Internship - A few questions and answers…
February 9th, 2008 by admin
It was just a few days ago that we first mentioned our summer internship program, and we’ve already received a LOT of applications! Keep them coming!
A couple of questions have come up though, so I thought I would address them here…
What’s the deadline for applying?
The deadline for applying is March 15th, 2008. Don’t wait till the last minute though! We’ll start calling people to do phone interviews well before that, so get your applications in as soon as possible!
When does the internship start?
We’re tentatively looking for the internship to start in the middle of May, and will run until the middle of August. It will be approximately 12 weeks long, and we’re flexible based on when people are getting out of school, or might have to go back to school.
Can you tell us a bit more about this “brand new web 2.0 application”?
The project is still a bit of a secret, and we will try to keep it that way throughout the internship to build buzz. I can tell you that it will encompass many of the “web 2.0” ideals, including social features, ajax, and rounded corners 
And, it’s public-facing, so you’ll be able to (and we hope you will!) go home and tell mom “Hey, look at what I did this summer!”.
What do you mean by “Build Buzz”?
Throughout the process, our interns will be blogging about their development efforts. While not giving away the specifics of the project, we’d love for you to share with the world the experience that you’re having as a BrightMix intern. Check out http://www.projectaardvark.com/ for a great example of exactly what we’re talking about.
What technologies?
On our job posting we mentioned that we’re looking for experience with Java/PHP/Perl + MySQL. The actual project will be written in Ruby on Rails… We feel that any bright individuals with LAMP experience should have no problems picking up Rails relatively quickly. For those unfamiliar with Ruby on Rails, I HIGHLY encourage you to check it out… http://www.rubyonrails.com It’s incredibly exciting and cutting edge, and we really enjoy it. We think you will too.
Is the internship only for students?
Ideally we’re looking for college students between their Junior and Senior years. However, we encourage anyone to apply. Its a fixed-length internship though, for 12 weeks during the summer, so it naturally lends itself well to students.
What kind of experience are you looking for?
We know that as students, you probably don’t have a ton of professional experience, and that’s not a problem. We’re more interested in finding the people that show true passion for programming (and for design). For instance, the folks that are hacking away at things on the side, and learning new technologies, because they enjoy it. We want to hear what classes you’ve taken, and which ones you enjoyed the most. We’d love for you to have a website/blog of your own, though its not strictly required. Basically, we’re looking for talented, smart and fun individuals, not unlike ourselves 
That’s about it for the question and answers for today. We encourage everyone to apply for the internship, and if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to email us at internships@brightmix.com or leave a comment below!
callmejeremiah February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Is there any possibility for this internship to turn into full-time employment?
Dusty February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Jeremiah,
Yes, there’s a chance that this internship will turn into full-time employment for the right individuals. We would love to be able to find talented, fun people for our internship, who would be a great fit for full-time employment.
However, there’s no guarantee. This is a fixed-length, stand-alone internship. The ultimate goal is to find smart and talented folks who want to work hard for the summer, and create something great. And, have a little fun in the process.
Hope this answered your question…
Dusty
Nick February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Because this is a salary internship, how would this work around someone like myself who has night classes during the summer?
Dusty February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Nick,
Thanks for the question…
I guess it depends on your schedule, and what "night classes" means. Our internship is "salaried" per se, which basically means we expect you to work roughly 40 hours per week. We’re flexible on the *actual* hours you work, within reason. Everyone should be here in the office for the majority of the time during the day. If however, you need to take off early one day a week to attend class, that’s completely fine. So long as you’re getting the work done.
Hope this helps…
Dusty
Shawn February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I feel that I have a strong design ability, but my knowledge of HTML is limmited and the other languages I have only heard their names. How important will it be for the designer to know RubyonRails, PHP, MySql, etc.?
I am always up for a challenge and a fast learner, but I am curious.
Kevin February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
@Shawn
We want a designer who is really strong with HTML and cascading stylesheets.
Technologies like Ruby on Rails, PHP, and MySql aren’t nearly as important, but we would applaud any designer who _does_ know them!
Cuong Thai February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Hello,
I just sent an email about myself and my interest to join BrightMix yesterday midnight :D. I would like to know when you guys gonna call me or when will I know whether I get a job o not? You know how it feels to wait for something that you’re really excited about.
Dusty February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Chuong,
Thanks for your interest and for applying! We should be getting in touch with people this week, so you should know one way or another.
Thanks again, and sorry for making you wait!
Dusty
Harry Wang February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Any hints on the big web 2.0 project that is in the works?
Cuong February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Hello,
Are you calling anyone next week (from 17 March)? Have you chosen anyone for designer position internship yet?
Dusty February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Harry,
Not too many details to give out publicly yet. Here’s what I can tell ya..
Social Networking? – _Check_<br />
User Generated Content? – _Check_<br />
RSS Feeds? – _Check_<br />
Ajax? – _Check_<br />
Rounded Corners? – _Check_<br />
That should just about cover all the buzzwords
Dusty
Cuong Thai February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Hello,
Is the designer position filled yet?
Heather Mortensen February 9th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I am waiting to hear about a Brightmix application too.</p>
<p> To anyone at Brightmix and all the web savvy readers out there – you are invited to come to the <strong>Omaha Web Design Meetup</strong> next Thursday, April 10th with your favorite web design books and links to share. This month’s topic is on "Tools and Resources for Web Designers." Last month we discussed strategies in designing for the web. Please sign up and make your r.s.v.p to a "Yes" so others know you are coming. Thanks and hope to see you soon.</p>
<a href="http://webdesign.meetup.com/510/" title="web design resources in Omaha">Omaha Web Design Meetup</a>
<p>Regards,<br />
–Heather Mortensen</p>