My Lucky Day
Posted by: Alyssa Ackerman
It was my lucky day. As I sat in the hallway of the University of Michigan School of Art & Design between classes, I discovered a friendly message reminding me of the interview I had a little over a week ago. The e-mail congratulated me on receiving the internship position at Q LTD! This was unexpected, for I had become discouraged after discovering my competition was many. Trying to attract as little attention as possible, I smiled widely, jumped around minimally, and did all I could to maintain an “indoor voice” while I celebrated a sort of personal victory. An overwhelming feeling of disbelief and relief settled in as I calmed down in order to email Jocelyn back assuring her that yes, I still wanted the job!
I had already done a fair share of company “stalking” previous to my interview. I had read through the company’s blog, trying to better understand the minds and personalities I would be working with. I studied up on the biographies, and could immediately feel a sense of environmental stewardship and a down to earth mentality amongst the Q crew. I had looked into the company’s portfolio, and was impressed by the quality and the breadth of their work.
I curiously awaited my first day of work.
It began, and already I find myself more than half way done with the semester long internship! Since my first day, where I was shown around the office and introduced to everyone I had read about on the website, I have been exposed to all sorts of projects, processes, and techniques Q is known for. I have collaborated on an array of projects varying in scope and time line. From strict guidelines for certain client designs to wildly creative and free design projects, I have experienced a large spectrum of work. I even was able to go to University Lithoprinters to see a press check and get a tour of their facility and printing presses which was incredibly impressive and informative.
I have been lucky enough to intern on Thursdays and participate in the office travel logs, a weekly gathering, presentation, and conversation over lunch covering the various travels those at Q have experienced. I also took part in the company’s “Q Old World meets New” events, where designers Thilo and Laurenz visited Ann Arbor for the first time all the way from Wiesbaden, Germany! An array of exciting events followed their arrival, and from the looks of things, a lot of people had a really great time. The cocktail party and company retreat lured Rie and Todd back to Ann Arbor from their sunny homes in California, and I met a number of Q’s clients, and family members in attendance.
Outside of Q, I spend nearly all my time on my senior thesis, which I call SPOKEnSPOON. A business delivering local, organic, healthy lunches to urban offices during the lunch hour by bike. I spend early Friday mornings volunteering at Selma café, and every Saturday at the Farmer’s Market. I cook often, ferment my own tea (Kombucha), run, and dream/plan my next adventures abroad! More on my portfolio site here.
