Here's how you can navigate internships in product design at startups versus established companies.

You get a remarkable chance to wear many hats, be part of core decisions, and your work visibly moves the needle. I've been there, and yes, it's a whirlwind—chaotic at times but it accelerates your learning curve like nothing else. Embrace the fast pace, soak up the entrepreneurial spirit, and let your creativity fly. Your impact here is immediate, and the skills you gain are immense.

Startups are a great place to begin your internship journey! Your role here will be more of a generalist, allowing you to work on a wide range of tasks. You wear multiple hats - research, design, animation, testing, etc. This gives you the advantage to explore different aspects and later double down on what you like the most! One added advantage is - you won't be working in silos, like big companies. You'll get to collaborate a whole lot with other teams like: development, marketing, business, customer success, etc. Cross-team collaboration in a key skill to learn! It's perfect if you thrive in fast-paced settings and enjoy hands-on learning. Expect less structure but AMPLE opportunities to showcase your creativity and take initiatives.

Interning at a startup offers hands-on experience from day one, where versatility and initiative are key. Expect to work closely with senior designers and be involved in critical decisions, ideal for those thriving in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Showcase your creativity and readiness to take on varied responsibilities to maximize your learning.

- Hands-On Experience: Startup product design internships provide immediate, hands-on involvement in diverse tasks. - Close Collaboration: Work closely with senior designers and contribute to significant decisions. - Fast-Paced Environment: Thrive in dynamic, fast-paced settings that value creativity and initiative. - Less Structure, More Opportunity: Expect less formal structure but greater chances to demonstrate your skills and ideas. - Ideal for Initiative: Ideal for individuals eager to learn and contribute actively to innovative projects from the start.

One thing which I've found helpful in my experience so far is Interning at startups provides a crash course in entrepreneurialism and agility. You'll likely find yourself wearing multiple hats, from ideation to execution, often collaborating closely with founders and small teams. This environment fosters rapid learning, innovation, and the chance to see the immediate impact of your work on the product and company direction.

The training and knowledge transfer programs at established companies are invaluable for those starting out in their career, providing a solid foundation for professional growth. Established companies offer plenty of resources, including access to cutting-edge technologies, extensive research, and a broad network of professionals. These elements collectively create a supportive environment that can accelerate your learning and help you build a robust skill set early in your career.

Established companies provide structured internships with defined roles and mentorship from experienced professionals. This environment offers stability and exposure to industry-standard processes and tools, perfect for those seeking specialization and a comprehensive understanding of large-scale project management.

Venturing into an internship at a large corporation as a product designer offered me a solid structure, clear processes, and access to a wealth of resources. The experience is like being part of a well-oiled machine where every part has a specific function. It taught me the importance of scalability and meticulous attention to detail within a larger context. Embrace the layers of mentorship and the opportunity to dive deep into specialized roles. You'll come away with a refined set of skills and an appreciation for the complexity of large-scale projects.

Established companies offer exposure to structured roles within well-defined teams. Here, you'll experience working on larger-scale projects with established processes and methodologies. Mentorship is a key component, as you learn from seasoned professionals who can guide your development within a specific domain of product design.

- Structured Experience: Established companies offer structured internships with defined roles and responsibilities. - Mentorship Opportunities: Access mentorship from experienced professionals in the field of product design. - Industry Standard Exposure: Gain exposure to industry-standard processes, tools, and best practices. - Stable Environment: Ideal for those seeking a stable environment to focus on specific aspects of product design. - Insight into Large Projects: Learn how large-scale projects are managed, despite potentially less autonomy.

Another thing to consider is whether you want experience working end-to-end on projects at a startup or focusing on specific stages at an established company. Startups offer a dynamic environment where you can manage a project from start to finish, gaining versatility and comprehensive skills. In contrast, established companies often allow for specialization, which can help you develop deep expertise in areas like UX/UI or data analytics. Reflect on your long-term goals and choose the environment that aligns best with your aspirations

Consider the cultural dynamics—startups foster innovation and flexibility, encouraging risk-taking and end-to-end project management. In contrast, established firms often uphold formal protocols and specialize in distinct stages of product design. Choose based on where you’ll thrive and contribute effectively.

The cultural contrast between startups and established companies is stark. Startups often emphasize flexibility, creativity, and a fast-paced environment where decisions can be made quickly. In contrast, established companies prioritize stability, adherence to established processes, and a corporate culture that may be more hierarchical.

Startups are known for their vibrant cultures and entrepreneurial spirit. There's no mandatory structure and you've the freedom to chose what you want, when you want. This fosters a sense of accountability and risk-taking. One standout aspect is their focus on people development. You're likely to experience a nurturing environment where your growth is actively supported. You get multiple opportunities to take on diverse challenges, receive constructive feedback, and collaborate closely with seniors. This hands-on approach not only accelerates your learning curve but also fosters a sense of ownership and camaraderie within the team. It's where your ideas can make a direct impact, and where personal and professional growth go hand in hand!

Define your skill goals. Startups broaden your skill set by exposing you to various tasks, fostering adaptability. Meanwhile, large companies deepen expertise through focused roles and robust training programs. Align your internship choice with your long-term career aspirations in product design.

Read books, articles, and blogs by industry experts to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices. Developing skills in product design requires a structured approach, combining practical experience, continuous learning, and feedback. Work on personal projects to apply your knowledge and experiment with different design styles and techniques. Learn how to conduct user research through interviews, surveys, and usability testing to understand user needs and behaviors. Develop skills in setting up and conducting usability tests to gather feedback and improve your designs.

Startups offer a breadth of skill development opportunities due to their dynamic nature. Interns often gain experience in various aspects of product design, from user research and wireframing to prototyping and testing. At established companies, interns typically focus on mastering specific roles or methodologies within a structured framework, deepening their expertise in a particular area.

Networking in product design varies between startups and established companies. Startups offer a versatile network, while large firms connect you with specialists. Both networks are valuable; tailor your approach based on your professional goals, engaging actively to build meaningful connections.

Networking is essential in the product design field, providing opportunities to learn, collaborate, and advance your career. Share insights, provide feedback, and ask questions to engage with the community and establish yourself as an active member. Connect with alumni from your school or design program who are working in the industry. When reaching out to professionals for informational interviews, personalize your messages. Mention specific aspects of their work that inspire you. Offer constructive feedback on peer's work or share useful resources and insights.

Networking at startups tends to be more intimate and hands-on, often involving direct interactions with founders and small teams. This can lead to strong mentorship relationships and the opportunity to build a network within the startup ecosystem. Established companies, with their larger scale, offer access to a broader network of industry professionals and potential future employers.

Your internship projects shape your portfolio. At startups, diversify tasks to showcase versatility, while at established companies, emphasize polished work reflecting specialized expertise. Curate your portfolio strategically to highlight impact, user-centric design, and project outcomes relevant to your target roles.

Choose projects that are relevant to the type of work you want to pursue. Tailor your portfolio to your target audience, whether it's for a specific job application or freelance clients. Showcase prototypes and explain how they evolved based on feedback and testing. Highlight the impact of your design, including metrics, user feedback, and any improvements in user experience or business outcomes. Include examples of interactive prototypes and animations to demonstrate your ability to create engaging user experiences.

Both startup and established company internships can significantly enhance your portfolio, albeit in different ways. Startups allow you to showcase versatility, innovation, and tangible contributions to products from inception to execution. Established companies bolster your portfolio with projects that demonstrate adherence to industry standards, strategic thinking, and scalability.

Reflect on the internship’s impact beyond technical skills—consider company culture, work-life balance, and personal growth opportunities. Seek mentorship actively, contribute to the community, and leverage resources to maximize your internship experience.

The Bonus: When choosing between startup and established company internships, consider factors such as your career goals, preferred work environment, and personal learning style. Evaluate the level of risk you're comfortable with (startups can be volatile), the type of mentorship you seek, and how each experience aligns with your long-term career aspirations. Lastly, reflect on the values and culture of each organization to ensure they resonate with your professional ethos.