Shay from Hyper Island

HOW TO GET A DESIGN INTERNSHIP IN NEW YORK.

Shay Benish, Sweden
New York
Experience Design, Tellart
2 months J-1 Internship

Shay Benish wanted to develop his experience design skills in the world’s most competitive work environment, New York. New York is in particular very advanced when it comes to exploring the future of experience design and the intersection between physical and digital worlds. Being a student at Hyper Island in Sweden, coming to the fast paced lifestyle in New York is very inspiring. Find out how Shay ended up doing his internship in the well-known Experience Design firm Tellart. Shay was able to Intern in the U.S. through a J-1 Internship Visa that The North-West Passage helped him with. He found the Internship Placement by himself.

How come you decided to do an internship in New York?

Because of my interdisciplinary background in Architecture and Interactive Design, New York is a great place to develop in the field of experience design. After several interviews, I have been offered an internship at the NYC office of the experience design firm, Tellart.

Where did you first hear about the possibility to do an internship in the U.S. on a J-1 Visa?
I heard it from Hyper Island’s program administrator as well as from a friend of mine that studied with me in Hyper Island and secured an internship in NYC as well. My friend had worked with The North-West Passage earlier and had an amazing experience.
Read more about the J-1 visa here.

What were your expectations for the U.S. internship and how did it differ?
I haven’t had many exceptions, I decided to enjoy it as I go and experience it to the fullest. One difference noticed was well, coming from Sweden, I discovered that the U.S is a bit behind with social matters, digital platforms and Internet connection. :) New York was better than expected, it always surprises me!

How has the internship been going so far? Describe your normal day?
 The internship has been great so far, I am still trying to get used to the super fast pace of working but I love it! Everyday is a bit different but even when I have to work on the same project for more than a week, the city keeps me inspired. There are so many things to discover everyday. 
 
What are the biggest learning's you take from the internship?
 Never give up on your dreams and never be afraid of taking initiatives that will take you closer to fulfill your dreams.  
 
Do you think it will give a competitive advantage when going back home?
Definitely. I think that working in U.S is a great opportunity for developing more skills in the most competitive work environments in the world. Doing a J1 visa internship in the U.S is a great a way to get a taste of working in the U.S without the need of having a working visa. 
  
What do you feel are the biggest differences between the U.S. and the Nordics?
The U.S is so big and NYC is an energy ball and a clash of so many cultures, that what makes it so exciting and vibrant. Sometimes I feel like I need to take a shower in order to take the energy of people off my body. Click here to read more about New York as an Internship City

Photo by Jörg Schubert