Hey! I’m Rachel, and I am a Cinci Sophmore studying Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati, DAAP. My co-op here with Hasbro as a product designer has been my very first step into the world of professional design. Needless to say, I have loved every minute of it!

Walking into Hasbro on my very first day was such an exciting moment. I genuinely could not believe that I was going to be able to design things that bring so much happiness to so many people around the world. Writing this now, I am still amazed that I get to be a part of that. I knew that my experience here would be great, but I never imagined that I would experience so much joy and fulfillment in just a few short months at a co-op.

My daily life here consists of a lot of digital sketching, brainstorming, and big-picture thinking. My department has had the opportunity to work on brands that are new to Hasbro and brands that are currently being refreshed, which means that the ideation has been almost endless since I have been here.

That being said, one of the biggest challenges that I have faced so far has been teaching myself to sketch as quickly as my mind can think. As I am ideating for a concept that I have been given, I am thinking of a hundred different ideas for what that concept could look like, but my hand just doesn’t work that fast (– yet!).

I have grown so much since starting this journey with Hasbro. Not only have I learned how to portray my designs more clearly and beautifully, I have also learned how to contribute to a team and work alongside others to reach one ultimate goal. I have learned so much from my manager and the way that she leads, and I hope to someday mentor others in the way that she has mentored me.

If you are a future intern or co-op reading this, my only advice is to come excited for the work that you are about to do! Passion and imagination are the things that really make a project work, so come with both of them ready. Think outside of the box, dream big, and most importantly, have fun – because if you have fun, then the people who get to experience your work will have fun too. :)

Rachel Dudley – Product Designer, Strategic Brands

University of Cincinnati, DAAP