Design Internship: Degree Interns vs Non - Degree Interns

Sharing my perspective, as someone who has interned at private and start-ups businesses.…

A bit more context — I went to university to do a 1 year course in Art and Design, where I know a bit about the university environment and talked with peers.

On the Surface Level

Non — degree design peers — might be seen, as someone who lacks vision with bad grades…you might asked them: “why don’t they get a degree?” from time to time they get asked by families, strangers and colleagues the same question…

On the Deeper Level: what I have found out…

Design degrees interns and non- degree interns — the quality of the outcomes are the same. This surprised me! I assumed that someone working towards a design degree would produce work with more flair and accuracy. However, I seen that the work still needed further improvements and guidance the same as non-degree interns. We were all learning about how the industry and business process works.

It all comes down to the individual, their mindset and work ethic. Having knowledge is a tool — not an identity.

P.S what would be interesting is to compare this with junior designers in a years to come to see what the differences affects are for longer-term. Will imposter syndrome strike? Let’s connect and find out!

But so far…it’s safe to say that degree and non degree interns are the same in terms of skills (we are still entry level), but the mindset and attitudes depends on the individual which makes all the difference (our upbringing and beliefs).