Diving Into a Design Internship
Diving Into A Design Internship - Here's Stacey!
What’s it really like to be a Summer of Tech design intern? We had a quick yarn with design graduate Stacey - she had an awesome summer working with Jumping Fox Interactive. Here's what she had to say about her design internship experience!
Could you tell me a little bit about Jumping Fox Interactive?
Jumping Fox Interactive is a mix of sales, marketing, and software. They help to digitise the sales experience in a more human-centered way.
What has your role been during the design internship?
I’ve been working on a bunch of different projects. The primary focus has been on refreshing their brand identity and how they present themselves visually to their clients. I’ve been creating icons, layouts, presentation decks and a bit of website design, too.
What is a key thing you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned how to manage my time better, and I’ve figured out the way that I like to work. In university, you get a brief and a set due date - it’s quite structured. In the internship, they give me flexibility in terms of when I can get things done. I keep a notebook of what I do throughout the day. I jot down what I do and how much time I spend on it, that has been massively useful. I’ve learned to understand my capabilities, and to know what I am able to get done in a certain time frame. I’m quite used to the Adobe Creative Suite, so I’ve also learned how to adapt to using Canva, Google Slides, and ensuring that my work translates across programmes.
What has it been like working with a mentor?
My mentor has taught me to be really open-minded and willing to try anything that comes my way. She’s encouraged me to get stuck in and give things a try, even if the result isn’t perfect. That said, the whole team supports me. I am the only designer in the team, which can be a challenge - often I am translating abstract business and sales concepts into something visual. They give really good feedback on my work.
How did you find the SOT application process?
I had never done anything like it before. It really opened my eyes to the whole recruitment process. I think it was really valuable going through the whole process of interviewing, shortlisting and experiencing Offers Day. It taught me how to be more confident when presenting myself and my abilities!
Did you find SOT supportive?
Even though job searching and looking for internships is a really stressful process, I found that Summer of Tech presents things in a way that is positive and optimistic. Students are encouraged to give everything a go. I found it really useful!
If you were talking to someone at the start of their internship, what advice would you give?
At the start of my design internship, I had major imposter syndrome. I didn’t feel like I belonged - I was fresh out of uni with little professional design experience. I was doubting myself. To those who feel the same, I would say trust in your abilities and your skills. You will make mistakes, but it’s important to allow yourself to learn and grow from them. Take on wisdom from the mishaps you encounter. The best thing you can do is be positive about the experience. The internship process is tough and competitive, and there’s many amazing applicants out there - just hold your head high and keep trying.
Interested in taking on an internship with Summer of Tech?
We prepare students at bootcamps from March-August, recruitment is in September, and internships are full-time, paid Tech & Design roles from November-February. Register here today!
