A brief introduction about yourself. How did you learn about your field of interest for the internship and what made you pursue it?
Hey there! I’m Aditi Chintey, a fourth-year dual degree student at IDC pursuing Communication Design. As an aspiring designer, I’m passionate about blending visual aesthetics with intuitive user experiences. Curled up with a good read or on a potter’s wheel, that’s my happy place. (Currently on Pachinko, a 10/10 read). Over the summer I was thrilled to intern at TATA 1mg as a Visual Design Intern, where I learned that good design is like a good joke: it should make you smile. This opportunity allowed me to delve deeper into the world of user experience design, particularly focusing on the power of visual communication. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences, insights, and the invaluable lessons I learned during my internship.
Could you describe the selection/ interview process? How did you prepare for the internship?
After a slow start to the internship season, I pivoted my focus and applied to TATA 1mg. Eager to leverage my experience in healthcare and UX design, I was excited to explore new opportunities beyond usual design roles. The selection process, spanning a month, involved three rounds: CV screening, an engaging design task, and an interview with the design head. With my resume highly refined (thanks to my overly critical seniors) and making sure each project sounded like a million-dollar idea, I made it through the first round. After the design task, I was invited to the final round of an interview about my design task and academic projects. Impressed by my design task & interview, they created an extra internship position for me, even though they had already filled their spots for the summer.
I was inspired by their commitment to creating thoughtful healthcare experiences and eager to contribute to their innovative design philosophy.
In the months leading up to the internship, I refreshed my learnings in user research, brushed up on my visual skills, and most importantly made sure I was well-rested for the challenge of a corporate summer.
Could you brief us about the work allotted to you? How has the experience of working been?
As a member of the Visual Design team, I collaborated with various UX teams and contributed to the evolution of Dopamine 2.0, a comprehensive brand book and design system. The new brand identity and narrative were to be then seamlessly integrated into all consumer-facing products and outputs. One of my significant contributions was to the VSAT Phase 2 launch. I worked closely with the team to rebrand the visual identity of icons, establishing a cohesive visual language and template for micro-illustrations and icons. This meticulous work culminated in creating the current in-use profile, labs, and medicines screens within the application. I also worked on a project to revitalise the profile icons/avatars, making them more diverse, gender-neutral, yet individualised. This project was particularly rewarding as it led to a more inclusive user experience.
The internship was an invaluable experience that provided a deep understanding of corporate dynamics and the practical application of design. The fast-paced environment and the immediate impact of my work were incredibly rewarding.
Learning to adapt to various design methodologies and develop one’s own unique approach was crucial. It was a perfect match: a corporation with a startup ethos. This dynamic environment fostered innovation and encouraged me to push my creativity.
What was the process of shifting to a new city like? What is something you wish you had known before the internship?
While I was initially hesitant about moving to Gurugram for the summer, I quickly realized it was a blessing in disguise. It also helped that I have loved Delhi as a city. Staying with extended family and having my best friend nearby softened the blow of being away from home, and the warm welcome from my team made sure we felt short of nothing. From Friday Fundays and canteen potlucks to impromptu pizza samosa treats, I experienced the vibrant corporate culture firsthand. Stepping out of my comfort zone was undoubtedly a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Time seemed to have passed in a blink of an eye.
One of the most important lessons I learned and wish I knew is to approach new experiences with confidence, rather than anxiety. Instead of focusing on perfection, it’s crucial to enjoy the process and build meaningful relationships with colleagues.
Remember, an internship is more an opportunity for personal growth and professional learning, than a performance metric for the company.
What are things one should keep in mind before joining this internship? Any tips for juniors for making the most out of the opportunity to do an internship?
As a design intern, it’s crucial to approach your role with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. Be open to different design methodologies and be flexible in your approach. It’s important to be empathetic to non-designers and burst the design bubble we create.
- Effective communication is key. Learn to filter criticism and make it constructive.
Don’t be afraid to voice your own ideas, even if they seem unconventional.
- Building strong relationships with your team members can make your internship experience truly enjoyable. One way to do that is always being curious about what they are working on and how they plan to do it.
Make sure you talk to everyone and be a fresh breath of air in the team. Confidence is key! It’s the only ingredient to making convincing design solutions and suggestions.
Conclusion
Interning at TATA 1mg was an incredible experience. The company’s emphasis on innovation and valuing fresh perspectives made it a truly inspiring place to work. Having the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals and present ideas directly to the CEO and CTO made our decisions feel equally valued.
Internships are a great way to gain practical experience, but they’re not the only way. Explore various opportunities beyond what the campus has to offer to find what truly excites you. Remember to enjoy the journey and don’t forget to live. Good luck!
