Emilie-Danni was our very first summer design intern here at Initiate. We asked her to reflect on her journey with us.

As I sit down to reflect on the final days of my internship, I feel both nostalgic and exhilarated. It’s incredible how swiftly the past few months have flown by, each day brimming with new challenges and discoveries.

Where my Initiate journey began

I vividly recall drafting my first cover letter and assembling my portfolio to send out to various agencies, hoping that someone would be interested in offering me a summer position. As a second-year graphic design student at Algonquin, I was uncertain whether my skills were adequate for a professional role. After a period of waiting, I was thrilled to receive an email from Jennifer, the Chief Operating Officer at Initiate, inviting me to discuss a potential summer placement. Overjoyed and nervous, I promptly responded, eager to accept the opportunity to chat further.

Not your typical job interview

On the day of the interview, I anticipated a rigorous question-and-answer session, but instead, the conversation felt more like an engaging dialogue between two people. This relaxed atmosphere put me at ease and made me feel as though I was already part of the team. During my visit, I was also shown around the office and introduced to the other employees, which was a bit nerve-wracking, but overall, the experience was welcoming and affirming.

Starting at Initiate, I found myself thrust into an unexpected role: helping with office renovations. It wasn’t exactly what I had imagined when I thought of a graphic design job, but there was something gratifying about being able to pitch in where needed. After a couple of weeks, the renovations came to an end, and I began to immerse myself in the creative work I had been eager to tackle. Each week, I collaborated with a different graphic designer, gaining fresh insights and refining my craft through their patience and generous guidance. 

My time at Initiate became a canvas for exploring a range of projects using professional industry tools such as Figma, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, and Illustrator. This hands-on experience not only sharpened my skills but also helped me determine what I actually excel at and what truly excites me. It was a journey of discovery that will undoubtedly steer my future endeavors, as I take on new projects and navigate my evolving career path.

As this summer comes to an end and I reflect on my time with Initiate, I feel incredibly grateful for the experience, mentorship, and lessons I learned. Going into my third year, I feel more prepared than ever. I’m certain this opportunity is one that I will carry with me throughout my career. 

Interested in working at Initiate too? Check out available career postings.