Rachel Blow’s Path from Student to Intern to Designer

 
Rachel is looking to the left. She has long blonde hair and wears glasses
2025, B.F.A. in Communication Design: Graphic Design
Junior Designer, Banowetz + Company, Inc., Dallas
Hometown: Denton, Texas
LinkedIn: Rachel Blow
Website: RachelBlow.com
Senior Show web page
 
Rachel Blow’s work is research-driven, conceptually thoughtful, and visually impactful. During her time at UNT, she stood out as a student leader, national design award winner, and an organizer of the popular speaker series. Today, she brings her talent and creativity to Banowetz + Company, Inc., a branding firm in Dallas, where she works as a junior designer.
 
What were your internships like?
As a student, I interned with two design studios. From Summer to Fall 2024, I worked with Dennard Lacey & Associates, and in Spring 2025, I joined Tractorbeam®,  a marketing agency in Dallas. Both internships provided me with the opportunity to contribute to real client work, collaborate with seasoned creative teams, and gain a hands-on understanding of what day-to-day life is like in a design studio. The experience helped build my confidence and gave me a stronger sense of where I thrive creatively.
 
How did you find your internships?
My search was similar to that of many classmates: I browsed local job boards, consulted the UNT Career Center’s design internship sheet, and reached out to alumni. But what truly helped me land those roles was the relationships I had built with professors, guest speakers, and peers. In design, who you know and how you show up in your classes and critiques really matters. Every connection is a potential door to opportunity.
 
Did you use the services of the UNT Career Center or a CVAD Career Coach?
Although I didn’t work one-on-one with the UNT Career Center or a CVAD Career Coach for these internships, I know many students who found those resources to be helpful. In my case, I leaned heavily on my network — recommendations from faculty and friends were key. That said, the tools and guidance offered by the Career Center can serve as a great starting point for any student beginning their search.
 
What was the biggest lesson you learned?
I learned to give myself grace. It’s easy to think the hardest part is landing the internship, but the real growth happens once you're there — navigating unfamiliar projects, asking questions, and learning how to be a part of a team. Internships aren’t about being perfect; they’re about discovering where you want to go and who you want to become.
 
Did your goals shift after your internships?
Definitely. I began with a narrow focus on the type of work I thought I wanted, but those experiences expanded my curiosity. I discovered how much I enjoy the challenge of working across industries — diving into unfamiliar subjects, researching, and finding creative ways to communicate each client’s story. That variety fuels my creativity.
 
What advice would you give to students seeking internships?
Be persistent, be curious, and don’t take rejection personally. Every unanswered email or missed opportunity is a step closer to the right fit. Continue refining your portfolio, practice presenting your work, and stay engaged with your community — including professors, classmates, and visiting professionals. Most importantly, remember: you’re not just waiting to be chosen. You’re choosing the kind of place where you want to grow.