Gaining the confidence to take on challenges | Jamal, Leith Intern

Jamal, Leith Intern

Initially, I was apprehensive about diving into the typical 9-5 work life. The thought of being constantly immersed in a fast-paced environment with various deadlines and responsibilities was daunting. However, my fears were quickly alleviated by the welcoming atmosphere and the supportive culture that embraced me from day one as an UNLOCKED intern at Leith Agency. The team’s warmth and inclusivity helped me seamlessly fit into the work dynamic, making the transition smoother than I had anticipated. This welcoming environment allowed me to understand how to adjust to a proactive workplace culture and manage the various projects that came my way.

At first, I was quite anxious about starting, unsure of how I would cope with the demands and expectations of a professional setting. However, the Leith team, with their collaborative spirit and friendliness, made me feel immediately comfortable and valued as part of their team. I had the opportunity to work closely with senior and head designers, which was invaluable in helping me understand both the internal briefs set for me and the live projects we were handling for clients. 

Being mentored by experienced professionals gave me the confidence to take on challenges and learn on the job. Working on both internal projects and live client briefs provided me with deep insights, practical knowledge, and firsthand experience of how an agency operates. It was particularly beneficial to work across various departments to complete these briefs, as it offered a holistic view of the agency's workflow. I collaborated closely with art-workers, copywriters, strategists, and the social media team to complete the assigned projects. This cross-departmental cooperation was crucial in ensuring that all projects were delivered to a high standard and that the client’s vision was accurately represented.

This collaborative process was facilitated by regular communication and structured planning. We scheduled weekly in-person meetings to discuss our progress, address any roadblocks, and stimulate creative ideas. Simultaneously, we maintained continuous communication throughout the week via Microsoft Teams to manage ongoing tasks, provide updates, and seek feedback. This blend of face-to-face and digital communication ensured that everyone remained on the same page and that any issues were promptly addressed.

I was particularly satisfied with how my work was received. The feedback process was constructive and focused on growth. I was always encouraged to incorporate suggestions made by senior and head designers to enhance the quality of my work. This iterative process of receiving feedback, making adjustments, and refining my approach helped me improve my design skills and align more closely with the agency’s creative vision.

Upon reflecting on my time at Leith, I realise how valuable this experience was for my professional development. It allowed me to gain real industry exposure by working on live client briefs and being part of a team that was committed to delivering high-quality creative work. The experience of working across departments, receiving detailed feedback, and collaborating closely with professionals from different areas of expertise significantly contributed to my growth, both as a designer and as a team player.

Overall, this experience has allowed me to refine my approach to creative problem-solving and to better understand the dynamics of working within a creative agency. I am more confident in my ability to manage projects, adapt to different working styles, and contribute effectively to a team. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in such a supportive environment, and I look forward to applying these lessons to future roles.