Six Months of Growth: My Journey as an Open University Design Intern

As I approach the end of my six-month internship as a Design & Communications intern, I reflect on my journey that has been anything but ordinary. Coming into this as a neurodivergent student, I knew there would be challenges, but I never expected just how much I would grow, both professionally and personally.

There were roadblocks. Personal issues sometimes held me back, slowing my progress and making tasks feel heavier than they should. At times, I was my own worst enemy – second-guessing myself, overthinking, and getting caught up in perfectionism and constant delays on my end. Getting constructive feedback isn’t always easy to listen to, but now I no longer fear it, as it’s crucial to my personal development. I’ve been given tips that I’ll be implementing that help me rethink my workflow, resources on how to stay focused, and most importantly, how I can shift my focus to get the job done more efficiently.

Throughout the internship, I was pushed outside my comfort zone, and I’m glad it did! I helped provide feedback on animation projects, attended a seminar on how to film effective video content, and explored design frameworks like the Double Diamond and more. I even had the opportunity to organise and lead meetings independently, as it was something I’d never done before and frankly didn’t feel ready for. But at least now I can say I did it.

This internship has equipped me with a wide range of transferable skills – from communication and time management to some leadership skills and adaptability methods that I’ll take with me into professional life. It’s been a stepping stone I’ll never forget. While I may leave with a few regrets about how I navigated or tasks and events I missed out on during the internship, but I’ll always be grateful for this experience.

In one of my final meetings with my supervisor, Vera, I said something that really sums up how far I’ve come: “I’ve now learnt that whatever gets thrown at me, to just say to myself…I can handle it!” Recently, I’ve been feeling inspired by a book called ‘Feel The Fear…and Do it Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. Vera recommended I include that quote there, and luckily, I did not forget to do so. I can see why, as it was a good suggestion to include my own quote. It captures what I’ve learnt and who I’m becoming.

Thank you to the entire Level 2 BDes Design team for being a pleasant bunch that’s supportive and the OU staff I’ve engaged with and have provided me with support along the way.

And a very special thank you to Vera Hale, who guided me through it all. I know I’m not the easiest to work with sometimes and your efforts have not gone unnoticed – but thank you for sticking by me, you’re an absolute credit to The Open University.

Here’s to the future!

References

(FreePik)

FreePik, Storyset. Climbing the Stairs Concept Illustration, www.freepik.com/free-vector/climbing-stairs-concept-illustration_396946386.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=5&uuid=141be98a-fe22-470c-af94-09c52030fd85&query=%40stories+personal+development. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

FreePik (Job Promotion Concept Illustration). Job Promotion Concept Illustration, www.freepik.com/free-vector/job-promotion-concept-illustration_106394011.htm#fromView=keyword&page=1&position=31&uuid=9cf011e9-b6c5-4ac9-ac77-d3a3d0a74d82&query=Professional+Growth. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

(FreePik, Writing on the Wall Concept Illustration)

Writing on the Wall Concept Illustration, www.freepik.com/free-vector/writing-wall-concept-illustration_21532476.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=16&uuid=141be98a-fe22-470c-af94-09c52030fd85&query=%40stories+personal+development. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.