What It’s Like to Be an Intern at Insight: Experiences from DMU Students and Graduates.

We hadn’t had the chance to take on interns since before the Covid pandemic, so we were excited to bring on and support this group of students by providing them with invaluable industry experience to carry forward in their careers. The DMU internship scheme is designed to give students and recent graduates practical, hands-on experience, allowing them to work on real projects and bridge the gap between university learning and professional practice.

We asked each of our interns to share their experiences of their six weeks working at Insight, what they gained from the internship, and what advice they would offer to future interns.

Liam:

The biggest difference for me was the time constraints. At university, I had the whole year to finish up all of my projects, which meant I developed a habit of leaving some things to the last minute! 

At Insight, only having six weeks to complete the brief was a bit of a shock to the system but one I am grateful for, as I now feel better prepared to work to stricter deadlines and manage my time more effectively. Although sometimes it felt like I was slipping behind schedule I always felt confident that I could complete the project to a high standard in the time given, and this was due to the great team around me! 

Oana: 

The most surprising difference between working at a digital agency and a university has been the organisational dynamic and work environment.

The dynamic environment at the agency was driven by deadlines and a client-focus setting where feedback was important to develop the desired projects. Even though the university has the same setting, the agency put an emphasis on a range of ideation and a set of concepts rather than a longer timeline for research.

One of the most surprising differences in the six weeks has been the fast paced environment where in comparison, the amount of one week’s work at the agency equals the amount of work for three weeks at the university. This has resulted in desired deliverables without the hassle of rushing the project in the final stages.

One aspect worth mentioning was the efficient communication through various apps and calls with the team working a hybrid schedule. It was a new approach that I haven’t gotten the chance to experience at university.

Prina: 

The surprising difference was the standard working pace compared to university. Even at a faster pace, it didn’t feel rushed at all. It motivated me to think more quickly and creatively when planning potential ideas. The quiet working space was pleasant and really helped you focus on your work; something I wasn’t used to at university. Being in a work-rich atmosphere made me feel more professional and engaged, ready to get started from day one. Since I experienced the internship both in the office and remotely from home, I gained a well-rounded perspective on different workplaces and how to effectively adapt to them. The quality and amount of feedback on my work remained consistently helpful, regardless of the work environment I was in.

Stefanija: 

The most surprising difference between working at a digital agency and working at a university was the stark contrast in the nature of tasks. At the digital agency, every task had real-world implications and consequences, unlike the mock-up projects and theoretical exercises at the university.

This shift meant that the stakes were higher, requiring a greater level of precision, accountability, and adaptability. The transition from academic exercises to real-world projects were both challenging and enlightening, offering a profound understanding of the professional landscape and the true demands of the industry.

Liam:

The most valuable lesson I will be taking away from the internship is learning to take criticism and feedback on board. At university my projects were mostly self directed which often meant I could take them in whatever direction I wanted, without much input from anyone else. Working on a live brief meant that I had to stick to the clients needs, and having the opportunity to work like this allowed me to be more open-minded with my projects, rather than ‘tunnel-visioning’ on one idea.

Working in a group of people has meant that my work would also be looked at by other team members, which provided some really valuable feedback and constructive criticism that informed the final project. All of this meant the project had a really clear direction and produced outcomes that I’m super proud of!

Oana: 

One of the most valuable lessons was working for a client, where the importance of effective communication in the creative process was key for delivering the desired outcome.

During the internship I learnt that effective design projects not only require individual creativity and decision making, but also understanding client needs, incorporating feedback, and working well in a team where advice can be sought and feedback when needed.

This experience taught me the critical skill of balancing personal artistic vision with a client’s objectives, alongside the team’s input to produce the designs that are innovative and functional which sticks within the client’s brand.

Prina: 

There is no such thing as a bad idea! With further development and proper adjustments, any idea has the potential to become an excellent final design. When working with the whole team on a separate task, it was amazing seeing so many fresh ideas bouncing across the room. It motivated me to apply the same approach to my own work.

Stefanija:

The most valuable lesson I learnt during my internship was the importance of continuous learning. While university provided me with a strong foundation in marketing principles, the internship revealed that this foundational knowledge is just the beginning. The dynamic nature of the industry requires constant updating of skills and staying informed about the latest trends and technologies. Real-world experience emphasised that theoretical knowledge must be complemented by practical application and ongoing education. The internship taught me to be proactive in seeking new information, adapting to changes, and continuously improving my expertise to remain competitive and effective in the field

Liam:

Relax! Although it seems daunting at first it’s not as stressful as you think it is. When I started this internship I was overwhelmingly nervous, but after a short while of settling in a lot of the pressure started to lift off. Working in an environment with a supportive and helpful team was key in ensuring that I not only gained great industry experience but also had fun doing it.

I was made to feel so welcome and comfortable during my time with Insight, and I have enjoyed every second of my internship. Even during some of the more stressful parts I was learning how to work through tough situations, so if you’re struggling just know you’re still gaining really valuable experience. Take everything one step at a time and absorb as much  as you can!

Oana: 

Prepare for a whirlwind of fast-paced, engaging, and creatively rewarding projects during your time at Insight. Be sure to take notes and enjoy everything that is coming along with the internship.

Prina: 

Take onboard any feedback you’re given and focus on that area to enhance your work. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, whether it’s about a design or content idea, don’t be afraid to ask. Be patient with your progress as your ideas will take time to excel!

Stefanija:

My advice for future interns joining an internship program at Insight is to seize this opportunity and put in significant effort to secure your place. Take full advantage of the supportive environment by being open and sharing your ideas. The team at Insight are incredibly receptive and encourage collaboration, often integrating interns’ suggestions into their projects. Embrace the chance to learn, contribute, and grow within this dynamic and nurturing setting. By actively engaging and demonstrating your enthusiasm, you can make the most of your internship experience and pave the way for future success.

From branding projects and social media marketing to web design, research, strategy, and more, our design and marketing interns got involved with a wide range of services that we offer to our clients. 

This hands-on involvement provided them with an in-depth view of what a typical day looks like at a digital design and marketing agency.

Below, the interns have collated case studies of their internship projects to showcase their contributions and the skills they developed during their time with us.

Liam

Project Title: Alpha Red: Branding and Web Design

Key Responsibilities: For this brief I had to design the branding for ‘Alpha Red’, a Leicester based Wing Chun class, and apply this to a modern and effective website design.

Oana

Project Title: Designing 2025 Marketing Calendar / Christmas Card

Key Responsibilities: I created Insight’s 2025 marketing calendar and designed a fresh Christmas card concept, both of which will be printed and distributed to the company’s clients at Christmas. I also developed a set of illustrative icons for festive celebrations such as Eid, Diwali, Easter, Pride, New Year, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Black Friday, which will be used across all social media channels and the marketing calendar. 

As well as this, I animated the Christmas card which then will be used on the newsletter page along with a goodie pack ready to be downloaded.

Stefanija

Project Title: Social Media Strategy; Content Planning and Content Creation

Key Responsibilities: I was involved in almost every stage of social media marketing, from future content planning, competitor analysis and brainstorming to actual execution through writing captions, hashtags and creating video reels.

Prina

Project Title: Designing Social Media Concepts

Key Responsibilities: In this project, I designed social media concepts for two restaurant clients. This included seasonal events such as Diwali, Christmas, Valentine’s Day,

Mother’s and Father’s Day.

At Insight, we’re always on the lookout for rising talent in Leicester. From sponsorships to apprenticeships and internships, we want to get involved with supporting the next generation of talent. 

If you are interested in gaining industry experience with us or starting out your career in an exciting, fast-paced digital design and marketing agency, then please get in touch.