Elk jaar verwelkomen we met veel plezier een afstudeerder die bij Okapion werkt aan een eigen afstudeerproject. Je krijgt de ruimte om zelfstandig onderzoek te doen, terwijl je onderdeel bent van een team van ervaren UX-designers. We investeren veel tijd en aandacht in goede begeleiding, zodat je niet alleen een sterk afstudeerproject oplevert, maar ook groeit als ontwerper.
Anouk, a Communication & Multimedia Design student at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, completed her graduation internship at Okapion. During her internship, she researched the impact of burnout on households and designed an app to bring more connection and peace of mind to both the person with burnout and their loved ones. She successfully completed her graduation project with a 7.3.
We asked Anouk about her internship experience, what she learned, and why she believes Okapion is a great place to do a graduation project.
What did you expect from your graduation internship at Okapion, and did it live up to those expectations?
I expected an insightful internship where I would have plenty of freedom to shape my own graduation project, but with the support of solid guidance. I also hoped to further develop my skills as a UX designer.
Those expectations definitely came true. I was given plenty of space to make my own choices, while always being able to count on constructive feedback and advice.
What was your graduation project about, and how was the guidance?
My graduation project focused on households where someone is dealing with a burnout. During my research, I discovered that close family members often don't have enough understanding of burnout. This leads to uncertainty in how to support them, difficult communication, and misunderstandings. That's why I designed an app to address these pain points and help bring more connection and peace to the household.
The guidance was really great. Both my mentor and my colleagues were always ready to answer questions, give feedback, or bounce ideas around. That really helped me develop my project further and feel confident in my design choices.
How did you find the balance between working independently on your project and receiving guidance?
The balance worked out really well. I worked mostly independently on my research and design, which gave me a lot of responsibility. At the same time, I could ask for feedback or help whenever I needed it. That gave me confidence and allowed me to keep building on my project smoothly.
What was the biggest insight from your graduation research?
My research showed that burnout doesn't just affect the person going through it, but the entire household. Close loved ones often lack information, don't really know how to help, and experience uncertainty, communication gaps, and misunderstandings. As a result, they can end up feeling overwhelmed too.
That insight became the foundation for my final concept, which focuses not just on the person with burnout, but on their loved ones as well.
What did you learn about yourself during this internship?
I learned to trust my own choices as a designer. During my studies, I sometimes found it hard to make decisions with confidence, but during my graduation internship, I realized I could back up my choices really well with my research findings.
Did you feel like part of the team right from the start, or did it take some time to grow into it?
I felt welcome in the team very quickly. Usually, I tend to wait and see in a new environment, but the warm and open welcome made me feel right at home. Everyone was genuinely interested, which made it easy to ask questions or join in on conversations. Because of that, I felt like part of the team in no time.
What was it like to work on your graduation project while also being involved with the team?
Personally, I thought it was a great combination. You are mainly focused on your own project, but because your colleagues are so involved, you regularly get fresh insights and valuable feedback. I also enjoyed seeing what others were working on and thinking along with them every now and then.
Fridays were my designated Okapion days. On those days, I joined in on different client projects, which was a really fun change of pace.
What did a typical workweek look like at Okapion?
Our workweek started on Monday with the Monday Morning Meeting, where we kicked off the week together and discussed what everyone was working on.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I worked from home, and we joined the Design Critique. I found those sessions incredibly valuable because you get a peek into each other's projects and can share feedback.
Friday was all about knowledge sharing. During these sessions, we discussed new insights and design topics, which I found very educational. There was also plenty of room for fun every day. Eating lunch together, catching up, and enjoying Friday afternoon drinks created a great balance between working hard and relaxing.
What was the funniest or most memorable moment you experienced?
I can't pinpoint just one specific moment. It was mostly the social moments during lunch and on Friday afternoons. We had a lot of laughs, which made for a really relaxed and pleasant atmosphere in the office.
How would you describe Okapion?
Okapion is a dedicated and hardworking company with experienced, friendly colleagues, and a strong focus on personal growth. You get the space to work independently, but you're never on your own. Everyone is always happy to brainstorm and help each other out.
Who is Okapion the perfect place for to do a graduation internship?
For students who enjoy working independently but also love collaborating with colleagues. You get a lot of freedom to shape your own graduation project, with the added benefit of always being able to bounce ideas off and get feedback from the team.
If you show initiative, welcome feedback, and want to grow as a designer, this is a fantastic place to graduate.
What is your golden tip for students looking for a graduation internship?
Don't just choose an internship based on the project itself, but also look at the team and the mentorship. A supportive work environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and can truly develop yourself is just as important as an interesting topic.
Also, dare to take the initiative and don't be afraid to ask for feedback. That is ultimately how you learn the most.
It sounds like Anouk had a highly valuable and educational graduation internship with us at Okapion. The feeling is completely mutual, and we are proud to have supported her during this important milestone in her education.
Are you looking for a UX graduation internship and curious if Okapion is a match for you? Send us your motivation, CV, and portfolio at internships@okapion.com. We'd love to get to know you!