An internship isn’t just a line on a résumé; it’s often a student’s first real encounter with professional expectations, hierarchy, pressure, and possibility. But what actually makes that experience meaningful? In this Wise Advice article, academic leaders Gopal Meena, Mandar Kale, and Mathew Kurien move the conversation beyond paid versus unpaid to something deeper: how intentionally designed internship ecosystems, built on structure, mentorship, accountability, and fairness, can transform exposure into meaningful professional formation.

Gopal. For years, there has been a disconnect between what students learn in design school and the expectations of the design industry for new graduates. Although this issue receives a lot of attention, most educational institutions still struggle to bridge this gap.

Chitkara Design School emphasises industry-based teaching by involving design professionals who share practical skills. This ensures graduates have real-world abilities valued by employers.

We introduced 'Live Projects' to give students real-world exposure and added Design Jams and Hackathons with Sandbox engagements. These initiatives help students handle real-time tasks under tight deadlines, fostering solution thinking and teamwork.

Mandar. 

1. Mindset: Students move from a long-term, learning-focused academic environment to a short-term, output-focused professional one, like internships of 1 to 6 months. This shift can be eased through early, honest conversations and clear expectations starting in year one.

   Studio projects that simulate professional environments, like those in the Design Discovery Club at BITS DES, help students take ownership of their learning. Overly protective academic settings can limit engagement and lead to echo chambers and mismatched work approaches.

2. Operational: A student’s daily life differs significantly from that of a company, where restrictions, hierarchy, and processes can be overwhelming. Regular interactions with professionals in studios and companies can help students understand real-world challenges better.

3. Position and identity: A student is surrounded by colleagues and is used to being “on top of the food chain”, so to speak, especially in their senior years. This student has juniors coming for advice; they may be the heads of committees, etc. But in a company, he/she is suddenly at the bottom, at the beginning. This is a challenge as well, especially with newer generations.

Mathew. The assumption that students start internships with inflated expectations and little clarity is outdated. Today’s design students are more informed and self-aware. They research their preferred projects, studios, and related processes and cultures. Conversations with alumni, networking, and attending design events help build this awareness before internships. 

Institutions actively contribute to building clarity by offering platforms (within MITID) like Meraki and Oliofolio, where students can present their work, engage with industry professionals, and receive feedback. This helps students better understand studio expectations and responsibilities.

The concept of a “gap” in the Indian education system stems from past critiques when curricula lacked regular evaluation for relevance. Design education, rooted in the industrial revolution, addressed production, quality, and consumption. Today’s gaps are more complex than a simple academic versus industry divide.

Many students adapt quickly to studio environments, especially with well-designed onboarding systems. Interns often take responsibility early, contribute to projects, and engage confidently with clients. At institutions like MITID, professional exposure starts early, with learning occurring in “studios” rather than traditional “classrooms.” Teaching is process-driven through workshops and live briefs, and visiting faculty, often practising designers, bring current industry insights to academia. Most full-time faculty are also practising creatives.

Academic rigour can sometimes surpass professional practice, as the depth of exploration and critical reflection in creative academia is often more intense than what students face in studios. This contrast typically becomes clear after students complete multiple internships.