UX Design Intern Review

My job during my placement year has been to work closely to uncover key pain points and understand users through user research. Additionally I have balanced the needs of the users and business goals to create outputs such as wireframes, taking an iterative approach to my work. As well as being involved in developing the project solution and its visuals. I have also worked with design systems and toolkits to produce final high-fidelity screens.

- Understanding the user journey -Finding key pain points for users -Conducting user research -Producing wireframes -Testing the product with users -Ensuring there is good UX hygiene -Playback visuals to clients -Understanding UI best practices

I was given a large amount of responsibility and the opportunity to take the lead designing many deliverables and play back my own work to the client and wider stakeholders often. Although I was given a lot of responsibility and was encouraged to do things outside of my comfort zone I felt supported the whole time and didn't feel I was being put under too much pressure at any point.

There is an incredible community within IBM with several people who have roles to mentor and monitor both your progress and wellness. I have really appreciated the support from my task manager and foundation manager and found that even very senior designers will make time to ensure you are making the mosts of your placement year and are growing your professional skills.

Due to the large amount of apprentices, graduates and interns there is a very fun atmosphere with a culture focused on the development and growth of new comers. The working atmosphere is really encouraging as there is plenty of support available at all times and so many exciting projects to work on across globally established companies.

I loved my internship this year and am in the process of applying for a graduate position. I would highly recommend this to anyone considering a placement year as I felt I have developed so many skills and grown my professional learning this year.

Yes

Make sure if you are presenting your portfolio focus on your process when designing and show how you have considered the user at every stage of the design process. As a new joiner make sure to get involved in as much as possible as giveback projects are a great way to grow your network and your wider skills to make you more well rounded.