Avery Kuehl, a sophomore Experience Architecture major from Commerce Township, Michigan, worked as a Digital Accessibility Intern for Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. She shared her experience with this internship in the following Q&A originally published by the Excel Network.
What were your internship responsibilities?
I conducted accessibility audits and comparative analyses, designed seamless newsletter templates, dividers, and digital promotional graphics, and provided actionable recommendations to improve accessibility and user experience on the Office of Medical Education Research and Development (OMERAD) site.
How did you obtain your internship?
I have a friend within my major who had gotten the internship. She recommended me to the supervisor. I made sure to utilize a professional and enthusiastic attitude when meeting with the intern supervisor to discuss my role.
What did your daily routine include?
Depending on my current task, my daily routine consisted of emailing my completed work or any clarifications or questions to my supervisor in the mornings, and then after my classes during the day, I would separate a few hours for my internship to allow for thorough results and consistent motivation.
What was your favorite experience from the internship?
I expanded my design skills and stepped outside my comfort zone by learning new platforms like SharePoint to create and communicate effectively. Finishing a project and feeling proud of the final result was consistently rewarding.
What was your least favorite part of the internship?
Feeling overwhelmed at times with the workload from both the internship and schoolwork but learning how to properly plan out and manage my time was beneficial in helping with this feeling.
What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?
I built on my design, branding, and research skills, ensuring all materials aligned with MSU’s visual identity, colors, and standards.
What did you learn about the industry as a result of this internship?
Through this internship, I learned that creating digital experiences that benefit all users requires time, intention, and consistency. There are many accessibility standards that must be met to ensure WCAG compliance, and gaining a deeper understanding of their importance was both meaningful and inspiring. It’s knowledge I’ll carry with me into any future role.
What are your future plans?
My future plans ideally involve pursuing a web-development–focused career.
What advice do you have for others seeking internship opportunities?
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone; go for the opportunity as it will really help you in the long run and you will learn from every mistake that you make.
