My Experience at Epic Web Studios: A High School Junior's Journey into Professional Web Design
Written by Audrey Hunter, McDowell High School Intern
When I first walked into Epic Web Studios, I had no idea what to expect from my first professional internship. As a high school junior with basic computer skills and a growing interest in design, I was both excited and nervous about working in a real creative agency. About three months later, I can confidently say this experience has completely changed how I think about careers, creativity, and the role of technology in modern work.
What It's Really Like Working at Epic Web Studios
The atmosphere at Epic Web Studios is nothing like the corporate offices you see in movies. It's a dynamic, collaborative space where creativity meets strategy. From day one, I was treated as a valuable team member rather than just an intern completing nonsense tasks.
What struck me most was the balance between structure and flexibility. While they had clear deadlines and client expectations to meet, there was always room for creative input and innovation. The studio buzzed with energy as designers, developers, and strategists worked together to solve complex problems for clients ranging from local startups to established businesses looking to refresh their digital presence.
The mentorship culture here is incredible. Team members regularly check in, provide feedback, and share industry insights that you simply can't get from textbooks or online tutorials. I learned that professional creativity isn't just about having good ideas-it's about communicating them effectively, understanding client needs, and executing them within real-world constraints.
Skills That Changed My Perspective
Before this internship, I thought AI was just a buzzword. Working at Epic Web Studios showed me how AI tools like Claude AI and ChatGPT are revolutionizing creative work. I learned to use these tools not as replacements for human creativity, but as powerful collaborators that can enhance brainstorming, streamline content creation, and help solve complex design challenges.
Content writing became another unexpected strength. I discovered that effective web copy isn't just about good grammar-it's about understanding user psychology, SEO principles, and brand voice. Writing product descriptions, blog posts, and website copy taught me how words and design work together to create compelling user experiences.
Perhaps most importantly, I learned project management and client communication skills. I learned to take constructive feedback and understood the iterative nature of professional design work.
How This Differs from School Learning
The contrast between classroom learning and professional work is striking. In school, assignments have artificial deadlines and hypothetical audiences. At Epic Web Studios, every project has real stakes, real clients, and real impact on businesses.
The pace is faster and more dynamic. In school, you might spend weeks perfecting a single project. In the professional world, you're working on multiple projects simultaneously, each at different stages of development. This taught me prioritization skills and how to context-switch effectively between different types of creative work.
Feedback in the professional world is immediate. Instead of waiting weeks for a grade, I received real-time input from team members.. This accelerated my learning curve dramatically because I could implement suggestions immediately and see the results.
The tools and technologies used professionally are also more advanced. While school computer labs might have outdated software, Epic Web Studios uses cutting-edge tools and platforms that reflect current industry standards. Learning on professional-grade equipment and software gave me skills that are immediately applicable in the job market.
Surprising Discoveries About Professional Creative Work
One of my biggest surprises was how collaborative creative work actually is. In school, most projects are individual efforts. At Epic Web Studios, every project is a team effort involving designers, developers, strategists, and client liaisons. I learned that the best creative solutions emerge from diverse perspectives working together.
The role of research and strategy in creative work was eye-opening. I assumed creative agencies just made things look pretty, but I discovered that every design decision is backed by research, user testing, and strategic thinking. Understanding target audiences, market positioning, and business goals became as important as color choices and font selection.
I was amazed by how much problem-solving is involved in creative work. Whether it's figuring out how to make a design work across different screen sizes, optimizing load times without compromising visual impact, or finding creative solutions, every day presented new challenges that required both creative and analytical thinking.
The integration of AI tools into creative workflows was perhaps the most surprising discovery. Rather than replacing human creativity, AI tools amplified our capabilities. I learned to prompt AI effectively for brainstorming and leverage it for content optimization while maintaining the human insight and emotional intelligence that clients value.
Advice for Fellow High School Students
If you're considering an internship in web design, tech, or digital media, here's what I wish I had known:
Start building a portfolio now. Even simple projects you create for fun can demonstrate your interests and potential. Don't wait until you think you're "good enough"-growth is what employers want to see.
Learn to communicate your ideas clearly. Technical skills are important, but being able to explain your thinking, take feedback gracefully, and collaborate effectively is equally valuable.
Embrace AI tools early. Don't fear them-learn to use them effectively. Understanding how to prompt AI systems and integrate their outputs into creative workflows is becoming an essential skill.
Be curious about the business side. Understanding client needs, project constraints, and business objectives will make you a more valuable team member and help you create more effective solutions.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Professional teams expect interns to need guidance. Asking thoughtful questions shows engagement and helps you learn faster.
Network authentically. Build genuine relationships with your colleagues. The connections you make during internships often become valuable professional relationships throughout your career.
Looking Forward
My experience at Epic Web Studios has confirmed that I want to pursue a career in digital design and strategy. More importantly, it's shown me that the creative industry is evolving rapidly, and staying adaptable and curious is key to gain long-term success.
The integration of AI tools, the emphasis on user experience, and the collaborative nature of modern creative work have all shaped my understanding of what it means to be a creative professional in 2025. I'm excited to continue building on the foundation this internship has provided and to see where this journey takes me.
For any high school students reading this: take the leap and apply for internships in fields that interest you. The real-world experience and professional relationships you'll build are valuable, and you might discover career paths you never knew existed.
Epic Web Studios offers internship opportunities for motivated high school and college students interested in web design, digital marketing, and creative strategy. If you're interested in learning more about our internship program, contact us today.
