Three Things I Learned During My Design Internship at NerdWallet
A Journey of Self-Discovery, Brand Design, and Fin-Tech
When I transitioned away from a career in education and non-profit work, I didn’t know I’d end up working at tech companies learning in-house design. While it was unexpected (like most things in my career journey), my passion for design led me to an unforgettable experience as a summer intern on NerdWallet’s Brand Studio team. Here’s an inside look at my design internship and invaluable takeaways that will stay with me forever.
Starting the Internship
At the beginning of my internship, I was in graduate school for UX design, but I knew I wanted exposure to other skills, like illustration and motion design. When I went through the interview process for NerdWallet, I was able to meet various art directors, designers, and my design director with backgrounds in those areas I was interested in learning more about, so when I received a call that I had been selected, my excitement and anticipation were unparalleled.
Having interned with other Brand Design teams prior, I knew I wanted to build upon my existing experience in brand design, learn new skills, and gain exposure to different work streams supported by in-house design teams. Because of this, my design director, Emily, assigned me 4 mentors throughout my 12 week internship, across corporate communications, CRM, and brand. Through this rotational program, I was able to work on various projects from DEIB branding, to zoom backgrounds, to spot illustrations, and animations. Here are three areas I learned about through those experiences.
Working in an In-House Team
Being a part of an in-house team, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with many talented designers and creative thinkers, inspiring me to further enhance my skills and problem-solving abilities. Working with other designers in a supportive, yet collaborative environment allowed us to share ideas, give constructive feedback, and foster a culture of continuous learning. I had the chance to work on various projects with stakeholders, each with unique requests and perspectives. This exposure taught me how to adapt my design approach to cater to different audiences in addition to the importance of meeting project requirements and deadlines. While presenting designs to stakeholders has always been a challenge for me, this internship experience taught me how to effectively communicate my ideas confidently and concisely. Participating in weekly brand sprints also pushed me beyond my comfort zone, encouraging me to explore innovative design solutions.
Learning New Technical Skills
Before starting the internship, I wanted to further enhance and expand my technical skill set while exploring various design aspects. I delved into the world of motion design, learning the basics of After Effects and discovering the foundation of animation. Embracing illustration, I honed my abilities in designing spot illustrations, adding a touch of personality and realism to NerdWallet’s already existing illustration library. Engaging in a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) project, I curated mood boards that effectively communicated the project’s vision while fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding. During brand sprints, I also learned how to use new tools, such as Figjam, as a platform to collaborate with teammates, mentors, and managers. Being a part of a team and working on real stakeholder requests helped me further develop my technical skills in real life applications and projects, and also learn from other designers and their experiences, tips, and tricks with design tools.
Pushing Designs and Taking Risks
Lastly, one of the most notable lessons I learned during this internship was the importance of pushing designs further and how to take calculated risks. Techniques such as presenting multiple design options allowed me to explore diverse approaches and challenge conventional thinking. I quickly realized I shouldn’t be afraid to push myself and bring my ideas to the table. Seeking help and guidance when needed was encouraged, but I also learned not to limit my thoughts before giving them a chance. Being a part of such a supportive, nurturing team made me comfortable trying new techniques or designs. As a recovering perfectionist, embracing failure hasn’t always been my jam, but I learned that failure creates growth opportunities. Trusting my instincts became an essential aspect of my design process, enabling me to make bolder decisions and helping me to feel comfortable standing behind my creative choices. These invaluable experiences have shaped me into a more confident and innovative designer, emphasizing the significance of a collaborative and nurturing environment that encourages experimentation and personal growth.
Overall Experience and Takeaways
My time at NerdWallet was truly a transformative experience. Working in a dynamic and collaborative in-house team gave me insights into the power of design in solving real-world problems. The projects I completed gave me a holistic understanding of how in-house design studios manage internal/external projects while also helping me grow my skills as a designer. Throughout my experience, I’ve accomplished so much, including refining my art direction/design skills, learning how to animate and illustrate, trusting my gut, and pushing my designs further. I’m incredibly grateful to my manager, mentors, and team members for their support and encouragement. I couldn’t have done this without you! To all aspiring or future interns, remember to advocate for yourself, try new things, and embrace opportunities that merge your passions — it can lead you to the experience of a lifetime.
