Mark43

Always be ready to switch gears

While it's important to be immersed in the product you're working on, this summer taught me the value of being adaptable. My internship allowed me to work on multiple products, highlighting the importance of quickly shifting focus and prioritizing tasks as needed. I valued the ability to be able to quickly pick up on a different task!

Nothing compares to primary research

Designers are rarely the users of their own products, so it’s important to have that one-on-one time with your users to understand their needs first-hand. I’m super grateful for the opportunity to travel to Fresno for a research trip early on in my internship, as it gave me valuable insights that informed my work across multiple products.

Public safety is not what you see in the movies

Public safety is often dramatized in movies and the media, but the reality is far more complex and nuanced. I had the opportunity to speak with first responders and ask them a wide range of questions about their work. Through these conversations, I learned that their jobs involve much more than what’s typically portrayed on screen.