional development opportunities.
Click here for more information about FIT’s Toy Design Department.