What Do Product Design Interns Do?

Product design is a comprehensive field, and the responsibilities of an intern in this area can vary greatly depending on the specific organization and work environment. This article explores the typical tasks and experiences of a product design intern, from mechanical support roles to creative and design-oriented positions.

Roles and Responsibilities

Product design internships can range from supporting mechanical engineers to providing creative support within a design firm. The nature of the work depends on the specific industry—whether it's a manufacturing facility with a mechanized process or a smaller, more creative design firm.

Mechanical Engineering Support at Manufacturing Facilities

In manufacturing facilities, product design interns often find themselves assisting mechanical engineers. This can involve tasks such as:

Assisting with the drafting of parts and blueprints using CAD software like SolidWorks, CATIA, or Inventor. Creating 3D models of products in a CAD program. Supporting the production process by ensuring that designs are accurate and efficient.

Due to the repetitive and detail-oriented nature of drafting, many engineers delegate these tasks to interns. Successfully handling these responsibilities may lead to more significant project assignments.

Design Firm Internships and Creative Support

In contrast, internships at design firms or smaller corporations often offer a more creative and versatile experience. Here, interns are more involved in:

Supporting with ideas for new promotional stands and materials. Exploring artistic and crafty branches of design. Contributing to the brainstorming and ideation process for products and projects.

Such roles require interns to be highly versatile, creative problem solvers.

Key Skills and Responsibilities

No matter the specific role, product design interns generally need to:

Be proficient in CAD software and 3D modeling tools. Have strong attention to detail and an eye for precision. Be able to work collaboratively with engineers and designers. Be able to learn quickly and adapt to new tasks and projects.

Learning Opportunities and Industry Insights

Interning in the product design field can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

Understanding Mass Production: Working in a manufacturing facility provides firsthand insight into how products are designed for mass production, covering all stages from design to manufacturing. Creative Challenge: Internships at design firms expose interns to a variety of creative challenges and encourage them to think outside the box. Versatility: Product designers are highly versatile individuals who can apply their skills across various sectors. This diversity helps them develop a broad set of skills useful in different careers.

Conclusion

The field of product design offers a range of internship opportunities that can vary widely in their focus and learning experiences. Whether it's supporting mechanical engineers in a manufacturing setting or contributing to creative projects at a design firm, being an intern in product design is an enriching experience that can provide valuable skills and industry insights.