At Perpetual, we value new ideas and unique perspectives. Our internship program is very competitive, with hundreds of applicants each year and only a few selected.
These talented students come from top schools like Princeton, Harvard, Columbia, IIT, USC, UPenn, National University of Singapore, Berkeley, NYU, University of Maryland, RISD, and more.
Today, we are excited to spotlight three exceptional individuals from our 2024 summer intern program. Join us as we introduce Crystal, Lily, and Ashwini, who have embarked on an enriching learning journey during their time at Perpetual.
Meet Crystal, a talented UX Design intern at Perpetual. Currently pursuing her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, Crystal is majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Human-Computer Interaction and Advertising. Her unique background and passion for art and technology make her a valuable addition to our team. Outside of her studies, Crystal enjoys playing video games, cooking, reading, and hanging out with her cat.
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
I used to play competitive e-sports!
Q: What has been the highlight of your internship so far?
The highlight of my internship has been collaboratively designing and supporting development for an AI RFP startup landing page, which allowed me to delve into the world of UI/UX design. Collaborating with forward-thinking clients offered invaluable insights into the startup world and underscored the importance of user-centered design for impactful digital experiences. This project challenged my creativity and technical skills while reinforcing the value of effective communication and teamwork. It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to a project that aims to streamline complex processes and deliver tangible benefits to its users.
Q: What is a tip or skill you learned that you will bring back to school with you?
One key skill I’ve developed during my internship that I’m excited to bring back to school is mastering Figma. I’ve learned to utilize its collaborative features for real-time feedback, streamlining the design process and deepening my understanding of UI/UX principles. This proficiency will help me produce higher-quality work and contribute more effectively to team projects. Additionally, familiarity with industry-standard tools like Figma will better prepare me for future career opportunities in design and technology.
Q: What was one of your learnings that you find the most valuable?
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned during my internship is the importance of effective communication. Speaking with clients and team members professionally has boosted my confidence and clarity in conveying ideas. I've also learned to use proper UI/UX and business terminology, which has been crucial for articulating design concepts and project goals. This skill has improved my interactions and helped me contribute meaningfully to discussions and decision-making processes.
Q: How do you see this internship contributing to your future goals?
This internship has been crucial in advancing my goal of becoming a UX designer, providing my first hands-on experience in the field. It gave me valuable insights into the practical aspects of UX design, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. I'm very grateful to Perpetual for giving me this opportunity, which has been both educational and inspiring.
Allow us to introduce Lily, another remarkable UX Design intern at Perpetual. Lily is currently a rising Junior at Duke University, studying Computer Science and Visual Media Studies with a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Her fascination with the intersection of tech and design, combined with her experience in Silicon Valley, makes her an asset to our team. Outside of her studies, Lily enjoys playing the piano and clarinet, attending concerts, and indulging in sweet treats.
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
I held the pull-up record for my high school with 22 pull-ups.
Q: What has been the highlight of your internship so far?
The highlight of my internship so far has been the freedom to explore and innovate with different app designs. I loved presenting my work with the team and clients, and enjoyed receiving constructive feedback to help me improve. Even as an intern, my efforts were always appreciated and respected, and it was rewarding to see my ideas being showcased in the products that I worked on.
Q: What is a tip or skill you learned that you will bring back to school with you?
I will definitely bring all the Figma skills and tips that I learned back to school with me to help me create efficient, organized, and visually appealing designs. I learned the importance of auto layout, creating components, and using different labeled sections and pages to clearly display design options and deliverables in the most effective way.
Q: What was one of your learnings that you find the most valuable?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of actively listening to clients and incorporating the insights provided by stakeholders and users. I discovered that thorough research is essential for guiding the direction of a product, and this is done by asking lots of questions and having users and stakeholders walk through the product to ensure that their perspectives shape the final outcome.
Q: How do you see this internship contributing to your future goals?
I see this internship contributing to my future goals in many ways because I want to continue to explore the tech field whether it is building on my work as a UX designer, or even trying out roles in product management and software engineering. This internship solidified my passion for building products by providing me with hands-on experience to work with various startups and companies.
Finally, meet Ashwini, our third exceptional UX Design intern. Ashwini recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Psychology, a minor in Information Science, and a certificate in Digital Media. Her unique perspective on design, influenced by her background in psychology, makes her a valuable addition to our team. Outside of work, Ashwini loves to dance, read, and explore new foods.
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
When I was 17, I went on a trip without my family to China!
Q: What has been the highlight of your internship so far?
Definitely working on a project for an AI RFP startup and being able to take charge of the development efforts. Through that experience, I expanded and refined my skills in Webflow as I worked collaboratively with the design team!
Q: What is a tip or skill you learned that you will bring back to school with you?
A key skill I gained is becoming a Webflow expert. With the guidance of mentors at Perpetual, I completed the Webflow Partners certification, so I can now efficiently create responsive and engaging websites that are client-friendly with low/no coding.
Q: What was one of your learnings that you find the most valuable?
The most valuable lesson I learned is definitely the best practices for communicating effectively with clients, users, and teammates. Our mentors encouraged us to ask questions and work collaboratively with all sides of the design process, and I believe this approach creates products that everyone can be proud of.
Q: How do you see this internship contributing to your future goals?
As I prepare for my Masters in Human-Computer Interaction at DePaul University in Chicago, I believe my enriched understanding of user experience design methods, popular UX tools, and my refined ability to communicate puts me in a position for success. With my new skills, I am equipped to excel in my degree and future!
Perpetual's summer intern program allows talented students from prestigious educational institutions to showcase their skills and contribute to our company's success. Congratulations to Crystal, Lily, and Ashwini for their outstanding achievements and impact during their internships. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and creativity reflect our core values at Perpetual.
Our internship program cares about teaching young professionals the skills they’ll need for their future careers. Don’t just take our word for it, read about Kendall and Nandish’s experiences as Perpetual Interns last summer.
If you are passionate about design, engineering, and innovation, we encourage you to keep an eye out for our internship postings. Join us at www.perpetualny.com/careers and become a part of our exceptional team as we continue to push the boundaries of design and development.
