I had just finished my 3rd year at Glasgow Caledonian University studying Digital Design and was looking forward to the summer holidays. But I also knew I wanted to stay busy designing and expanding my skill set. I found out about the UNLOCKED programme through the socials of one of the partners of the internship, as I had been working with one of them for a project at university.

However, when I originally applied it was for the PR intern role and with a background in all things design, this meant I had little experience in the world of PR. Soon enough I had been told I was selected for an interview, but due to my passions and interests, I knew that a design role would be more beneficial for me. However, I was contacted after a few weeks and made aware that an intern position had opened in the studio and design team at John Doe and I was so excited to hear the news.

I was so nervous to start, the morning of my first day I remember some doubts coming into my mind about my abilities and creativity but honestly, I had no reason to be nervous, as I stepped into the door those worries subsided as I was getting to know the team at John Doe. I was greeted with such a warm welcome; I was introduced to everyone at John Doe and given a rundown of each team member and the important roles they have in creating this amazing agency.

Projects / Time Spent

Once I was all set up, I was given some design jobs in my first week to get me started. The studio and design team very kindly held a workshop for me, focusing on tips and techniques on how to use Photoshop more efficiently whilst showing me the work they had been doing and what tools they used to create certain effects and designs. This was greatly beneficial for me to see the 'behind the scenes' of the designing process, as well as a deeper understanding of how to use Adobe Photoshop. I was shown decks / presentation slides for different projects so that I could understand how and what to include in my future projects. This was great to be a part of as I could implement everything I was learning into my university projects for 4th year and beyond.

During my second week, I was given a brief of my own to complete during the rest of my time at John Doe. I was allowed full creative freedom to experiment with my ideas. This creative brief was geared towards my main interest in design: brand design.

I was asked what my key interests were in the design field; over the summer I had been completing some personal projects that were based on brand design, and I thought it would be a great idea to continue my learning during my time at John Doe. I was not only doing something I enjoyed but now I was able to get feedback and tips from people in the design industry who had never seen my work before. Before I knew it, I was already well on my way to constructing my initial ideas for this project.

I was given so much support throughout the entire design process but still was able to make my own choices when it came to the design direction. I was always encouraged to ask questions and never be afraid if I needed help on anything.

The highlight of my time was once I had completed the branding project, I had the opportunity to present my work to the studio and design team at John Doe. At first, it felt so daunting to stand up and speak about my ideas to people who have had years of experience in design. However, I got so much support by being able to practise my presentation and get feedback before officially presenting it. When it came to the day of the presentation, I realised that I had nothing to be worried about.

Everyone was so reassuring and made sure I felt comfortable, which made the presentation go smoothly as I was able to pitch my ideas with confidence.

I was so fortunate to be a part of the lovely team at John Doe. Every day I was met with the same energy and enthusiasm as I did from day one. It has given me so much experience and confidence, in not only my work but also in myself. I would recommend this programme to anyone looking to gain real-world experience in a friendly and warm environment, with people who have the same drive and passion as you do.

Pitching my ideas with confidence | Sadia, John Doe Group Intern

UNLOCKED knocked on my door at the right time | Petya, ALT Intern

An exhilarating experience and one that I will never take for granted | Radhika, Voom Intern