Toy Companies Looking for Fresh Design Talent Encouraged to Participate in FIT’s Summer Internship Program

fit-toy-design-programFebruary 3, 2023 | Toy Association members looking to connect with up-and-coming toy designers are invited to participate in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT) Toy Design Department’s Summer 2023 Internship Program.

The internship program introduces the work of the next class of toy designers to companies across the industry.

Portfolio reviews will be open to Toy Association member companies by virtual appointment only, from Friday, February 24 through Tuesday, February 28. Based off discussions with toymakers, Acting Chair of the Toy Design Department Susan Baumbach and her 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 the appropriate students before final assignments are made.

Students can provide the following services to companies:

  • rendering presentation boards and exploded views for costing
  • 3-D modeling, sculpting, breadboards
  • conceptualizing ideas
  • communicating with manufacturers
  • research and development
  • sketching and storyboarding
  • computer-aided drafting (CAD)
  • preparing sales presentations
  • computer proficiency
  • styling
  • storytelling

The program is a full-time position of eight to 10 weeks beginning Monday, June 5 and ending by Friday, August 11. 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. Companies sponsoring interns have also shared their experiences with FIT students in testimonials.

Interested companies may contact Tymberly Canale. 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.