Learning from live client projects and paying a living wage: how UnitedUs approach internships

When we asked UnitedUs to tell us about their approach to internships, it quickly became clear that engaging and supporting new designers is something the Brighton-based brand agency are incredibly passionate about. “Internships are a responsibility we take incredibly seriously at UnitedUs,” Luke Taylor tells us; forming an excellent learning opportunity for both parties, which is echoed in their enthusiastic and proactive approach. 

“Internships should be creatively and culturally educational for the individuals who apply to be a part of UnitedUs,” the Co-founder & Creative Partner continues. Once a placement is confirmed, their role is tailored to suit them. This ensures that the internship is challenging and – interns feel encouraged to apply their university training in a professional environment, which in turn boosts their progression and confidence. It can be a formative experience for all. “We recently had a UX/UI intern who joined us after fleeing Ukraine and had limited English language skills at the outset,” Taylor explains, “but seeing her progress during the internship and willingness to push herself to learn and champion her work was inspirational to us all.”   

Our world is ever-changing, the role of the intern and the director isn’t dissimilar.

To help the interns progress as much as possible within their limited time at the agency, UnitedUs factor live projects into their proposed framework. “It’s vital they understand the realities of client engagement,” Taylor emphasises, “and the challenges client feedback provides to their workflow, whilst also learning to see the benefit client input has on creative work.” As such, UnitedUs want everybody to feel integrated into studio life and therefore treat interns the same as any other member of the creative team. “People who work in the creative industries should always be learning on the go, our world is ever-changing, and in that regard, the role of the intern and the director isn’t dissimilar; only the responsibility of expectation differs.” 

Based on UnitedUs’ experiences of hosting interns, they can vouch for the benefits – not only in favour of the intern themselves but also for the creative team as a whole. Being a new voice in the room, interns can introduce new ideas and viewpoints to conversations. This, according to Taylor, “is vital in our ability to build brands that connect to a wide demographic of audiences, whilst providing our team members with the opportunity and time to verbalise their knowledge to a receptive audience.” By fostering a supportive and motivating environment, UnitedUs are actively encouraging interns to express themselves openly and provide their thoughts and opinions to projects. In return, the team hopes to provide plenty of feedback on their end, too.

The Brighton-based agency are highly selective about who they take on as an intern, treating the application process and the role itself like any other position. “As a studio of highly skilled creatives the addition of a new person has to be carefully considered,” Taylor adds, “as it affects the culture balance which we work hard to foster. Therefore, the selection of the intern candidate is a crucial consideration for us as a partner group.”