Students report on their experiences abroad
Dorothea Wagnerberger is studying in the Product Design competence field and completed an internship abroad in Milan, Italy at the Sintesi Lab Design Group.
What insights and experiences were you able to take away from your internship?
I did my internship in a small design studio in Milan. In addition to product design projects, I was able to gain a comprehensive insight into different areas such as graphics and web design through our diverse projects. It was a great experience to work on real projects from design to implementation or until the ad was published. For example, I managed exhibition furniture such as an information stand from design in Rhino to the final product. For a kitchen appliance manufacturer, we provide all graphic work, from ads to catalogs to promotional materials. This was a very exciting insight for me, as I had little to do with graphics before. I was also able to gain experience with 3D printing, as I was able to assemble and commission our new 3D printer.
Where and how did you live during your stay abroad?
I lived in a shared apartment with two Italian girls. I can only recommend this, as it allows you to make direct connections. We cooked a lot together and went on excursions after getting through the lockdowns.
What was the biggest challenge for you during the six months?
Definitely being optimistic about the Corona situation. After starting the internship a semester late, the back and forth of the lockdowns was quite limiting. But at least there were a few weeks where I was able to explore Milan and Lombardy. And working in a home office actually worked out well, too.
During my work I've realized what a big role small details can play, to always try out more and not to be satisfied with the first ideas.
Your tips for future outgoings?
Go on a discovery tour. Whether it's at the supermarket or in the surrounding area. Milan is ideally located for going to the mountains, the lakes or the surrounding towns.
In what ways were you able to develop during your internship?
During my work, I realized again and again what a big role small details can play, to always try out more and not to be satisfied with the first ideas. I also took away for myself that I really enjoyed the diverse work and would like to continue. In addition, I learned for myself that traveling and doing things on my own can also be fun.
What was your absolute highlight, both professionally and culturally?
In the internship, for example, seeing the development from our design to picking it up from the carpenter and screwing together the final details. Apart from that, Italian food was a constant companion; the pasta and pesto shelves alone, just like the cookie department, were literally calling out to be tried out. I'm also looking forward to staying in touch with the team and working on a few more projects.
