RY Next Gen: ‘Every week was different from the last’

I started my Next Gen experience as an anxious student, wondering whether it was really the best idea to move down south by myself. I’d never done anything like this before and despite the excitement, the thought of living and working in a new place with people I didn’t know was really nerve wracking. But now I look back and realise that this experience and these challenges have allowed me to grow as more than just as a designer.

 

I spent my time at RY working as a creative intern in the brand team. I worked alongside other designers on a number of projects, taking on briefs set by clients and working towards deadlines. Every week was different from the last, and I never expected to be kept as busy as I have been. Having spent little time in the design industry, I’ve learnt so many new skills and felt more and more confident in myself throughout this experience.

 

I definitely preferred coming into the office to working remotely. RY’s a really friendly place to work and there are so many different social events, such as the inspiration meetings and Christian’s kitchens – these were great opportunities to meet people outside my team. I also helped out with the cutest photoshoot of the year with the RY dogs; it was probably the highlight of my internship ha-ha!

 

Throughout the internship I was also set a couple of challenges to work on around live briefs, one of them being to design and give a presentation to people at RY. I remember being very nervous going into that presentation, but everyone was so welcoming and receptive; they were engaged and gave really good feedback!

 

To everyone at RY, thank you for making my experience so enjoyable. I’ve learnt a lot from you all and I’ve definitely grown as a designer and as a person too.

 

Keep in touch :)

 

Zakiyya