internship maybe?

[StormRider]

Does anybody have any tips for getting an intern job at a gaming gear manufacturing company? I have looked at designing that sort of stuff that as a possible career, and it so happens that Razer's international HQ is within walking distance of my house(which I just found out today) :D
Actually, is it even possible?
feedback is appreciated!

[x88x]

Disclaimer: I know almost nothing about the computer peripheral industry.

If I were you, I would go over and talk to someone in their HR department about it. See if they have an internship program. Are you currently a student? Sometimes companies are more open to doing an internship for credit than for pay (sometimes it doesn't matter, sometimes the other way around, etc, etc). See if you can talk to one of the designers about their job and see if it's actually something you would want to do. If you have any experience (yes, tinkering/designing stuff at home counts ;) ), bring that up. In my experience, if someone loves what they do they're usually more than happy to talk to someone about it, especially someone looking to get into the field. You wouldn't happen to know anyone already who works there, would you? That's almost always a great way to get your foot in the door.

[StormRider]

I am a student, as a matter of fact, so it wouldn't be for money unless they liked me and offered me a job afterwards. and sadly, I don't know anybody there(I wouldn't have been here for two years and not known about it if I knew someone there, now would I?:D)

[x88x]

In that case, I would do like I said and just go talk to someone there. Regarding credit/pay/etc, I would recommend not bringing either up until HR does. On the one hand it shows that you're more interested in the actual work, not just the compensation (pay/credit/etc), and on the other hand you might luck out and get a paid internship. ;) If you do get to the point of an interview, and they ask you why you want to work there, do not say anything about 'gaining experience to work elsewhere' or anything along those lines. Remember, from an employer's point of view an internship is a low-risk, low-commitment way of vetting potential employees. Even if they're not paying you, they'll be putting a lot of time and money into shaping and building your skills into a something that will be useful and profitable to them, with the hope that you will continue to work for them and eventually turn a profit. The last thing they want to hear is that you're planning on cutting and running to another company as soon as your internship is over (whether that's your plan or not ;) ). On the flip side of that card, if you do well during the course of your internship, there may very well be a job offer waiting at the end for you. ;)

[StormRider]

sounds like some good advice. anybody else know something that I should?

[PauL]

Not sure if youre in high school or college, but counselors are always a good. Generally they will have some knowledge of popular internships or locations that can get you headed in the right direction. If youre in college, try talking to a professor in a marketing or design field; they may know of some places to get some experience. Other then that, call up the company or try visiting there website.

[Airbozo]

I second third and fourth what others have been saying.

Most companies have some sort of internship program. Even my company has one and we are pretty small. When you contact them, be prepared to sell your skills and provide an answer to the question: What can you do for our company?

BTW: Some internships pay. We pay our interns for their hard work. Maybe not top dollar, but they do get paid.

[dr.walrus]

My internship was paid for by an EU grant scheme - there may be something similar in your area