Web Design Internship at Code-on

It is February 2024 when I step into Code-On's office for the first time. With a mixture of excitement and enthusiasm, I begin my internship as a UI/UX designer. Now, nine months later, I am writing this story as a regular team member. For what began as a four-month internship, grew through a summer as a job student into a permanent position on the team since October. If that's not proof that an internship at Code-on can open doors, I don't know what is.

More than just an internship

When people ask me about my internship at Code-On, I always tell them about that first day. Not even an hour in and I was already in a client meeting for a web shop project. No time for coffee brewing or tours - I was thrown in the deep end right away. And honestly? That was exactly what I needed.

"You know what's great about Code-On? They don't treat you as an intern, they treat you as a full team member. You get responsibility, but also all the support you need."

The realities of working at a digital agency

Unlike many large companies where interns are often in a separate corner, at Code-On I became part of the team right away. I worked on real projects for real customers: from a complex dashboard for an energy company to a web shop for a food service company.

The funny thing is: although I came for UI/UX design, I learned so much more. You just pick up things when you sit between developers and our project manager. You learn how a project is put together from A to Z, how different disciplines come together, and most importantly, how important it is that everyone is on the same wavelength.

Beforehand, I had no knowledge at all of things like Django, HTMX and Wagtail. The nice thing about working in an integrated team, where everyone is connected within a project, is that you learn a tremendous amount from each other.

The value of a close-knit team

What has stuck with me most is the openness and familiarity at Code-On. It often didn't feel like "work"; after four months of internship, it felt like my second home. The culture of collaboration and support made it easy to ask questions and share ideas. This not only spurred my growth, but also increased my confidence in the team. It is this warm, collegial atmosphere that makes working at Code-On so special.

A day in the life

A typical day at Code-On doesn't really exist. One day you're deep in Figma working out a design, the next day you're at a client's site presenting your ideas. And sometimes I notice that I am so engrossed in a project that I completely forget the time. Not because I have to, but because I so want every detail to be right. I see this passion for the work in the entire team - everyone just wants the best result for the client.

What makes Code-on different?

It may sound cliché, but it's really the people who make Code-On special. There is a culture of openness and honesty. As a junior or intern, you can always knock on anyone's door with questions. In fact, they encourage it. They understand that you can only grow if you dare to make mistakes and ask questions.

Who is Code-on suitable for?

Whether you're interested in design, development or marketing - there's room for a variety of talents at Code-On. But there is one thing you must have: curiosity. You have to want to know how things work, why certain choices are made, and how to take projects to the next level.

The learning curve

Of course, not everything was rosy. That first client presentation? I was nervous as a little kid. But that experience - and the support of the team - made the next one a lot easier. And before you know it, you're confidently defending your ideas in front of a group of critical stakeholders.

What I learned

Of course, I gained many technical skills in UI/UX design during my internship. But the most valuable lessons go far beyond that.

This is how I learned how to present your ideas professionally to clients - something very different from presenting at school. In the beginning I was still a bit uncertain during client meetings, but gradually I discovered how to convey your vision in a way that is both convincing and respectful.

Planning also proved to be a crucial skill. At Code-On, you often work on multiple projects simultaneously, each with their own deadlines and priorities. You quickly learn the importance of planning realistically and communicating openly about your progress.

Perhaps most valuable was learning how to handle feedback. At Code-On, feedback is not seen as criticism, but as an opportunity to grow. Whether that feedback comes from an experienced colleague or a customer - every suggestion helps you take your work to the next level.

But most of all, I learned what it means to truly be part of a professional team. It's not just about finishing your own tasks, but working together toward a common goal. That team spirit, where everyone helps and supports each other, is what makes Code-On so special.

From Internship to Permanent Team

What started as an internship turned out to be the perfect springboard to my career. After my internship from February to May, I was offered a job. And since October 2024 I can proudly call myself a permanent team member. This proves what I felt all along: at Code-On, you get real opportunities if you seize them.

Have you become curious about an internship at Code-On? Then don't hesitate to contact us!