Shelby, Class of 2020, is studying interior design at the university of Georgia

Q: How would you describe the culture at Hutker?

A: I would say the culture is very inviting and very individualistic. There is a lot of creative freedom at Hutker. It’s a good environment to learn and grow because there are a lot of people in different stages of their career who have come from different paths to get here, so I think its been beneficial to see all the different people and all of the different work.

Q: How did you find this internship and why did you choose Hutker?

A: I found this internship online and had never been to Cape Cod and it sounded really appealing. I chose Hutker because I was torn between commercial and residential work and I think it’s a more rare opportunity to find a high end commercial firm in a place as beautiful as this where you can actually go and see all the projects you are working on. So, I chose Hutker because I wanted to be able to see the projects from beginning to end.

Q: How did this internship match your expectations?

A: I was nervous going into this internship for obvious reasons, but it exceeded my expectations. Being an intern at Hutker you aren’t just doing menial tasks like going on coffee runs. I’m doing meaningful design work and can really see and experience how people collaborate and how the overall firm works cohesively.

Q: What’s the greatest challenge you’ve faced while interning?

A: I think just being able to not take the criticism on your work personally. Although your creativity is an extension of yourself, this industry changes so frequently. Guidelines change and clients needs change, so learning to be flexible and allow your work to progress organically through those changes is really important.

Q: Based on your experience what do you think it takes to be successful at HA?

A: I think you need to be communicative and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. People are willing to work off those, but you need to be up front with what you want to do and your intentions.

Q: Do you feel more prepared to enter the field of design after spending your internship with Hutker?

A: Yeah, I do, obviously I learn a lot in school but there’s only so much school can teach you. Internships are great because you get that hands-on experience that they can’t teach you in school. I do feel more prepared just from being able to see full scope projects and see how a firm works and functions.

Q: What’s your favorite part about living on Cape Cod?

A: I like living on the Cape because even though I work at the Vineyard office, I can easily go back and forth between the two. I can go to the Vineyard whenever I like but I also have the flexibility to travel the rest of New England. My family is from out West, so I’ve never been up here and I feel like I’ve been able to see a lot that I otherwise wouldn’t have had exposure to.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do during your time off?

A: I like to go explore and see all the beautiful landscapes here. I also hang out with my fellow intern friends. Just being able to go around New England and explore the Vineyard and see everything I can in the short amount of time that I’m here.

Q: If you were to give an incoming HA intern any advice, what would it be?

A: My biggest piece of advice would be to find housing early, especially if you’re living on the Vineyard. I would also say don’t be scared or intimidated and come in with confidence. You should play off your strengths and weaknesses and just be up front with people you’re working with and communicate if you have and questions or doubts because people appreciate you coming to them for help.