SFI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
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NSREC 2011 Conference set the seed for my desire to get involved
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United-Maier Sign has previous experience with interns
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My personal internship/co-op experience during my college years at
DAAP
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Current students involved with the UC Co-Op program
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI CO-OP PROGRAM
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Several UC colleges are involved with the Co-Op program, such as the
Carl L. Lindner College of Business and the College of Design, Art,
Architecture, and Planning.
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Generally starts after the student’s sophomore year, alternating
semesters, and creating a 5 year program.
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UC has a Professional Practice Program Department that helps the
student and host business through the process.
SFI INTERN SPONSORSHIP
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Sign industry business host eligibility.
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Desired experience for the student.
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Host business will provide compensation for the costs of the internship
such as housing, travel, and food provisions.
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Formal presentation at the next NSREC conference by the student and
host business.
DAAP AND BUSINESS STUDENTS: WHAT MAKES A
GOOD FIT?
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Art department
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Permit department
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Sales department
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Project coordinator
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Special projects :
 update web site
 photo library
 compile permit information
SELECTION PROCESS
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Students submit resumes
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Host selects students for interviews
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Offer is made
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Student accepts
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Start/ end date established
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Compensation worked out
WINTER 2012 INTERNSHIP
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Graham Gilmer is a 3rd year Urban Planning student
•
Graham spent time in every department in the company to get a full
understanding of the sign industry. We sent him on installs, he spent a
day in the shop, and he accompanied several salespeople on calls.
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He played an active roll in sales, permit procurement, surveys, and
design
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His special project was to compile a spread sheet listing contact, zoning
map links, sign code links, and sign applications for every jurisdiction in
the tri-state area
SUMMER 2012 INTERNSHIP
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Graham Gilmer is about to start his 4th year in Urban Planning
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Graham comes back and jumps right back into step at United-Maier Signs
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He is used by everyone in our office. Very helpful in our permit department
•
Graham reviewed incoming public bid projects from ISQFT, Dodge, ACI, and
requests by general contractors. He reviewed documents for potential sign
packages worthy of pursuing.
MELLOW MUSHROOM
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Sign design package for a new location
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Every location is unique
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Remodel of an existing building
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Ground sign and building sign
FABRICATION & INSTALLATION
COMPLETION PHOTOS
HIGH RISE/ROOF TOP SURVEYS
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Great American Insurance
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Cyrus One
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West Chester Hospital
INTERIOR ADA SIGNS
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Super Jobs building
CHERRY GROVE PLAZA REMODEL
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Document size, location, and condition prior to removal
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Note special conditions and UL labels
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Removal scheduled in phases
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Install scheduled in phases
DRAKE HOSPITAL SURVEY
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Bid package to rework existing exterior
campus signs
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Measure and photograph every sign
THE CHRIST HOSPITAL GARAGE
SPECIAL PROJECT
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Project to fill time
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Project our company needed to get to, but never had the manpower
•
Graham took a three month project and finished in a week
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The project is very thorough and well organized
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Saves the company a lot of time
PERMIT INFORMATION PROJECT
EVALUATION
GRAHAM’S EXPERIENCE
UNITED-MAIER SIGN’S EXPERIENCE
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Contagious optimism
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Nice to have a young, fresh opinion
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Graham was in demand throughout the office
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We learned from him
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Leaps and bounds ahead on a computer
CONCLUSION
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It’s not a hard commitment.
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Process is fairly easy.
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Could lead to a future employee.
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Sharing knowledge of the sign industry promotes the future of this
industry.
YOUR TURN
Please contact Patty Herbin at patty@thesignagefoundation.org or by calling
336-260-3197.