The creative industry is notoriously difficult to break into, but an internship is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door, explore the creative industries and gain invaluable work experience. For students, young professionals and people looking to change their profession, a creative internship is a gateway to a new and exciting career.

Thankfully, there is a wealth of internship opportunities available. However, that also means finding the right internship can be overwhelming. A good internship should be supportive, and challenging, and leave you feeling equipped to enter your chosen field of work. Therefore it is important to choose your work placement wisely, so as to avoid wasting time and effort which could've been used in a more productive manner.

To help you find the right internship for you, we have compiled a list of the best websites to find creative internships and work placements and outlined criteria for evaluating a creative internship. Your career in the creative industry. We now dive into the best platforms to visit when searching for creative internships in London.

The benefits of a creative internship

An internship is an excellent way to gather real-world experience, further explore your field of interest, and learn from established industry professionals. Completing an internship not only looks great on your CV, but it also has long-term benefits for your personal and professional development. As an intern, you can expect to:

• Gain industry experience. Internships show you the behind-the-scenes of an industry that you can't experience through textbooks. As an intern, you'll learn how different creative roles work and how projects are managed. It is important to understand all of your options before settling on a career path.
• Build your portfolio. Throughout an internship, you'll be assigned a variety of projects that you can use to bolster your portfolio. A comprehensive and diverse portfolio proves to future employers that you don't just think you can do the job but you have done it.
• Make connections. Internships are a great way to expand your professional network. Fostering a strong relationship with your mentor and colleagues means they are likely to point you in the direction of further opportunities and put in a good word for you on your future applications.

What to avoid when choosing your internship

The majority of creative internships will provide a positive experience but unfortunately, some internships are not as good as they first appear. While searching the creative industry for an internship, it is crucial to keep your guard up against exploitative companies that may subject you to various forms of unfair treatment. Watch out for these common red flags when looking for an internship:

• Underpaid or unpaid internships. Some companies will take advantage of your lack of experience and use this to justify paying you less. Or worse, nothing at all. Regardless of your experience, you deserve to be compensated for your time and effort. We don't support unpaid internships, but we understand that some can offer a great opportunity to practice your craft and be mentored by a qualified expert. Apply common sense to the situation and proceed with caution.
• Vague role descriptions. If a company is offering an internship but doesn't really detail what you'll be doing as an intern, that's a red flag. Your daily responsibilities determine how much you will learn from the experience and you need a manager who will be proactive in pushing you to do your best. As an intern, you shouldn't be making the office coffees!
• Bad company reviews. You do not want to work in a company that does not adhere to your personal values or expectations. Make sure to conduct thorough research on the company and pay attention to any negative press. Your best source is the reviews of past employees on criteria such as diversity, workplace culture, and management.

How to decide if an internship is right for you

Working as an intern is a great opportunity, but only if it is the right opportunity for you. Here are five points to help you evaluate whether an internship will meet your needs and expectations.

Read, and read again

Take time to review the internship details a couple of times. The job post should, at a minimum, cover the background of the company, the role and responsibilities, start date, duration, requirements, and whether or not the internship is paid or not. If anything seems out of place or questionable, reach out to the company for further clarification. An example of suspicious behaviour: requiring a long thread of qualifications for an unpaid internship. It is important that you are clued up on the job description to make sure everything adds up with what your hiring manager says during the actual interview.

Research the company

As an intern, you'll be dedicating a lot of time and energy to your chosen company and so it is important you are confident it is somewhere you want to work. Go on a mission to find out everything you can about the company, review the website, social platforms, and any press coverage. Find out what they do, how frequently they offer internship programs, and if they're known to foster a positive work environment.

Reach out to other interns

The most valuable source of information is those who have embodied experience. So reach out to current or former interns and ask about their experience. A few suggested topics to cover: the pros and cons of working in the company, their treatment in the workplace, the opportunities they have had since and if the company supported them in any way.

Ask questions

In your initial outreach, in any follow-up correspondence, and in the interview itself—keep the questions coming.  Questions are your key to understanding the company and your role within it, so don't be afraid to clarify anything you are unsure of with a question. Asking questions also demonstrates that you have a keen interest in the company and your employer will likely be impressed by your diligence and enthusiasm.

Trust your gut

If you feel sceptical about an internship opportunity, listen to your instincts. No matter how great an opportunity sounds, if you don't feel confident and comfortable you won't enjoy your experience. An internship is about laying the foundations for your future career but it is also about having a good time and learning about your passions. Wait until another opportunity comes along, you'll know when the time is right.

Where to find a creative internship

There are thousands of Uk-based creative internships to choose from—so why are they so hard to find? Here is our breakdown of the best websites to browse creative internships, and which one is right for your field of interest. Log in to these creative internship sites and take one step closer to building your dream creative career.

Creative Access

Best for: Underrepresented creatives

Creative Access curates an extensive array of internship opportunities, spanning industries like PR, talent management, graphic design and more. Their mission is to support and spotlight emerging talent from underrepresented backgrounds to build a more inclusive, accessible creative economy. Find extensive creative internship opportunities with Creative Access.

Fashion Workie

Best for: Passionate fashionistas

Those looking for internships in the fashion industry, keep your eyes glued to Fashion Workie. Fashion Workie is a free self-service portal for job seekers and employers in the fashion and beauty industry. They have a wide range of creative internships, from entry-level to senior positions! Sign up to Fashion Workie to get started.

Bricks Magazine Newsletter

Best for: New-gen creatives

BRICKS is an independent publication that champions the work of queer creatives—a perfect platform for creatives who are interested in exploring social issues through the creative lens. BRICKS offer a subscription service that provides subscribers with weekly updates on jobs, freelance roles, and creative internships in the UK. Additionally, it provides invaluable career and business advice on the BRICKS Learner's Podcast. Class is now in session! Subscribe now.

Creative Lives in Progress

Best for: Zero-experience creatives

Creative Lives in Progress is an inclusive creative careers resource, on a mission to transform the way emerging talent access, understand and connect with the industry. The platform has a plethora of creative internships and opportunities for entry-level creatives posted on their Opportunities Board and Creative Company Listings. Find a creative internship in London with Creative Lives in Progress.

Creative Opportunities (UAL)

Best for: Alumni of UAL

Creative Opportunities is the go-to hub that connects graduates and alumni of the University of the Arts London (UAL) with creative internships and opportunities. They advertise jobs and creative internships in London and internationally to help creatives gain valuable experience to build careers that they love. Find the right creative internship for you with UAL's Creative Opportunities.