a dynamic duo talks trio

An internship Q&A with our in-house experts

triptych image featuring Dove's cucumber refillable deodorant, a layered mushroom visual by Bolt Threads, and Seedlip's compostable mushroom gift packaging

For Columbia College Chicago, TRIO Student Support Services provides the foundation and resources that not only promote the well-being of students but also assists them in achieving personal and academic goals. Twice a year, Design B&B partners with TRIO on a semester-long internship program. This experience is designed to help students actualize their maximum potential as designers and persist toward graduation.

Design B&B sits down with our very own Maddy McEachen, a former TRIO intern, and Ellie Schwartz, a former TRIO mentor, to learn more about what this experience meant to them. Maddy and Ellie are now both Junior Designers at Design B&B.

triptych image featuring Adidas's collaboration with Bolt Threads on a new mushroom-based shoe

Maddy McEachen
Junior Designer

triptych image featuring Adidas's collaboration with Bolt Threads on a new mushroom-based shoe

Ellie Schwartz
Junior Designer

triptych image featuring Adidas's collaboration with Bolt Threads on a new mushroom-based shoe

Maddy McEachen
Junior Designer

triptych image featuring Adidas's collaboration with Bolt Threads on a new mushroom-based shoe

Ellie Schwartz
Junior Designer

How did the TRIO internship differ from your typical work?

ES:
By giving me the opportunity to provide art direction and feedback to the interns, rather than me being the one designing. I was able to take on more of a mentor-type role.

MM:
I never worked in a professional design environment before, so I was very excited to see how it differed from the classroom. Experience in the Design B&B office provided me with an understanding of how agencies work with clients.

 

What was your favorite thing you worked on?

MM:
I enjoyed working on the research aspect of the project. I find it interesting how much effort is put into looking at competitors and inspiration. It helped change how I approach the design process.

ES:
My favorite part of the internship was the professional development presentation I put together. The presentation covered topics about job hunting, post-graduation, and professional tips and tricks. It was not only fun to put together but also rewarding to help students navigate a situation I was in not too long ago.

triptych image featuring Adidas's collaboration with Bolt Threads on a new mushroom-based shoe

“I didn’t expect to learn so much about leadership. There were points where I was helping coordinate things for my group and I think that helped me get out of my comfort zone.”

— Maddy McEachen

What did you find most challenging and why?

MM:
Working in a team environment can make communication and time management a challenge. Figuring out how to navigate that while working with my peers was a good learning experience.

ES:
The most challenging for me was managing the interns and making sure all deliverables were completed in time for the client, while also juggling my own day-to-day tasks.

What did you find most challenging and why?

MM:
Working in a team environment can make communication and time management a challenge. Figuring out how to navigate that while working with my peers was a good learning experience.

ES:
The most challenging for me was managing the interns and making sure all deliverables were completed in time for the client, while also juggling my own day-to-day tasks.

“I didn’t expect to learn so much about leadership. There were points where I was helping coordinate things for my group and I think that helped me get out of my comfort zone.”

— Maddy McEachen

What skills are needed to be a successful TRIO + DBB intern? What can students expect to gain from the internship?

MM:
I think going into the internship with some sort of design knowledge is ideal but mostly it’s important to come in with an open mind. To get the most out of this experience you should make sure you are open to constructive criticism. Students can expect to be immersed in the design process and learn how to work in a professional group environment.

ES:
I agree with Maddy, a successful intern shows up with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Come ready to ask questions, share ideas, engage during group discussion, and collaborate with your teammates.

What skills are needed to be a successful TRIO + DBB intern? What can students expect to gain from the internship?

MM:
I think going into the internship with some sort of design knowledge is ideal but mostly it’s important to come in with an open mind. To get the most out of this experience you should make sure you are open to constructive criticism. Students can expect to be immersed in the design process and learn how to work in a professional group environment.

ES:
I agree with Maddy, a successful intern shows up with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Come ready to ask questions, share ideas, engage during group discussion, and collaborate with your teammates.

Tell me about an unexpected lesson you learned.

ES:
Finding a balance between being helpful and giving feedback to work, while still allowing the students to take full ownership over the project.

MM:
I didn’t expect to learn so much about leadership. There were points where I was helping coordinate things for my group and I think that helped me get out of my comfort zone.

triptych image featuring Everlane's sustainable clothing and smiling employee

It allowed me to see the bigger picture of ideation and research and how that affects the final product.

— Ellie Schwartz

Did this experience change the way you think about creativity? Or change the way you approach your work? If yes, how so?

MM:
I definitely have reshaped the way I approach my work because of this internship. I learned how important research is to the process. Instagram and Pinterest are both helpful platforms to do research, get inspiration, and find trends.

ES:
Seeing and guiding the interns through Design B&B’s process was a different experience when you’re usually the one working through the process. It allowed me to see the bigger picture of ideation and research and how that affects the final product. It was also refreshing to see the process from an outside perspective.

Did this experience change the way you think about creativity? Or change the way you approach your work? If yes, how so?

MM:
I definitely have reshaped the way I approach my work because of this internship. I learned how important research is to the process. Instagram and Pinterest are both helpful platforms to do research, get inspiration, and find trends.

ES:
Seeing and guiding the interns through Design B&B’s process was a different experience when you’re usually the one working through the process. It allowed me to see the bigger picture of ideation and research and how that affects the final product. It was also refreshing to see the process from an outside perspective.

It allowed me to see the bigger picture of ideation and research and how that affects the final product.

— Ellie Schwartz

This intern group got to work on branding for the TRIO Week conference. What future projects would you love to see interns work on?

ES:
I would love to see TRIO’s brand identity be applied to other materials and applications. Touchpoints like merchandise, print collateral, web applications, and other advertising materials for the program and the school.

MM:
I see a lot of opportunities to build out tools TRIO can use to encourage more students to join. Interns could update the pamphlets and other materials that are given out at orientation.

 

This intern group got to work on branding for the TRIO Week conference. What future projects would you love to see interns work on?

ES:
I would love to see TRIO’s brand identity be applied to other materials and applications. Touchpoints like merchandise, print collateral, web applications, and other advertising materials for the program and the school.

MM:
I see a lot of opportunities to build out tools TRIO can use to encourage more students to join. Interns could update the pamphlets and other materials that are given out at orientation.

 

Any final advice for future TRIO + DBB interns?

MM:
I think coming in open-minded is the best way to approach this internship. Everyone is super nice, so just arriving ready to participate is the best advice I can give for an intern’s success.

ES:
My advice would be to show up every day with a willingness and hunger to learn. Push yourself in areas that you are not comfortable in, come with questions, and be passionate about what you do.

 

Interested in an internship with Design B&B? We’d love to hear from you. Send your portfolio and a little about yourself to Robin Beattie: beattie@designbandb.com.

To learn more about the TRIO program at Columbia College Chicago, visit them here.