A Fantastic Opportunity
My selection as an intern at the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy for my Semester 1 2022 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit was a fantastic opportunity that I embraced to further my professional and personal skills. During my time at the Academy, I learnt a lot about myself, my skills, and my aspirations as an Industrial Designer, as well as working in an industry environment.
During my placement, I was tasked to help reimagine and redesign a BMW Group backend app with my intern partner, Ashley Fenton. With app design not being an avenue I had previously considered, I found the project to be interesting and challenging. I was required to adapt my more analogue cache of skills into a digital setting through the utilisation of skillsets which were previously underdeveloped. This included gaining a better understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design – two fundamental design traits of digital and app design – yet areas that I had only skimmed over in previous physical design projects. I look forward to applying what I’ve learnt to future design projects. I also improved my skills in other areas that will benefit my design career in the future. These include: the ability to identify pain points in a system through thorough analysis; completing primary user research; corresponding in an efficient and timely manner with industry professionals; wireframing; digital prototype development; and the succinct and effective communication of resolved design ideas and outcomes. All this experience – especially in relation to the correspondence with project leads and clients (something that I had never done before) – has undoubtedly increased my confidence about my place within the industry, and better prepared me for future work and professional interactions.
In addition to the development of my professional industry-related skills, my time at the Academy allowed me to cultivate my interpersonal skills and gain a better understanding of working and interacting in a professional team environment. I learnt to find a balance between advocating for my ideas and opinions and accepting compromise. I found that this was achieved through the maintenance of a constant network of communication – the offering of both ideas and feedback – so that an optimal level of production could be attained. Design is an inherently collaborative field, and therefore effective communication is essential. The early development of this universal skill will significantly aid in my future career, and so I am thankful for the experience.
Furthermore, the supportive and collaborative environment at the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy made this learning experience all the more enriching as I wasn’t afraid to stretch myself or ask for help. My time at the Academy allowed me to focus on growing as an individual and as a designer. The improvements in skill and experience that this internship has given me will provide a lasting benefit to my career. I encourage all design students to apply for an internship at the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy. It is a great experience.
Thanks for reading,
Elizabeth Moss
BMW Group + QUT Design Academy Intern, Semester 1 2022
