Unveiling User Experience Design: Nicole's Internship Experience at Amazon

Can you describe the career opportunity are you pursuing this summer?

I am working as a User Experience (UX) Designer at Amazon in Seattle, Washington. In this role, I have the opportunity to collaborate with a team that defines and designs user interfaces, systems, and interaction, visual, motion, and voice design patterns.

‍What led you to this opportunity? What help did you receive from your peers, alumni, or CTD in your journey to this position?

The support I received from my peers, the alumni network, and the CTD team at Minerva were all instrumental in my journey to this internship. My peers assisted with interview preparation and provided valuable feedback on my project presentations. The alumni network guided me through the application processes, sharing relevant resources and advising me in the field of UX design. Additionally, the CTD team at Minerva helped refine my resume and ensured I effectively communicated my previous experiences. I also received exceptional recommendation letters from faculty members, particularly Professor Ribeiro, which I believe played a significant role in my applications to design scholarships and, subsequently, my selection for the internship at Amazon.

What skills have you acquired during your studies at Minerva that you believe made you stand out?

Minerva's curriculum prepared me with strong research, design, and problem-solving skills. The cornerstone classes equipped me with experience in conducting interviews and surveys, crucial skills in my role as a designer. Through my core classes in Arts and Humanities (AH) and Computer Science (CS), I have deepened and practiced my skills in design thinking and problem-solving, applying these to my design projects. More importantly, my global experience, including working on diverse design projects in different countries during my CPT and internship experiences, gave me a unique and diverse perspective on design that I believe made me stand out.

‍What advice would you give to peers or younger students regarding finding and leveraging professional opportunities in your industry?

I would advise peers and younger students to proactively connect with others, including peers, alumni, and professionals in their field. Personally, I have found that dedicating time to seeking advice and feedback from experienced professionals is incredibly beneficial. Specifically, at Minerva, I participated in the mentorship program, which provided me with a mentor who guided me throughout my journey as a designer from my first year. Lastly, I strongly recommend students take full advantage of Minerva's global rotation. Engaging in diverse design projects across different countries had a significant impact on my career decision-making and helped me gain valuable experience for pursuing professional opportunities, including internships.

If you were inspired by Nicole's story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will effectively equip you for a successful career,consider applying to Minerva.

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