Ready to explore what’s possible? Creative Business Internships give you the chance to gain real, hands-on experience with businesses built by UAL graduates. It’s your opportunity to learn directly from people who’ve turned their creative ideas into thriving ventures.
We usually hear from our interns — but this time, we’re switching things up. We’re excited to share Thea Hyde’s story as a UAL graduate and business owner who welcomed our interns into her company through this fantastic programme.
How have you found the experience?
I’ve found the Creative Business Internship experience genuinely rewarding. I strongly believe in paying forward the support and opportunities others have given me, particularly in an industry that can feel quite opaque when you’re starting out. There’s often very little visibility into how careers actually work after graduating, what the next steps might look like, or who you can speak to for honest guidance. This programme helps bridge that gap in a meaningful way.
I also think it’s incredibly important that the internships are paid. I interned whilst I was at university, mine weren't paid, and to juggle living in London whilst taking unpaid experience is a struggle for sure. That alone makes this a powerful and progressive initiative. It shows real respect for creative labour and allows students from different backgrounds to participate without financial barriers.
What have the benefits been for your business?
From a business perspective, the programme makes it possible for small studios like mine to bring on support in a sustainable way, with costs covered by UAL. That creates a genuine win-win: students gain hands-on experience, and founders are able to dedicate proper time to mentoring rather than treating interns as extra hands.
Beyond that, having someone learning within the business naturally slows things down in a positive way. It encourages reflection, trust in process, and clarity in communication. It’s also made me more conscious of my role as a leader - how I explain decisions, how I support others, and where I can continue to improve.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying next year?
I’d say it’s a fantastic opportunity to work directly with UAL graduates who are building real businesses, and to gain first-hand insight into what that actually looks like day to day. You’re supported by a programme that’s been thoughtfully structured, with hosts who genuinely want to mentor and help you grow, not just assign administrative tasks.
The purpose of an internship should always be learning, growth, and mutual benefit, and I think this programme does that exceptionally well. It’s a meaningful, paid stepping stone into your career, and a chance to gain clarity, confidence, and real-world experience early on.
Eager to embark on your Creative Business Internship adventure? Discover more here. 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.