Creative Internships

Creative internships have long been a way to break into industries like music, photography, and the arts. In these career paths it is usually looked on very favourably if you have been willing to go and learn the trade by spending a period of time as an intern.

Benefits of Creative Internships

There are many benefits to doing a creative internship. The main one is that you will learn so much in such a short space of time. You will be working with people who have been in the industry for years and they will be more than happy to share their knowledge with you. You will also get an idea of what it’s actually like to work in the creative industry. This is really important as it can help you decide if this is the right career for you.

Why do Creative Industries Use Internships?

The creative industries such as art and design use internships a lot because they are a great way to find new talent. By giving someone an opportunity to come and learn about the industry, you are increasing the chances of them joining your company or team in the future. It can also be a way to test someone out to see if they are a good fit for the company.

Are Internships Paid?

There is a lot of debate as to whether internships should be paid or not. Generally speaking, creative internships are unpaid. The thinking behind this is that the company or organisation offering the internship gets labour for free and in return, the intern gains valuable experience in their chosen field.

How Long Are Internships?

Internships can last for anything from a few weeks to a few months. It really depends on the company and what they are looking for. Some internships may even lead to a job offer at the end of it.

A lot of internships are creative summer internships, designed to be a way for people studying at university to make use of their free months in the summer.

Examples of Creative Internships

To find the ideal opportunities for you, it might require some research into local companies, and aligning the internship opportunities with your ambitions.

The types of creative companies offering internships include:

• TV production companies. They have a constant need for researchers and runners.
• Advertising agencies. They are always on the lookout for creative minds to help with brainstorming sessions and coming up with new ideas.
• Fashion houses. These usually take on interns to help with things like fashion shows and photoshoots.
• Art galleries. If you’re interested in a career in art dealing or curation, then an art gallery is a great place to look for an internship.
• Music companies. If you’re looking to work in the music industry, then interning at a record label or music publishing company is a good idea. Spotify is one big music company that has a famous internship scheme.

As you can see, there are many opportunities for creative interns out there. So if you’re interested in working in the creative career path, it is worth applying.

Finding Creative Internships

You can apply for internships directly by contacting companies and asking if they are interested in taking on an intern. Those with established internship schemes are more likely to be responsive. Our internship jobs board is a great way to find companies already offering these schemes and the opportunity to gain valuable experience.