Ahmedabad Times – Times of INDIA

As soon as I completed high school and began preparing for the college entrance examination, I found myself eager to dive into professional life. The thought of gaining real-world experience before starting college felt both challenging and exhilarating. My neighbour, who worked at a newspaper, mentioned that securing an internship could be a relatively easy and rewarding way to get started. Intrigued by the idea, I decided to explore this path, marking the beginning of my journey into the professional world.

Determined to secure an internship, I wasted no time in scheduling a meeting with the Human Resources Head of the local newspaper. I went in prepared, armed with my portfolio and a clear request: an opportunity to work as a design intern.

The meeting exceeded my expectations. The HR Head was not only supportive but also pleasantly surprised. In his 10 years at the newspaper, he had never encountered someone seeking a design internship—especially not a high school graduate. While aspiring writers occasionally sought internships, most were fresh out of college. After reviewing my portfolio, he introduced me to Mr. Nikhil, the newspaper’s Design Head.

Mr. Nikhil turned out to be an incredible mentor. He took me under his wing and immersed me in the world of layout design, templates, and page hierarchy. I gained a comprehensive understanding of the entire process—from writing and designing to approvals and printing. Gradually, I began assembling copy and images, mastering the column system, and understanding how content is divided. The experience was both challenging and rewarding.

My biggest takeaway?

Developing a meticulous eye for detail. I learned that once a mistake goes to print, it’s irreversible—distributed in millions of newspapers across the city. That lesson instilled in me a commitment to precision and accountability that I carry to this day.

MAD – Make a Difference – Non-Profit Organization

Make A Difference (MAD) is a prominent non-profit organization in India, dedicated to improving outcomes for children living in orphanages and shelters across the country. Operating in 23 cities, MAD supports nearly 3,460 children in 67 shelter homes through its innovative, fellow-managed volunteering program, which engages 4,255 young volunteers.

As an English teacher for underprivileged girls, I played an integral role in their learning journey. My responsibilities included creating season plans, teaching grammar, and fostering their confidence to speak and comprehend English effectively. The curriculum was designed to empower these girls with essential language skills.

Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into the functioning of NGOs, honed my ability to empathize with and mentor young learners, and actively participated in various fundraising initiatives. It was a transformative journey that deepened my understanding of social impact and education.

My biggest takeaway?

Teaching underprivileged girls was a profoundly enriching experience—I found myself learning just as much from them as they did from me.

Mapin Publishing – Ahmedabad

Working at a publishing house renowned for creating exquisite coffee table books on India and its rich history was an incredible privilege. Many of these books have earned international acclaim, showcasing the country’s heritage to a global audience.

During my time there, I immersed myself in the intricate process of book design, starting with understanding the content and dividing it into cohesive sections. As a designer, my role was to enhance the visual appeal of the book, which involved crafting engaging layouts, selecting and editing photographs, strategically placing captions, and much more.

One particularly memorable lesson from my senior designer was spending five days focused solely on choosing the right fonts. I explored various font styles, sizes, and purposes—tailoring them for titles, subtitles, captions, quotations, and other elements. This experience highlighted the critical role typography plays in creating a harmonious and professional design, instilling in me a meticulous attention to detail that continues to guide my work.

My biggest takeaway?

No matter how many iterations you go through, in the end, you must trust your judgment and make the final decision yourself.

Marching Ants – Advertising Agency

Inside the Creative World of Marching Ants: My Journey as a Design Intern

Stepping into the dynamic world of Marching Ants, a renowned advertising agency was nothing short of exhilarating. As a design intern, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a variety of creative projects that sharpened my skills, broadened my perspectives, and deepened my understanding of the advertising industry.

Creating Captivating Content

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my internship was working on content creation and publication. I developed compelling content for both online and print media, ensuring it resonated with the intended audience. From crafting original text and editing visuals to producing engaging videos, every piece aimed to align seamlessly with brand messaging.

Each day brought new challenges, like designing visually striking social media elements—think Facebook timeline covers, profile pictures, and blog layouts—to create a cohesive and appealing brand identity. Every pixel mattered, and every detail contributed to the larger picture of a brand’s voice and vision.

Shaping Brand Identities

Collaborating on brand identity projects was a highlight of my journey. I had the privilege of working with a corporate client to develop brand guidelines that ensured consistency across all platforms. This experience taught me the importance of a unified design language in establishing a strong and recognizable brand presence.

Creating digital marketing materials was another rewarding challenge. Partnering closely with the marketing team, I focused on delivering customer-centric designs that were not only visually appealing but also strategically aligned with campaign goals.

My biggest takeaway?

Teaching underprivileged girls was a profoundly enriching experience—I found myself learning just as much from them as they did from me.

Manthan Education Programme Society India – Non-Profit Organization

Fostering a Love for Science: My Journey with Manthan

Working with Manthan, a science-focused NGO founded by the visionary late Mr. Ramesh Kothari, was a transformative experience. Dedicated to demystifying science and nurturing curiosity, Manthan’s mission is to instill a scientific temper in young minds and foster experiential learning in communities. My time there was both a privilege and an education in how creativity and science can converge to inspire future generations.

Designing Science Books and Tools

At Manthan, I contributed to their mission by designing educational books on science, tailored to captivate and engage young learners. These books weren’t just about presenting facts; they were carefully crafted to spark curiosity and make science approachable, blending clear visuals with insightful content. Each project challenged me to think about how design could simplify complex ideas without losing their essence.

Creating Fun Science Games

Another rewarding aspect of my work was developing interactive science games. These games were designed to make learning enjoyable and hands-on, encouraging children to explore scientific concepts through play. By blending fun with education, we aimed to create lasting impressions that would encourage critical thinking and experimentation.

Learning from Manthan’s Vision

Manthan’s approach to experiential learning was deeply inspiring. The organization utilized diverse mediums, from folk art like puppet shows to hands-on activities, exhibitions, and resourceful kits. Each method was thoughtfully chosen to engage different audiences, making science accessible and relatable.

I was especially moved by the organization’s dedication to outreach, including the tribal science center in Gujarat’s Narmada District. Seeing how science could empower rural and tribal communities reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education.

Takeaways and Reflections

My time at Manthan was more than just a role—it was a window into how science can be a tool for empowerment and curiosity. From designing books and games to witnessing the impact of outreach programs, I learned how creativity can bridge the gap between complex concepts and everyday understanding.

Manthan’s mission to simplify science and promote communication is a vision I carry forward, inspired by the incredible work being done to ignite young minds and build a brighter, more inquisitive future.

My biggest takeaway?

How to work with minimum resources and produce maximum result.