One of the highlights of my internship was the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. I loved being able to exchange with them, ask questions, learn, and feel fully integrated into the projects. This diversity and richness of exchange made the experience truly unique.

I had the chance to work on several very different projects, but the most significant one was a collection that I was involved in from the very beginning to its finalization. It was an incredible opportunity to gain a complete overview of the process. I also had the chance to travel, notably to London for a workshop as part of this collection. In parallel, I took part in other projects in various fields, ranging from research to strategy.

This internship allowed me to see firsthand how a large organization functions and how each department fits into a global process. I also had the opportunity to exchange with experts who have extensive experience, which enabled me to learn a great deal.

I learned how to work in a team, structure my ideas better to present them effectively, and develop them collaboratively. I also realized the importance of clear communication to move projects forward efficiently. What stood out to me the most was how available and helpful people were—they were always ready to support and answer questions, which helped me progress significantly.

I was lucky to live close to the office, so I rode my bike to work, which was both practical and a great way to start the day. Once I arrived, I checked my emails and planned my day based on upcoming meetings and tasks. After working for a bit, we had Fika at 9 AM—a nice break to chat, take a breath, and connect with the team. I collaborated a lot with the other interns, helping each other improve our respective projects. At lunchtime, I always ate with team members, which provided a more informal setting to exchange ideas. The days were structured with meetings and independent or group work sessions, allowing me to advance my tasks efficiently while gaining a better understanding of internal processes.

What struck me the most is how much the user is at the center of every decision. The goal is to improve their daily life by offering solutions that are always more accessible and better suited to their needs. There is a real drive to improve things, optimize existing products, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

There is, of course, an in-depth analysis of trends and market research, but what stood out to me was the importance of visiting users in their homes. Observing their daily lives, engaging in discussions to understand their real needs… These field observations are then shared and discussed to identify the most relevant ideas to develop. It’s a highly immersive and user-centered approach.

At IKEA, you have the opportunity to learn a lot by participating in workshops, training sessions, and hands-on projects. There is a strong culture of knowledge-sharing and mentorship, which allows for rapid development and a broad understanding of design and product development.

Make the most of this experience! Go talk to people, ask questions, be curious. There is so much to learn. And if, like me, you are in a different country, take the time to discover the local culture, explore, and travel.

This internship allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge to the reality of product development. I realized how much I love conducting research, diving deep into problems, and exploring new directions. I also gained a better understanding of industrial processes.

An intense learning experience where every day was an opportunity to grow and better understand the mechanics of design and innovation.

I would say a modular piece of furniture because you can always add a part, adjust it, and evolve its shape based on needs. That’s exactly what I experienced during my internship—constant learning, where each experience enriched the whole.