August 2025, Nicole McDavid, CAHS Career and Internship Coordinator
The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is partnering with professionals to provide students with valuable insights into their first job or internship. Maleah Taylor received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UAH in 2022, concentrating specifically in graphic design. Maleah interned in 2020 at The Studio Museum in Harlem, the world’s leading institution devoted to visual art by artists of African descent. In her own words, she shared how living and working in New York City shaped her creative perspective, taught her the power of adaptability, and deepened her commitment to representation in the arts. She also reflected on her experience and how it helped her to contribute meaningfully in a professional arts environment.
Where was your internship?
My first internship was as Design & Digital Media Intern at The Studio Museum in Harlem,
located in Harlem, NYC.
How long did you work there for?
I worked there for the Spring 2020 semester. Since it was March when the pandemic reached New York and many things shut down, I had to return home to Huntsville and finish the
internship remotely. This was before The Studio Museum moved to their new building, so I was working with the team while they were still in their temporary programming space.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
Living in NYC was an unforgettable part of the experience. It was my first time visiting the city, and I got to stay for a few months! I was immersed in an environment filled with art, history, and culture, especially meaningful as a young creative working at a museum known to be the world’s leading institution devoted to visual art by artists of African descent, and is dedicated to Black art and artists. I loved the team I worked with; they were incredibly kind, talented, and generous with their insight. I even got to do freelance work with one of my supervisors after the internship ended. (She later launched her own company, and that opportunity helped me grow professionally and ultimately led to my current path as an independent Multimedia Designer.) I also met people from all over the world through museum programming and just by exploring the city, which broadened my sense of community and creative purpose.
Was there anything you wish had gone differently?
I wish I had gotten more time living in NYC and being on-site for the internship. The sudden shift to remote work due to the pandemic made it feel like something was taken from the experience, just as I was finding my rhythm. That said, I learned to adapt quickly and still found meaningful ways to contribute remotely.
Is there anything significant that happened during the internship that you would like to share?
One significant moment was meeting Thelma Golden, the Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem. Even though we met with her virtually, it was still a powerful and affirming experience. Thelma Golden is a visionary in the art world; internationally recognized for her curatorial work and advocacy for contemporary artists of African descent. Hearing directly from her about the Museum’s mission and legacy helped ground the work we were doing in something much larger than ourselves. It reminded me of the importance of representation, both in the arts and in leadership.
Finally, what would you wish you had known ahead of time when entering the internship?
I wish I had known just how important relationships are in any professional setting. Things like following up, celebrating wins with others, and being teachable go a long way. I also didn’t realize how valuable soft skills would be. Asking thoughtful questions, setting boundaries, and communicating clearly all helped me build trust and credibility. While technical and creative skills matter, being curious, responsive, and reliable made the biggest difference. I also wish I had been more mentally prepared for sudden change, especially when the pandemic disrupted everything mid-semester. Still, I learned that being adaptable and staying engaged, even through uncertainty, can really set you apart.
We want to hear from you!
The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at UAH prepares students to thrive in creative and professional environments, equipping them with the skills and perspectives they need to succeed. We invite our graduates to share their first job or internship experiences, helping to inspire and guide current Chargers as they explore their own career paths. If you are a CAHS alum and would like to be featured in this series, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can continue to build a strong community of UAH students and graduates who are making an impact wherever their journeys take them. Contact Nicole McDavid, CAHS Career and Internship Coordinator, to get connected at cahs-careers@uah.edu.
About our Graphic Design Program
The Graphic Design program at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) focuses on the creative aspects of designing print and web-based graphics. Attention is paid to applications within the corporate, publication, and advertising contexts. Students learn the principles of advertising, methods used in the field, and skills necessary to bring a design problem to a logical solution. Areas of study include visual design foundation, advertising & design theory, conceptual thinking, typography, print production, corporate design, publications design, illustration, and web development. Computer design skills are integrated into various subjects throughout the program. Graduates will be proficient in computer design using the Apple Macintosh platform in our digital labs as they enter into the various design professions. Have a question about the program? Contact art@uah.edu.