From Campus Design to IBM: Emmy Chen’s Creative Journey

Published: June 2, 2026

When Emmy Chen worked as a Creative Student Associate with Healthyhorns, she learned that good design is about more than aesthetics. It’s about helping people feel supported, welcomed and understood.

Now, she’s taking those lessons with her to IBM as a Visual Design Intern with Blue Studio, IBM’s in-house creative team responsible for shaping the company’s brand across digital, print, social media, video, events and more.

A rising senior majoring in design and advertising with a business minor, Chen said the internship has given her valuable exposure to many different types of creative work and collaboration.

“It’s a really exciting place to be because the work spans nearly every category of output,” Chen said. “I’m getting exposure to many different types of creative work and learning from designers with a wide range of experience.”

Originally from Cedar Hill, Texas, Chen said she has always been drawn to creative work, especially print design and branding.

At Healthyhorns, Chen designed creative materials that helped guide students through their healthcare experience on campus. Her work included projects such as ID badges for clinical staff and signage throughout University Health Services and other health and well-being spaces.

“This role gave me a strong foundation in what it means to design with purpose,” Chen said. “It taught me that design can make spaces feel more accessible and less intimidating for students.”

That experience also helped prepare her for the collaborative and fast-paced environment at IBM. Through her student role, Chen learned how to work within an established brand system, accept creative feedback and design for a real audience.

Daulton said Chen balanced her day-to-day responsibilities with Healthyhorns while also thriving as a designer and coordinator for a student-run magazine.

“I am so excited to see what Emmy accomplishes in her design journey,” Daulton said. “She will go far.”

One of the most valuable lessons Chen gained was how to approach critique.

“Working at Healthyhorns taught me that feedback is direction, not rejection,” Chen said. “I learned to actively listen, ask questions and turn critique into a catalyst for better work rather than a reason to doubt myself.”

Chen said those skills have already proven valuable during her internship, where teamwork, collaboration and iteration are central to the creative process.

This summer, she is especially looking forward to building connections with mentors and fellow interns while gaining a new perspective on the design industry.

“We’re all at a similar point in our career journeys, figuring things out together,” Chen said. “I have a feeling these relationships will last beyond this summer.”

This coming academic year, Chen will serve as editor-in-chief of SPARK Magazine, a student-run editorial print publication at UT Austin, while also completing capstone projects for both of her majors.

After graduation, she hopes to continue working in the design field, particularly in beauty, fashion or tech, while continuing freelance and personal creative projects.

“I love all things print,” Chen said. “I hope to continue making books and posters that everyone can enjoy.”

For students considering internships or creative opportunities, Chen’s advice is simple: apply, even if you don’t feel fully qualified.

“For the longest time, I talked myself out of opportunities before I even tried,” Chen said. “Imposter syndrome is real, and it almost kept me from applying to some of the best opportunities I’ve had.”

She encourages students to start building portfolios early, seek out on-campus experiences and advocate for themselves.

“The odds are more in your favor than you think,” Chen said. “Most people never apply, so show up and give yourself the chance.”