A Day in the Life of UDig’s 2026 Interns
Ever wondered what a day in the life of our interns is like? This series will give you all the details! Our “Day in the Life” subjects are UDig’s interns across three practice areas: Renni Zeng and Grace Liu, our design interns; Jai Gupta and Cayden Bird, our engineering interns; and Eva Gardner, our client services intern. Here’s what a typical day looks like for all five of them.
The Project
This summer, our interns are working with a Fortune 500 distributor. The project centers on building reporting features for a counter sales software used by store associates when helping customers build carts and select products. The new features give associates a way to flag issues with product details directly at the counter through an automated pipeline, making it faster and easier to surface errors and improve the customer experience.
Across the intern team, each practice plays a distinct role in the project. Grace and Renni are designing the user experience and interface, so Jai and Cayden can build out the backend software. Eva serves as the connector, managing communication between the client and the team, tracking progress, and making sure ideas make it from the team to the client.
Morning
GZ: I’m a last-minute login, honestly. I make a simple breakfast, check my tasks, and start thinking about what I want to tackle in stand-up. I work from home in Atlanta, so I’ll often head to a coffee shop to change up the scenery and get into a good headspace early.
RZ: It depends on the day. Wednesdays tend to be when things ramp up, so I push to get designs done and make the most of that productive stretch. I’m in Richmond and work in the office, but I’ve been shifting to a more hybrid schedule. The interns have flexibility, which has been really nice.
JG: I get up about 20 minutes before stand-up. I normally take a three-minute walk outside, drink a glass of water, and I’m ready. I work from home in Illinois.
CB: I’m usually up at 7 a.m. I’ll hit the gym or go for a run, grab an energy drink, shower, and head in. I split time between the Richmond office and working from home in DC. I like to go to the Georgetown library when I’m working remotely.
EG: I’m definitely an early riser. I wake up, exercise, make coffee and breakfast, and head into the office. I like to take a few minutes before stand-up to understand where everything stands before the day kicks off.
All five of us start the day with a morning stand-up with our mentors, where we go over what everyone’s working on, review progress from the day before, and figure out what’s next. It keeps us aligned across practices and gives everyone a chance to ask questions or flag anything before diving in.
Lunch Time
GZ: I grab a quick bowl and use that time to relax and get some fresh air. Lunch is a reset for me.
RZ: I fully disconnect and take a real break.
CB: Sweetgreen, Chipotle, or Taste. I technically disconnect at lunch, but I always keep my laptop nearby in case someone Slacks me. I like to respond quickly.
EG: I either go out to lunch with the other interns or head home to eat leftovers or make something. Either way, I try to disconnect and go for a walk before jumping back in.
What is the most surprising thing about this internship and working in consulting?
GZ: The biggest surprise for me was realizing how small a portion of the work is actually making prototypes. Most of what we do is communication, meetings, and staying focused on user and client impact. It’s about presenting your work in a way that’s persuasive and speaks to what the client actually needs.
RZ: I was surprised by how much coordination happens across departments, both within UDig and on the client side. You’re not just working with one team but each moving part of the project.
CB: Something that surprised me was how many iterations the project goes through. Additionally, the tools and procedures aren’t as rigid as I expected.
JG: I didn’t expect the level of ownership. There’s little to no micromanagement. You’re expected to give your opinion, build your part, and take real responsibility for your feature.
EG: I expected consulting to feel more structured and predictable. The pace and the number of moving pieces was an adjustment. Learning to navigate all of that while still communicating clearly has been the biggest challenge.
Afternoon
GZ: Once the meetings are done, I can really get into a groove with the actual design work. It’s easier to sit down and really get into the bulk of the work.
RZ: My best stretch is actually in the morning, between stand-up and lunch. In the afternoon, it’s a mix of meetings, individual work, and time to reflect. I like having that balance throughout the day.
CB: I push hard from about 2 to 4, getting everything wrapped up before 5. Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be heavy meeting days, so I don’t get as much individual work done.
JG: Same as Cayden, the afternoons on lighter meeting days are where I get the most done.
EG: Like Renni, I’m most productive in that morning window between stand-up and lunch. Most of my afternoon is spent collaborating and in meetings, with the rest of the time pretty evenly split.
What is the most valuable skill you’ve learned so far?
GZ: Asking the right questions to the right people. Learning to communicate intentionally so you’re not over- or under-promising and making sure your recommendations land.
RZ: Developing a proactive mindset. You can’t wait for things to come to you. You have to anticipate what’s needed and move on it.
CB: Documentation. Knowing that you’re handing this project off means everything has to be written down clearly enough for someone brand new to pick it up and run with it. That discipline has been more valuable than I expected.
JG: Owning your own path. From day one, it’s been clear that it’s up to you to give your opinion, build what you think is right, and take ownership of your feature. That autonomy has pushed me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise.
EG: Communication and taking initiative. You have to speak up and move things forward even when you’re the most junior person in the room.
After Work
GZ: I’ve been going to the gym and recently got into playing pool – still learning, but it’s a good time. Most evenings I’ll cook dinner or bake something. I like winding down in the kitchen.
RZ: I go to the gym most days and have started doing yoga, which has been a nice addition. I’ve also been cooking more and just focusing on getting good sleep.
CB: Golf, basketball, tennis. Weekends are for trips; I just got back from Houston and already have trips booked.
EG: I’ll go to a workout class or find some way to get moving, then usually walk with friends or have dinner with family. My favorite Richmond dessert spots are Scoop or Sweet Frog.
Final Thoughts
“What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a student thinking about applying to intern at UDig?”
GZ: Everyone here is trying to help you succeed, even when there’s a lot of independent work. The support comes from all directions, and as a designer, the impact you make is actually seen and appreciated. That’s not something you find everywhere.
RZ: It’s rare to find a company with a fully supported design team — one that does both creation and research. If design is your thing, UDig is the place.
CB: Apply, and have a good story. Know yourself and be clear on why you want to be here. Speak to your strengths, ask good questions, and take the time to really understand the company before you walk through the door.
EG: Definitely apply. It’s a welcoming, fun environment and everyone you meet loves what they do. The encouragement is genuine, and the people here want you to grow.