Internship at BORING: how I found my UX/UI internship (and why it was a good fit)

Looking for a 20-week internship as a fourth-year CMD student? That turned out to be a lot more difficult than school had promised. Long internships would be “easier” to find than short internships. In practice, finding a good CMD internship was actually very competitive, especially if you know what you want.

I was looking for a UX/UI design internship where strategy and design come together. A place with a fun team, where I could learn a lot and challenge myself. After a lot of searching and talking, I started to let go of my demands more and more... until BORING came my way.

First conversation, good right away

BORING felt different from the start. A cozy office, close to home, a young team and no standard office atmosphere. During the first meeting, I immediately got a tour of the entire office and met the entire team. This felt open, personal and relaxed.

At the same time, I was immediately aware: serious work is being done here and the bar is high. Exactly that combination made everything feel good. After an exciting week, the redeeming word came: I was allowed to join the BORING team for 20 weeks.

No intern on the sidelines

From day one, I was completely involved. As a digital design intern, I participated in the entire design process: from sitemaps and wireframes to high-fidelity designs in Figma. My work mattered, my opinion counted, and my designs were taken seriously.

Together with my internship supervisor Dion, I learned to take a critical look at my own work, better substantiate my choices and ask for feedback on time. I joined meetings, gave feedback on other people's work and really worked together as a team. No viewing internship, just participating.

Work that I'm proud of

A highlight of my internship was the Elementenstraat gallery page. This page has been implemented almost one-on-one from my design. It's one of the most creative ideas I came up with during my internship and I'm proud of the end result — and the confidence I received to make it.

Design, but also a bit of tech

In addition to working on projects, BORING also organized a Webflow watch party and a Webflow workshop. Super interesting as a design intern, because it also helps you understand the technical side better. And what about the drinks afterwards? They finished it off completely. These were not only fun, but also good for networking.

And then there is the fixed price: sandwich day on Friday. Sandwiches are bought at one of the many good sandwich shops in Amsterdam and we eat together in the office. Take a break, catch up and enjoy (mostly;)) good food. Simple, but exactly those are the kind of moments that make the atmosphere at BORING so strong.

Freedom, trust and good guidance

At BORING, you get a lot of freedom to unleash your creativity and to properly substantiate and hone your designs. And if you get stuck, someone is always ready to think along.

At the beginning of my internship, I was quite busy privately (moving, renovating, working, exercising and organizing a big party). That made it tough sometimes. BORING dealt with this very nicely and guided me well. That says a lot about the culture: hard work, but human.

Ready for the future

Thanks to this internship, I now know much better what I want after my education. Working at a young agency such as BORING, with various clients and projects. This variety provides a challenge and makes the work anything but boring.

Tips for CMD students looking for an internship

• Start your search on time
• Don't give up
• Go for what feels good
• Be bold and take those chances

Are you looking for an internship where you can learn, participate and be part of the team? Then BORING is the place to be.