Get to know us through Demi's experience
Oct 5, 2023
Every year, we are pleased to welcome interns who want to further develop their knowledge and experience. At Okapion, they have the opportunity to spend six months as part of our team, learning by doing and contributing to real projects. We invest a lot of time and energy in finding the right match, so that interns truly feel part of the team.
Demi was one of the interns who did an internship with us and she had a fantastic time. We asked her about her experience at Okapion and what she learned during her internship.
What did you expect from your internship at Okapion?
Before my internship at Okapion, I had several expectations. I looked forward to working with experienced UX professionals, receiving personalized guidance for my final semester of studies, gaining hands-on project experience, being part of a collaborative team, and enjoying a pleasant work environment.
How did you experience your place as an intern within Okapion?
During my internship at Okapion, I found it to be a place where colleagues readily assisted, shared creative ideas, and promoted a sense of fellowship. My colleagues were always ready to help, sharing their creative ideas. There was space for mutual learning, both within the team and through external knowledge gathering (talks, design events). The workspace provided room for focussing on my graduation project, but also socializing with my colleagues. This experience made me feel integrated into the team, rather than being an isolated intern.
What is the craziest/funniest thing you have experienced?
One memorable time was when our team went to an escape room in Rotterdam. It was super exciting, and we almost didn't make it out in time. It really challenged us to work together, but in a fun and different way.
How did you like the projects you worked on?
I really enjoyed the projects I worked on at Okapion. They were challenging and allowed me to delve deep into the world of micro-interactions. Designing dashboards, where I had to present data in clear tables, charts, and illustrations, was particularly engaging. It helped me grow my skills in making complex information accessible to users. Additionally, I learned how to break down complex (mini) processes into user-friendly solutions. I appreciated the freedom to iterate, and the guidance I received in my internship
What was your working week at Okapion like?
A typical week at Okapion began with the Monday Morning Meeting (MMM), where we discussed our tasks and celebrated team achievements. This set the tone for the week ahead. Throughout the week, I had the freedom to work on my graduation project and schedule meetings with my coach Karen for guidance. The balance between working days at home (online) and at the office gave structure to days for focus time, or workshops and meetings.
Fridays were dedicated to knowledge sharing sessions, which exposed us to diverse design topics. Design critiques were regular, offering opportunities for feedback and brainstorming. Oh, and not to forget, the great lunches in between the day at the office or in the city. Those were perfect moments to wind a little bit down and socialize with each other (looking through vacation photos, watching funny youtube videos…).
How would you describe Okapion?
Okapion is a creative agency that excels in solving complex problems through innovative and well-thought-out interactions. The team is not only talented but also welcoming, promoting an environment of continuous learning.
Not unimportantly, what’s the atmosphere like?
The atmosphere at Okapion is warm and personal. On the same day, it can shift from very energetic to calm in no time. Also, there's always great music playing to set a pleasant work mood :)
For whom is Okapion the company to do an internship?
Okapion is an ideal place for students seeking to boost their design skills and collaborative abilities. It's perfect for those in search of UX guidance and increasing knowledge within the field. If you're enthusiastic about sharing your ideas, and not afraid of feedback or knowledge sharing, Okapion is the right fit.
What is your golden tip/advice for students looking for an internship?
Mhmm, that’s not gonna be one tip (sorry in advance). During the application process, be authentic. Don't oversell yourself; it's okay to be critical of your work. Showcase your own interests and what excites you within your portfolio. And most importantly, be prepared to explain the reasoning behind your design choices; visual appeal is essential, but the "why" behind it matters the most.
It sounds like Demi was in the right place with us, but we certainly experienced that too.
Are you looking for a UX design internship and interested in Okapion? Then send an email with your motivation, CV, and portfolio to internships@okapion.com.