Design intern Julie Kim gets firsthand look at agency life

Describe your overall experience at Fifty Thousand Feet.

I am very glad I had the opportunity to join the Fifty Thousand Feet community. All of the people respect each other and work hard together to achieve the best outcomes for clients. Although I was an intern, I was fully integrated into the creative team and had a chance to participate in valuable projects just like other designers. The project managers and art directors valued my skills and abilities, and I was assigned work that fit my interests.

What was your favorite part of your internship?

I got to work with a multidisciplinary team that included strategists, art directors, project managers and developers. It was a valuable experience that I couldn’t get in school, and I learned a lot about how to communicate and collaborate with people from different fields. My co-workers also told me about their own career paths and gave me advice on how to further my own.

What was the biggest challenge?

Getting used to the workflow and being able to manage my time more efficiently while having enough communication with the team members. The workload always varies, and trying to manage my time based on unpredictable moments was the biggest challenge for me. However, with the understanding and support from our team members, I was able to overcome it more easily. This experience enhanced my time management skills and also taught me the importance of effective communication in a fast-paced, client-driven industry.

What surprised you most about working in an agency?

I was amazed by the adaptability of the designers and creative team, who work with a diverse range of clients across different industries. Every individual had exceptional skills and knew which work they should be in charge of, and how they should manage it. Their ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time left a huge impression.

What’s next for you? Are you remaining in Chicago or moving on?

After graduating, I plan to remain in Chicago and seek a full-time designer role. Based on the experience I gained during this internship I am ready to start another design journey!