Vantaggi
It's now been a week that I'm working with Allure Systems as a UX Designer and User Researcher, and it's been thrilling! Having the opportunity to work with a small team of friendly professionals was exactly what I was looking for. I've had the chance to express my opinions on projects, contribute to cross-team discussions, and grab lunch with both the CTO and COO (the CEO is based in the USA while I'm working in France)! Additionally, I've had the chance to work directly with developers without going through a middle man, and that, as a designer, is extremely satisfying. It's as though any hierarchical stigma usually found in European companies was thrown out the window. I'm looking forward to continuing the rest of my internship!
Svantaggi
This applies to me specifically, or any other UX Designer looking to work here in the near future. Also, it can be seen as both an advantage and a disadvantage. Thing is, there aren't any other UX Designers or people with that knowledge to guide me and teach me things as I go. Although at first, it was a little unfortunate seeing my current position as a university student, it's also been great to get me on my toes, apply what I already know, and stay hungry to learn more independently. Although it is mostly by trial and error, I've also been given the opportunity to practice demonstrating and proving the return on investment of user research and design thinking. See it as you wish. Again, it has its advantages depending on what kind of person you are.