Graphic Design Intern Gains Real-World Work Experience Thanks to Pre-ETS Program

Gabriel aspires to a career in film and graphic design, and with the help of VersAbility Resources, he spent the summer as an intern gaining hands-on, practical work experience.

VersAbility’s Pre-ETS program offers students with disabilities the chance to explore and prepare for adult life by participating in professional education and training programs. Pre-ETS is a steppingstone for VersAbility’s Supported Employment program that works with the adult population in the school system by helping those individuals find their interests and develop employable skills based on them.

Gabriel was a graphic design intern at Consociate Media.

“It was pretty great,” Gabriel said. “I liked how all the mentors helped me there.”

Gabriel worked alongside Consociate graphic designers Jeff Phillips and Amber Wyatt.

“I learned how to create business cards and posters,” said Gabriel, who primarily relied on Illustrator and Photoshop.

Ultimately, Gabriel wants to work as a graphic designer for animation in the movies. He’s a particular fan of the style used in “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

VersAbility is eager to develop more partnerships with local employers to create more career opportunities for people with disabilities.

“This professional experience was able to give Gabriel exposure to a marketing environment,” said Sydney Smith, Employment Specialist at VersAbility. “We are so happy to work with Consociate Media and develop relationships outside of entry-level job environments.  The students we work with possess a wide array of talents and interests. The sky is the limit for them.”

If you are an employer interested in becoming a partner in VersAbility’s Pre-ETS program, contact Vickie Greatwood, Director of Supported Employment at 757-896-8444 or email vgreatwood@versability.org.