Overview
EY
Journeying through my EY internship: My time and contribution to designing a better working world (*cleverly inserts EY’s tagline) with their UX Design studio team.
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In the summer of 2024, I had the exciting opportunity to intern as a UX designer at EY, my first venture into the world of a Big Four company. The best part? Collaborating with a diverse cross-functional team that blended the strategic brilliance of senior business partners and analysts coupled with the creative flair and human-centricity of designers.
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My main project focused on unifying the overall user experience across all digital channels for a leading multinational bank. Since the work is under NDA, this article focuses on the standout moments and crucial lessons from my short but insightful journey at EY.
Key Details
Role
UX Design Intern
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Timeline
June 2024- Aug 2024
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Tools
Figma
Figjam
PowerPoint
Responsibilities
Overview of Responsibilities
01
Competitive Analysis
Conducted secondary desk research to analyze what competitors are offering well coupled with relevant future trends to cull out inspiration and opportunity areas for growth.
03
Prep for Co-Creative Workshop
Created activity boards, and other logistical prep for conducting collaborative workshop session with the client in person.
02
IA Mapping
Created detailed Information architecture/sitemaps for competitor apps and websites to identify what works and doesn't work and identify areas of improvement for the core client.
04
Interfacing with cross functional peers
Gathered and developed deliverables through expert insights about the right approach, feedback and next steps.
Ways of Working
A Virtual Synergy
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Although the internship was in person, many of my team members were working in a remote setting. It was imperative to utilize an interactive tool to find ways of making work fun yet productive and Figma came in really handy for this!
From showering appreciation for others through stickers, brainstorm sessions, IA mapping to reflection retros for course correcting approaches during the project timeline.
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Core Team
The robust, friendly army
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My project team was a dynamic mix of business consultants, executive partners, and designers, each bringing their own unique strengths and perspectives. Even though we worked mostly online, their support was unwavering.
They provided valuable feedback and regularly checked in to make sure no one was feeling overwhelmed. Their diverse expertise didn’t just help me grow as a designer; it really taught me what it is like to truly collaborate cross-functionally.
I was also fortunate to meet some of them in person during a co-creative workshop, where their warm, welcoming nature was such a pleasure as they introduced me to the client and recognized my efforts, making me feel truly valued, despite being an intern.
While my project team was outstanding, I can’t overlook the impact of my core design studio team who made my internship truly rewarding. From the partner and senior manager to my counselor and peer buddy, every member of this team played a crucial role in my journey. They welcomed me with open arms and guided me through the entire onboarding. Their enthusiasm and feedbacks ensured that I not only felt included but also maximized my learning and growth during this experience.
The Fun Stuff
Living the Dream: Navigating the Financial Hub,
New York Style
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Living and working in New York City—a dream come true for many like me—felt like stepping right into a movie.
EY turned our internship into an exhilarating adventure, from fun socials and stunning cruise rides to a fantastic wrap-up celebration on National Intern Day. With a mix of delicious food, engaging learning sessions, and fun activities, they ensured we started strong and ended on a high note.
Apart from work, The Big Apple, with its iconic pizzas, dazzling Broadway shows, unique bakeries, scenic Hudson ferry rides, and endless Fifth Avenue shopping, truly lived up to its movie-star reputation, it was all exactly as the movies portray. NYC truly lived up to its reputation as a place where dreams are made and where every day feels like a new adventure.
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Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the project outcomes
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01
Impact through Proactivity
One of the initial lessons In the consulting environment, I quickly learned that being proactive in communicating what I'm working on and offering help with other tasks is crucial. Consulting thrives on collaboration, so it's essential to be vocal and present to ensure productive cross-functional teamwork.
02
The Power of Asking
I found that the most empowering tool for my growth was never hesitating to ask questions. My team lived by the motto that no question is too small. I saw how my questions often prompted my seniors to rethink their approach. Even if it didn’t always lead to changes, it helped gain a clearer understanding of my tasks and showed my curiosity to learn.
03
From Doubt to Confidence
One of the toughest lessons I faced was dealing with imposter syndrome, which made me hesitant to speak up.
My team played a crucial role in overcoming this challenge. They showed how much they valued my contributions and encouraged me to be more vocal. Daily standups were particularly transformative, allowing us to share our work, gather feedback, and brainstorm with the larger team.
04
Design needs strategy
Working in business consulting offers a valuable perspective on the intersection of design and business strategy. It highlights the importance of understanding that these elements are deeply intertwined.
It's not enough to propose a design without considering its broader business implications. Effective solutions must address both immediate needs and long-term goals, along with the company's current capabilities.