Leah Pagan

My experience at the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) has been highly informative and impactful. Throughout my internship, I was given the opportunity to expand my graphic design skills in numerous formats, including informative, creative, video, and website content. Working with the Communications Team at FSLSO allowed me to learn industry-standard software in the communications field and transfer professional design practices to projects for the company.

During my internship, I completed the 60-Hour Surplus Lines Pre-Licensing Course, which informed the purpose and impact of my projects. Through the mentorship of Multimedia Designer Tracy Pafford, I was also able to complete 112 hours of coursework in Adobe software for graphic design, Figma for website design, and Adobe After Effects for animation. The skills I gained in these courses culminated into a 32-page brand and style guide for FSLSO's IGNITE internship program and an Adobe Professional Certificate in Adobe Illustrator.

I am beyond grateful to the Communications Team for their guidance, professional support, and feedback on my projects. The unique opportunity to combine thorough coursework with applied design practice enhanced my versatility as a designer. The skills I learned during this internship will make me a more competitive applicant for post-graduation opportunities and inform my specialization in the communications field. I highly recommend this internship to students looking to learn from professional creators and build a strong portfolio.