Alex Barrera (2025, B.A. Interdisciplinary Arts and Design, Arts Management) has dedicated their educational career to understanding museum studies along with learning various art practices. Combined with their passion for non-profit work, Alex hopes to become a part of the change that makes art viewing and art-making more accessible for those in their community. Alex intends to have a professional career in an art-centered environment and looks forward to applying everything he has learned into practice.
Describe the company/organization you interned with, and what your role was during your time there.
I worked for Craighead Green Gallery, a contemporary art gallery located in Dallas, Texas. My role as an intern fell under gallery assistant, which involved certain duties such as maintaining clear contact with both artists and clients concerning artwork sales and general inquiries. I assisted with gallery installation, including preparing for an exhibition known as the New Texas Talent, where we represent new and upcoming artists.
Another large role of my position involved keeping track of inventory both physically as well as digitally and ensured everything was up to date and accurate. Positioned at the front desk of the gallery, I was also tasked with greeting guests in a friendly manner, assisting them when needed, and providing detailed information on both artists and their work. My position also occasionally involved traveling to clients’ homes and businesses for installation.
Share your internship search process: what worked, what didn’t, and any small or big steps that led to you landing this opportunity.
I was very fortunate to have had this internship actually coordinated and set up for me. I am part of a network called the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, which is a non-profit that focuses on higher educational pursuits for those who have graduated from underprivileged all-girls Texas Schools, which I did. I attended the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, which, after graduation, led the network to often send us emails while we were in college, inquiring about our pursuits and offering opportunities. One of these emails had a form asking for interest in pursuing an internship, which, being a Junior in college, I very much was. I sent back the form, expressing my interest, and within a month or so, I received an email explaining to me that if I was still interested, I had an interview set up for me with Craighead Green. Of course, I agreed, and after that interview, I had landed my internship. I should also note that I was paid through the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, not the gallery itself. I recognize how fortunate I am and am very thankful to the network for this opportunity and for helping me move forward in my career.
Did the Career Center or your Career Coach provide you with resources for obtaining this internship?
Although I did not find this internship opportunity through the career center at my college, I still highly recommend that if you are struggling to find opportunities, to make an appointment with a Career Coach. Don’t be afraid to also follow your career coaches on LinkedIn, as they will oftentimes be posting constantly and reposting job openings and internship opportunities. The Career Coaches have a lot to offer and are there to assist you with finding a job or internship that caters to your career and interests, so don’t be afraid to drop in and say hi! They can also provide tips and tricks on how to job search on your own, such as what websites to visit, how to network, and where to look for postings. They can help with finding not only job openings, but also be very knowledgeable about volunteer opportunities, which look great on a resume.
What is the most important thing you’ve realized/learned during this internship?
Something important that I learned during this internship is how to advocate for myself as an intern who was hungry for knowledge. My director was professional but lacked the skills a mentor who is taking on an intern might have. Often times I received little direction or lacked proper instruction. But where there was a void, my fellow gallery assistant filled it. I had worked alongside another assistant during my internship who then filled that mentor role for me. She had worked there for some years and quickly took me under her wing and met me where I was, teaching me the ins and outs, answering my (sometimes redundant) questions and even stepping back and letting me do things on my own so that I could learn for myself when the time was right. Something to remember that even as an intern, you still must take accountability for yourself and your career, advocate for your education and don’t always expect that your superior will be the one to teach you what you need to know. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions because ultimately you are there to learn. If you feel as though you aren’t being properly put to work, doing the things you wanted to do or learning what you want to learn, bring it up in a professional manner. I was fortunate to have had someone else I could turn to for that mentor role, but had she not been there, I would have had to adjust accordingly and ask for the proper direction myself.
Did your passions or goals change since you completed your internship, and if so, how?
As I mentioned, I am more interested in museum studies and non-profit. Obviously, an art gallery falls within the for-profit sphere so as a business, most of our energy and efforts went towards making sales which was not something I was particularly interested in. Having this experience only further solidified my want of working for a non-profit. Nonetheless, this was still a fantastic opportunity and I was incredibly grateful to have had this experience and still did everything the position expected of me.
One of my favorite parts about this job was talking to the artists and talking to visitors about the art. So many of them have so much to share about their lives and about their work. I met so many interesting, amazing characters working there and it truly was a joy to get to know a few of them when they came in and familiarize myself with their work and practices. Whenever I saw someone was interested in a piece, I also just enjoyed talking to them about the work itself. I’m always thrilled to discuss artwork! There were some major talents at this gallery and I was extremely grateful to both view and handle their work. Those parts of the job is what I loved the most and something I felt that I was good at.
Please share any advice you’d give to others searching for an internship.
My advice would be to not give up! Basic, I know, but you miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t make. I’m currently job-searching and it is overwhelming and given the climate we are in these days, it begins to feel impossible. Don’t be afraid to also use the tools at your disposal. I mentioned the Career Center previously and I will mention it again because the Career Coaches are there to help you, it is their job! Especially for internships, they most likely have great insights and methods to help you be as successful as you can be.
Some other advice I will give is to carve out time for job/ internship searching and be intentional. Passively looking for opportunities won’t yield as many results as when you set time aside. This also leaves room for you to take breaks, which you should do, to decrease your chances of burnout. When you feel yourself getting too frustrated, feel free to step away and come back to it. Job searching can become a vicious process if you let it, so don’t let it!
What are you up to these days?
As I mentioned, I am currently job searching! I’ve moved back to San Antonio so I am poking around in non-profit spaces, reconnecting, and slowly trying to build my network. It is a formidable task, looking for a job, but I will remain persistent. I’m also taking time to spend time with my family and my partner who I haven’t been around in some time and just trying to take things as they come.
Can students get in touch with you if they have any further questions?
Sure! If anyone feels so inclined to reach out, my email is avbarrera04@gmail.com.
