I still remember my very first day as an intern at Deloitte. Dressed in my best professional outfit, very nervous but excited, I gave myself a pep talk before stepping into the impressive Gateway building.
Fast forward to today: I’m writing this 7 years later, as a design lead, who once stood exactly where our current interns stand now.
Two years ago, I took on an extra role within our team, becoming the contact person for our interns. Knowing what they might feel, what they might need, and the questions they might have, I was excited to support them through their experience. Curious to see how internships have evolved, I asked a few of our current interns to share their honest reflections – from daily life to challenges and unexpected discoveries. Here’s what I learned.
Perception vs. reality
Many people still picture Deloitte as a strictly corporate place, a world of suits, rigid structures, and little room for creativity. Yet the reality turned out to be very different.
Our interns admitted feeling nervous at the start, unsure what to expect from such a large organization. One even feared becoming “just a number,” something they had experienced in university environments. However, those concerns quickly disappeared. The atmosphere turned out to be welcoming, with colleagues offering support and flexibility from day one.
For creative profiles, like our UX/UI design intern, it was particularly surprising to discover how much room there is for innovation and design thinking within Deloitte’s projects. While the company has a corporate reputation, behind the scenes, it’s a dynamic environment full of opportunities to explore new ideas.
“Throughout my time at Deloitte, I’ve been exposed to new opportunities that have allowed me to grow – not just creatively, but also professionally.” – Vjollca, UX/UI designer
What does an intern do all day?
A typical day at Deloitte? There’s no such thing.
Depending on the project and the phase of the project, some days are more intense than others. Interns are encouraged to organize their work independently, as long as the results are there. Whether collaborating on VR experiences for clients in the private sector or designing for European initiatives, every day brings new challenges.
This flexibility not only makes the work more dynamic, it also helps interns build confidence in managing their own workload and pace and take up responsibility.
For example, if users consistently overlook a key element, we can adjust its placement or prominence in the interface. If confusion arises during navigation, we can simplify workflows or clarify labels. These proactive adjustments reduce the risk of costly redesigns later in the process.
This combination of data-driven validation and real-time observation ensures that the designs we hand over to developers are both functional and user-approved, streamlining the development cycle and minimizing post-launch fixes.
Biggest challenges
Of course, no growth comes without challenges.
Time management and balancing priorities came up often among the interns. Some had to adapt their perfectionism to the sometime fast-paced environment. Others were thrown into unfamiliar territory, like working with brand-new technologies where few guidelines existed.
While these moments stretched their comfort zones, they also built resilience, independence, and confidence. Every challenge turned into a stepping stone — helping them sharpen their skills, trust their instincts, and become more adaptable professionals.
Biggest learnings
The biggest growth wasn’t just technical, it was personal.
Interns spoke about developing stronger time management and organizational skills, but also about gaining a clearer understanding of their strengths and interests. Confidence grew not only in hard skills like design or development, but also in the way they presented and defended their ideas professionally.
Deloitte proved to be not just a workplace, but a real career accelerator.
“Deloitte helped me to understand different paths related to my studies that I could follow and make a wise decision from there.” – Paul, software developer intern
Advice for future interns
If you’re hesitating about applying for an internship here, don’t!
Our interns all emphasized that Deloitte offers an incredible platform for growth, both professionally and personally. Their advice? Be curious. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to seek help. You’re not expected to know everything on day one, and there’s always someone ready to guide you.
Above all, success here is less about your initial technical knowledge and more about your attitude, work ethic, and eagerness to learn.
“The team culture is amazing! Everyone is supportive, encouraging, and always willing to help.” – Antonio, functional analyst
How our interns make us a better company
Interns don’t just benefit from their time here, they help us grow too.
By bringing fresh ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and challenging assumptions, they push us to stay innovative and connected to the next generation. Especially with newer generations being more communicative and assertive, collaboration has evolved into a true two-way learning journey.
Wendy Vanden Meerssche
Design Lead
