Reflecting on an Unforgettable Internship at BMW
Wrapping up my time at BMW feels as surreal as first touching down in Munich. It's been an unforgettable experience, and I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve learned and achieved. Saying goodbye to such a talented team and environment was tough. Grace and I were welcomed into the TechOffice with open arms, and we met our fellow interns, most of whom were from Lebanon. Sharing freshly baked baklawa, brought on a plane that very day, was such an incredible way to connect and learn about their culture.
At the start, I focused on Blender and Adobe Suite tasks, but soon I was exploring a range of programs like Nvidia Omniverse and Unreal Engine. I taught myself SolidWorks while working on projects, created VR scenes for the Apple Vision Pro, and even got hands-on with 3D printing, spray painting, and model-making for a project in collaboration with Google Cloud. It was amazing to push myself and develop new skills in areas I hadn’t worked in before.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how to handle feedback. At first, when my work wasn’t exactly what was needed, I felt like I wasn’t a ‘good’ designer. But towards the end of my internship, I realised it wasn’t about me or my skills—it was about finding the right fit for the project. By the end of the internship, I was much better at taking feedback in my stride and adjusting quickly. It was such a valuable lesson to learn so early in my career.
The travel side of the internship was just as unforgettable. I was lucky enough to visit Paris, London, Prague, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Venice. I chased design museums, art galleries, and architecture. Sitting in iconic design chairs, seeing prototype Eames furniture, and walking through awe-inspiring churches broadened my perspective on design and art. It’s a bit cliché, but it genuinely gave me a deeper understanding of history and culture.
If I could offer advice to future interns, it would be this: don’t take feedback personally. If an idea or design doesn’t work right away, it doesn’t mean you’re bad at what you do—it just might not be the right fit for the project. It’s all part of the process, and sometimes you just need to try again. Also, ask plenty of questions and make sure you’re clear on expectations when you’re given a task—it saves so much time and effort in the long run!
This internship taught me so much. Not just technical skills but also how to manage projects, engage professionally, and stay open to learning. I’m so grateful for the incredible growth it gave me, both as a designer and as a person.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey—I’ll be forever grateful for this amazing experience. Special thanks to the BMW Group, QUT Design Academy, and the TechOffice for providing such an unforgettable opportunity.
Darcy Duckworth
BMW Group Design Intern, 2024
