What's Happening?
Fiskars, a global consumer products organization with over 375 years of history, is seeking an Industrial Design Intern for Summer 2027 at its Middleton, Wisconsin location. This hybrid internship offers hands-on experience in bringing product ideas from
initial concepts to market. Interns will collaborate with experienced designers and cross-functional teams, engaging in various stages of the design process, including research, ideation, sketching, visualization, prototyping, and presentations. The role involves supporting trend exploration, concept development, creating visual concepts, assisting with mock-ups and prototypes, and preparing design presentations. Interns will also explore form, function, usability, ergonomics, and aesthetics, ensuring designs align with Fiskars' brand identity and user-centered approach. The internship provides mentorship, exposure to the full product design and development process, and opportunities to build a professional portfolio.
Why It's Important?
This internship is significant for several reasons. For aspiring industrial designers, it offers a crucial entry point into a global consumer products company, providing practical experience that is often difficult to obtain. The opportunity to work on real projects and contribute to product development within a well-established brand like Fiskars can significantly enhance an intern's portfolio and career prospects. For Fiskars, the program allows them to identify and nurture emerging talent, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into their product development pipeline. By investing in future designers, Fiskars can maintain its competitive edge in a dynamic consumer market, ensuring a continuous flow of thoughtfully designed products that meet evolving consumer needs and preferences. This initiative also reinforces the importance of industrial design in shaping user experience and product success.
What's Next?
The application process for the Summer 2027 Industrial Design Intern position is currently open. Prospective interns will need to submit a portfolio demonstrating their creativity, design thinking, and ability to develop ideas, along with foundational skills in sketching, visualization, and communication. Successful candidates will be selected to join the Fiskars team in Middleton, WI, for the summer term. During the internship, they will participate in design reviews, receive feedback, and contribute to a defined summer design project or challenge. Following the internship, participants will have gained valuable real-world experience and a deeper understanding of how design, consumers, brand, and business converge to create successful products, potentially leading to future career opportunities within Fiskars or the broader industrial design industry.
Beyond the Headlines
The Fiskars internship highlights a broader trend in the industrial design sector where companies are increasingly focusing on early talent acquisition and development. By offering structured internship programs, companies like Fiskars are not only filling immediate project needs but also cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals who understand their specific brand values and design philosophies. This approach helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands, ensuring that new graduates are better prepared for the complexities of product development in a globalized market. Furthermore, the emphasis on user-centered design and the integration of various design stages—from research to prototyping—underscores the holistic nature of modern industrial design, where aesthetics, functionality, and user experience are equally critical for product success and market differentiation.
