Graphic Design Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my summer internship, it was an amazing experience that give me achieve and insight into the creative industry and gain valuable work experience, that not only helped me prepare for future employment in the industry, but support my return to my university studies.

Magpie were very warm and friendly upon my arrival to the team and at once made me feel comfortable and supported. I was given my own working area and Mac and received plenty of guidance and help, as well as lots of tea!

I received constructive feedback and praise from the team, alongside learning how to balance work, taking initiative and developing a good working relationship with clients. Magpie were very supportive and enthusiastic, and working there over the summer really helped improve my eye for design and build my confidence as a designer.

The organisation and time management for each client set out by Magpie gave me a helpful timetable almost for me to complete my work. I never went without work each day, and the team made sure I was always kept busy but at a comfortable speed.

For some of my client work I ad to follow brand guidelines set out by Magpie, from previous client work they had created, but I was also given creative reign and responsibility to create my own designs and work for customers which helped build my confidence.

My digital skills on programmes such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator significantly improved, but I was also given guidance and help using Adobe Indesign, a programme which I had never used until I started my internship. I am now confident using this programme, and have gained a new skill to add to my CV which will give me an advantage for when I apply for internships during my year in industry.

The office was the perfect working environment: not too quiet or strict, but not too loud or distracting. Regular tea rounds, engaging design talk and conversation as well as my own working area with desk and Mac. I was also sat with all of the design team which made it easier for me to receive feedback and show them my work as well as have an insight into how they worked too.

I was given a contract sent through the University and Magpie before I had started my internship, which outlined all of the key placement information and helped inform me about my work load, rate of pay and hours.

Magpie helped me develop my skills on a range of digital programmes, and support and guidance was always offered to me when I was unsure about my work.

As a result of my summer internship I now have a part-time job where I work 8 hours a week at Magpie, where I can return to work and resume my role as a designer outside of my university studies. It gives me the perfect break from my university course and also has enabled me to balance my work loads and improve my time management.

There were lots of tea rounds and end of week celebratory drinks, as well as a Magpie Visions Day, where we all left the office and socialised, reflected on Magpie's success stories, and bonded as a team. We also went out for bowling one night and had some drinks afterwards and a meal which was good fun! I've made a lot of friends too!

I was already renting at my student house in Leeds with my friends so I didn't need to worry about travel expenses or cost of living increasing. I managed to balance my money, and the pay I received from my previous summer job, as well as my Magpie internship, helped support my cost of living and socialising.

I managed to discover a lot of new bars and restaurants when I went out during the Magpie Vision day which was a bonus! Members of the team also recommended new places for me to explore as well as discussing places they had been out to.

There was a good social scene amongst the team which provided a chance for us to leave the office and socialise.