From Passion to Profession: My Canva Internship Experience
In the ever-evolving landscape of career choices, my journey has been a rollercoaster of exploration to find my true path. Picture this: a high school graduate with a passion for design, but no clear vision of where it could lead. With the determination to find something that would somewhat resemble anything design related (and a one-off visit to the careers office), I stumbled upon the unique degree of Design Computing at the University of Sydney, and from there I knew I had found my calling.
Started in 2020 and now, in my fourth year, I’ve happily embraced new experiences and skills, even through my academic journey. Of course, not everything went perfectly which was the case for me as I changed my major three times from majoring in Software Development (failed once, and tried again once more) to Digital Cultures (honestly still don’t know why I chose this) and now here I am majoring in Business Analytics.
Anyways, I’m sure you can tell that I can be quite an indecisive individual. But, through it all, one dream remained constant: you’ve probably guessed it — it was working at Canva. Hence, mid-last year, I finally applied to a Product Design internship. After an emotionally-intense application process, I progressed through to the final round but sadly didn’t quite make it, which was of course disappointing at first. However, undeterred, I continued my quest and, thanks to my very supportive recruiter, found an opportunity for a Content Design internship. Despite my limited knowledge in this area, I poured my heart and soul into the application, leading to a life-changing moment when my recruiter officially offered me an internship at Canva!
The moment I received the offer, my excitement knew no bounds as a designer joining one of the world’s leading design/tech companies was a dream come true. Little did I know that the next three months would be a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. In this blog, I want to share my unforgettable journey as a Content Design intern at Canva.
Chapter 1: First Impressions, Onboarding & Making Friends
My internship began with an onboarding week where I was acquainted with all the 2022/23 Canva interns online. Canva’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive workplace culture was evident from day one. The onboarding process was smooth, filled with warm welcomes, and a comprehensive introduction to the company’s values, mission, and expectations. I immediately felt like a part of the Canva family.
However, my Canva journey was about to take an exciting turn as I stepped into the second week — Campus Week. It was a week where all the interns came together in person to bond, have fun and get to know the intern cohort, program managers, teams, hosts and every other Canvanauts (a name we call all employees at Canva)!
The moment I arrived at Campus Week, I was greeted with warm smiles and excited chatter from my fellow interns as well as meeting other Canvanauts from my team that I’d be working alongside. The week was a blend of team-building activities, workshops, and opportunities to collaborate and bond with fellow interns. These activities helped us uncover our strengths, learn from each other, and form bonds that transcended the professional realm.
My highlights would definitely be the free breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks they provided everyday! Safe to say, I did gain a bit of weight that week… But, on top of that, I experienced my first Season Opener (and afterparty) which is an event where teams across the world share their progress made over the past months and put forward their plans for the next season. On that day, I’d have to say it was lots of fun as I got to meet and see so many new faces and ambitious projects. The fact that I was there made me feel like I was already part of the team. Moreover, to celebrate the Season Opener, we had the day to just spend it at Luna Park! I could say that I got to bond with all the interns quite well through screaming on multiple roller coaster rides.
But, perhaps the most valuable aspect of Campus Week was the opportunity to connect with Canva’s incredible team and community. These interactions allowed me to gain insights into the company’s culture, values, and the people who drive Canva’s success. It was inspiring to witness their dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive work environment. Furthermore, Campus Week demonstrated that Canva goes above and beyond to create an inclusive, vibrant, and genuinely welcoming community. It was a week that not only enriched my internship experience but also left me with lasting friendships and a deeper sense of belonging within the Canva family.
Chapter 2: Learning from the Best — Mentorship from my Coach & Buddy
One of the most remarkable aspects of my internship was the opportunity to work alongside incredibly talented and experienced designers. Canva’s team is a diverse group of creative minds from various backgrounds, which makes every interaction a learning experience. From brainstorming sessions to design critiques, I soaked up knowledge like a sponge. It was awe-inspiring to witness the design process in action and learn from the best in the field.
However, one of the most enriching aspects of my internship was the opportunity to pair up with my coach and buddy which was instrumental in shaping my experience at Canva. I was paired with an experienced Canvanaut with extensive knowledge in Content Design named Christopher Phillips who was my point person throughout the internship. From day one, he welcomed me into their team and provided invaluable guidance. Whether it was explaining the intricacies of Canva’s projects or helping me navigate the company’s culture, my coach was a mentor who ensured I had the resources and support needed to excel. His insights and willingness to share his expertise allowed me to quickly adapt to my role and contribute meaningfully to the team, to which I am significantly grateful for.
Additionally, I was paired with a buddy named Tali Samoylenko who was appointed to act more of a guide for interns. Tali quickly became my confidant and companion as she helped me get across Canva context, craft and refine my content designs skills throughout the internship. I was able to share experiences, ask questions, and overall celebrate my onboarding journey and key milestones. She was someone who understood the challenges and opportunities of the internship and ultimately made my transition into the Canva world smoother and more enjoyable to which I will cherish forever.
Ultimately, pairing up with my coach and buddy at Canva was an integral part of my internship experience to which I would encourage everyone to make the most out of it if mentorship opportunities are provided.
If I didn’t make the decision to jump on that plane, I would have never seen myself in a different context which ultimately led me to getting to know myself better. When you expose yourself to new experiences, it forces you see things from a different perspective. I’m learning to recognise my biases, understand other peoples’ perspectives and become comfortable with changing my opinions.
Chapter 3: How to make the most out of your internship?
At Canva, interns are not handed menial tasks but are entrusted and allocated projects to work on over the three months ultimately producing something that we could present to everyone at the end of our internship. I was fortunate to be involved in a few significant design projects alongside my allocated project during my internship. These projects allowed me to challenge my creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under pressure while communicating and working alongside other product designers and managers.
From these opportunities, I learned that it is important to make the most out of an internship as it is not just about completing the required tasks and about gaining valuable skills, experiences, and networking opportunities. Hence, upon reflecting on my internship, I thought I’d share some key tips that helped me maximise my internship experience:
- Set Clear Goals — Define your objectives for the internship. What skills do you want to acquire or improve? What specific experiences do you hope to gain? Discuss these goals with your supervisor to ensure alignment with the company’s expectations.
- Be Proactive — Take the initiative to seek out challenging tasks and projects. Don’t wait for assignments to come to you. Volunteer for opportunities that align with your goals, even if they’re outside your job description.
- Show Initiative and Maintain Enthusiasm — Treat your 12-week internship as if it were your full-time job. Remember that your perspective is valuable, on par with someone who has been with the company for two years. Go beyond your immediate tasks and consider what improvements or changes could be made if you had more time.
- Learn and Ask Questions — Approach your internship as a learning experience. Be open to new ideas and methods. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your colleagues and mentors are valuable resources for knowledge and guidance. Ask as many as you need to clear up any uncertainties promptly. It’s better to seek clarification early on rather than pretending to understand and potentially making mistakes later.
- Build Relationships — Network with colleagues across various departments. Building professional relationships can open doors to future opportunities. Expand your network by meeting people from different teams. Take the initiative to connect with colleagues outside of your own team. Arrange coffee meetings to learn about their backgrounds and what they appreciate about the company. Building relationships with your coworkers will help you feel more engaged with your work and provide insights into potential long-term collaborations.
- Seek Feedback — Request regular feedback from your supervisor and colleagues. Use this feedback to improve your performance. Be receptive to constructive criticism and take proactive steps to address any areas for improvement.
- Offer Assistance to Your Peers — Even if you doubt your competency, being an intern doesn’t mean you lack valuable insights to share. Everyone brings a unique background to the table, and one day you might help a colleague, while the next day they may reciprocate. Moreover, explaining concepts to others can enhance your own understanding. The clearer you can convey an idea to someone else, the better you’ll grasp it yourself.
- Embrace Challenges — Don’t shy away from challenging tasks. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and development. Overcoming obstacles can lead to some of the most significant learning experiences.
- Express Gratitude — Show appreciation to your colleagues, mentors, and supervisors for the knowledge and support they provide. A simple thank-you message or gesture can leave a positive impression
Ultimately, remember that an internship is not just a stepping stone to a future career; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections. By proactively engaging with your internship experience and applying these strategies, you can make the most of this valuable opportunity and set yourself up for future success.
Chapter 4: Work-Life Balance
Despite the fast-paced environment, Canva places a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The company understands the importance of well-being and provides various resources and activities to help employees recharge.
Firstly, Canva incorporated the idea of “Meeting Free Days” which every employee respected to not book meetings so that we could work effectively and enhance productivity: Without the interruption of meetings, we could focus on tasks and projects, leading to increased productivity. Hence with uninterrupted blocks of time we could ultimately complete work, tackle complex problems, and make significant progress on projects, empowering interns to manage their time effectively, contributing to a healthier work-life balance.
Additionally, Canva’s remote work policies made it convenient for interns to work from the comfort of their homes when necessary. This not only reduced commuting stress but also allowed for a more relaxed and productive work environment. The option to work remotely further exemplified the company’s commitment to supporting a balanced professional and personal life.
Canva’s clear communication regarding project timelines and expectations also played a pivotal role in promoting work-life balance. Interns were well-informed about what was expected of them and when, which helped prevent burnout and last-minute rushes. This clarity allowed interns to plan their work efficiently and allocate time for personal pursuits.
Canva also encourages employees and interns to pursue their hobbies and interests outside of work. This support for work-life integration allows interns to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. It acknowledges the importance of nurturing one’s passions and interests beyond the workplace. In addition to these practices, Canva had social clubs where they organised regular social activities and events for employees and interns to unwind, have fun and build connections. Whether it was yoga classes, dance lessons, lego building or even food clubs like the messina club, bubble tea club, hot chips, etc (you name it), these activities contributed to a sense of community, making it easier for us to strike a balance between work and social life.
Overall, my internship at Canva offered a work-life balance that allowed me to thrive both professionally and personally. The company’s commitment to employee well-being and flexibility contributed to a positive and fulfilling internship experience.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Looking Forward
As my internship at Canva came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much I had grown as a designer and as an individual. The experience was a whirlwind of creativity, learning, and personal development. I left Canva filled with impactful projects, a network of inspiring colleagues, and a newfound confidence in my abilities.
My internship at Canva was not just a stepping stone in my career; it was a transformative journey that has left a mark on my life. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable company and look forward to applying the lessons and experiences I gained at Canva to my future endeavours as a designer.
In conclusion, my internship at Canva was an unforgettable chapter in my journey as a designer. The company’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and personal growth created an environment where I thrived and with that, I will forever cherish the memories and lessons from my time at Canva.
About
Rebecca Zhang is a fourth-year Design Computing student majoring in Business Analytics and is also the Vice President Internal for SUEDE, the Sydney University Experience Designers. Often found dabbling in Figma designing all sorts of things and occasionally tickling the ivories in her spare time, she is always keen on learning and appreciating the design behind objects and experiences.
SUEDE is a society driven by students passionate about designing everyday interactions, services, and experiences. SUEDE aims to bridge the gap between theory-based education and practical industry-based learning. We help students be better prepared for the workforce while also creating a community centered around design.
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