Creative Business Internships: Merging classroom wisdom with real-world creativity

Welcome to the gateway of possibilities! Creative Business Internships offer a thrilling chance to dive into hands-on work experiences within businesses crafted by UAL graduates. Today, we’re thrilled to share Zeynep Ozden's journey as a recent graduate of BA Graphic Communication Design at Central Saint Martins, who embarked on a transformative internship at Nooh studio, a creative agency, last year through this exceptional programme.

How has doing the internship helped to develop your skills?

It's been a rollercoaster of growth – real-life briefs, genuine client meetings, and a fascinating peek into the industry that's unlike anything I experienced in university. From corporate design to social media, website designing, and creating assets – I've not just learned but practically applied my skills in the dynamic setting of a studio.

Has the internship given you more confidence to set up your own business or work for yourself in the future?

Prepare to be amazed! This experience taught me to never underestimate the effort needed to kickstart a studio or business. It's been an enlightening journey into effective client communication, cultivating empathy, and mastering the art of team management. Being organized and learning essential tools have become my secret weapons.

What were the barriers to internships before you saw this opportunity?

Breaking barriers is our thing! High application quantities and the demand for prior experience used to be roadblocks. But guess what? This program is a game-changer – no prior experience required, making it a warm welcome for students about to graduate from UAL.

Has anything surprised you about your experience?

Picture this: meeting peers from my course at the studio – unexpected and incredibly enriching. It's a vivid reminder of the collaborative and interconnected nature of the creative industry, where creatives often cross paths, creating unexpected connections.

Do you think this might help you grow your confidence?

Cue the confidence boost! Voicing my skills to future employers has become a breeze. Whether in interviews or scrolling through job listings, I confidently remind myself, ' Zeynep, you can do this.' It's not just empowering – it's a confirmation that I'm ready to take on anything.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying next year?

Don't hesitate; dive in! You've got this, and you've got experience. Now, take it to a different face and a different studio. Trust me, everyone is fantastic, so be confidently you.

Eager to embark on your Creative Business Internship adventure? In 2024, the journey unfolds with two internship periods: June - July and September - October. Brace yourselves – applications for the Summer 2024 programme open on March 4, 2024, and for the Autumn 2024 programme, they open in late May/ early June 2024. Discover more about the application process on our website.

These roles will be live on UAL’s jobs board, Creative Opportunities. If you are looking for opportunities to gain experience to start your career, why not check it out? Run by Careers and Employability, it is the go-to hub for creative students and graduates. You can find jobs, paid internships, competitions, and volunteering roles. If you are studying an art, design, communications, or a performance course or have recently graduated, then this is the place for you! Our goal is to help you achieve your ambitions and make a living doing what you love.