Introduction
Hey everyone! I’m Riddhi Gadodia, a fourth-year student at IDC. I’m a passionate designer and artist who loves creating digital experiences that engage and delight users. When I’m not designing, you’ll likely find me drawing, painting, or sketching—anything that lets my creativity flow! This summer, I had the privilege of interning at Oracle as a User Experience (UX) Designer. My journey into design began with a fascination for crafting digital interfaces that solve real-world problems. In this blog, I’ll share my internship experience at Oracle, the lessons I learned, and how it shaped my skills as a UX designer.
Internship Preparations
The first semester of my third year was critical in preparing for this internship. I realized that none of my projects from the first two years were good enough to feature in my portfolio, so I put in extra effort to create portfolio-worthy projects during that semester. After getting my resume reviewed by a dozen seniors and continuously refining it, I finally felt confident enough to submit it. I initially aimed to create my own portfolio website, but realizing the time it required, I shifted to Behance, which worked perfectly as my online portfolio.
Once the internship application forms (IAFs) opened, I attended company presentations, spoke to seniors with internship experience, and researched company websites to understand their core values. Oracle’s commitment to innovation and problem-solving resonated deeply with me, making it a top choice.
Selection Process
Oracle’s selection process began with an initial resume screening, followed by interviews. After being shortlisted, the first round was a portfolio review where I walked through one of my projects, highlighting my design thinking, problem-solving approach, and user-centered focus. What made the process smooth was Oracle’s emphasis on creativity and innovation, allowing me to express my passion for UX design. Their focus on the design process, rather than just the final outcome, aligned well with IDC’s philosophy, which made me feel more at ease.
Though we were supposed to have a second interview round, Oracle made the final selection after just one. A couple of days later, I received the offer, and the moment was pure joy!
Preparing for the Internship
About a month before the internship started, we had regular sessions with the HR team, who introduced us to our managers and mentors. Oracle’s relocation program made moving to Bangalore easy, with their support covering accommodation, travel, and other logistics.
The Work and Projects
During the internship, I worked as part of the Public Sector Compliance & Regulations (PSCR) Cloud team. I executed a full end-to-end design process, exploring opportunities to use advanced technologies to automate compliance checks. My responsibilities included conducting user research, defining user goals, and analyzing data for insights. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with senior stakeholders—interviewing VPs and directors and learning about their vision for the project.
Presenting my designs and insights to senior leadership, including VPs and SVPs, was both challenging and exhilarating. At the end of my internship, I was honored with a pre-placement offer, recognizing my contributions to the project.
The Experience of Working and Adjusting to a New City
Adapting to Oracle’s work culture was seamless. The team was highly collaborative, and the constant flow of constructive feedback helped me grow and refine my approach to UX design. I was involved in weekly project presentations and was even invited to participate in meetings on projects unrelated to my internship. It made me feel like a valued team member rather than just an intern.
Relocating to Bangalore was easy for me as I had been there before and had family to support me during my stay. This familiarity and sense of belonging made the transition much smoother, allowing me to focus on my work without stress.
Overcoming Challenges and Key Learnings
One of the biggest takeaways from this internship was the importance of empathy in UX design. At the core of design is understanding user pain points and crafting solutions that enhance their experience. As a designer, my role extended beyond just creating screens—I learned that understanding the user’s context and needs is equally vital.
The most significant learning came from the frequent presentations of my work. Presenting to various stakeholders honed my ability to communicate design decisions effectively. Additionally, working with the data science and app development teams broadened my understanding of the technical and analytical aspects of design.
Exploring Beyond the Internship
Beyond my project work, I actively participated in Oracle’s design community. I attended internal design talks, participated in design critique sessions, and even explored how AI is influencing user experiences. These sessions exposed me to cutting-edge innovations and expanded my perspective on the vast possibilities within UX design. Oracle’s internship program fostered a culture of learning, allowing interns to explore different departments, engage with employees, and gain insights into areas beyond our direct roles.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Starting an Internship
If you’re planning to intern at Oracle or any large company, my biggest piece of advice is: come prepared to learn and collaborate. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities to contribute, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Engage in design reviews, take feedback seriously, and leverage your mentors—they are invaluable sources of guidance and knowledge.
Tips for Juniors
For those of you gearing up for internships, here are a few tips to make the most of the experience:
- Be curious: Don’t shy away from asking questions and seeking feedback—it’s how you grow.
- Network: Build relationships with your colleagues and peers. These connections could be incredibly valuable for your future career.
- Stay connected: Keep in touch with your mentors and teammates. They’ll support you throughout the internship and beyond.
- Have fun: Participate in the fun activities Oracle organizes for interns, like team-building competitions and social events. And don’t forget to explore Bangalore with your fellow interns—it’s a great way to build friendships!
- Document your work: Keeping track of your projects, designs, and feedback will help you immensely when updating your portfolio.
- Be open to feedback: UX design is an iterative process, and feedback is crucial in refining your designs.
Conclusion
My summer internship at Oracle was an unforgettable experience that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. It gave me a deeper understanding of user experience design, strengthened my portfolio, and connected me with an incredible network of colleagues and mentors. If you’re passionate about UX design and considering an internship at Oracle, I highly recommend it. The challenges, the learning, and the opportunities you’ll encounter will shape you in ways you never imagined!
