Firstly, can you tell us a bit about the internship itself and how you found the experience?
In January, I had an interview with a photographer that my uni tutor, Steph, suggested I reach out to. But that photographer actually recommended that I approach creative director Harris Elliott instead, saying that he was a better fit for me. After viewing Harris’ website and projects, I agreed.

We started working on a project of his that was influenced by Nigerian culture, which was perfect. I’m Nigerian, so I had a lot of cultural insight to offer. It was a reciprocal working partnership; I learnt a lot about design and the industry from Harris. I also got to do research for an exhibition, and the content was everything I’m into. I may have not been paid as an assistant, but I gained a lot of invaluable skills. It definitely would have been better if I was paid, however.

What made you decide to have this conversation with Harris?
The topic of unpaid internships has been widely discussed, especially now in these precarious times. We were also taught about getting paid fairly for work on DPS (Diploma in Professional Studies at LCC). So when the New Agency project [a student-run publication and conference in September 2020] began, it just seemed a natural fit, as I was the only one who had done unpaid work, and we wanted to have a discussion about exploitative internships.

What were your biggest learnings about internships after talking to Harris?
I learnt that the creative industry – at every level – is made up of artists taking on projects or creating projects for themselves. Each one comes with with different levels of experience, networks and budgets. You’re either making work for yourself or for other people. Talking to Harris definitely demystified this hierarchical system – something I already assumed the industry was made up of.

What were your biggest learnings about internships after talking to Alec Dudson at Intern?
Most of all, it’s given me a ‘I never want to work for anyone ever again’ attitude, with a new confidence to match. Secondly, it’s taught me to take extra care when negotiating work and contracts. I don’t know if it’s just me, but as a creative, the business side of things can appear dull and ‘not my thing’ but I’ve now learnt the importance of viewing my practice as a business.

Moving forward, do you see yourself doing more internships?
The internship was an amazing and much-needed learning experience, more so than uni. However, in this social climate I’m leaning more towards freelancing and setting up my own hustle. I’m currently at a confusing time in my life, where I could put effort into looking for a ‘normal’ job, and the job hunt is a job itself. Or I could focus that time and energy on building my personal projects.

Any final advice for others looking for and taking on internships at the moment?
Take internships based on values, above any other criteria. Obviously don’t work unpaid! But from my experience of doing an unpaid internship, at least I had a shared value system with Harris to fall back on, rather than breaking my back for a company that couldn’t care less about me. Being able to talk openly and honestly with Harris is a testament to that value and friendship.

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*Please note that if you are not a student, are working set hours and providing useful services to a company, you must legally be paid. If you’re unsure, or looking for more information, have a read of our article on this here, or get in touch with us at [email protected]