Entering and Navigating the World of Internships
Date published: 27 July 2026 Updated: 11 September 2026
Optima has recently taken on two new interns on three-month placements – something we do fairly regularly as the university year comes to an end. It gives graduates a genuine feel for the industry, working on live briefs rather than watching from the sidelines. It matters to us because that's exactly the kind of experience that builds confidence – and, more often than not, talent we want to keep.
This year, we took on Gabriela Santos Diaz and Lucy Mckenna-Patel, who have since landed permanent, full-time roles with us. Over to them to share what the experience was actually like.
Gabi Santos Diaz, Digital Marketing Assistant, Optima
Lucy Mckenna-Patel, Junior Designer, Optima
What it’s really like trying to find an internship
With a competitive job market and limited experience, finding your first opportunity can feel overwhelming. But the truth is simple. Internships exist to bridge that gap, and there are far more ways to secure one than the traditional “apply online and hope for the best”.
Depending on your sector, location and experience, internship opportunities can feel limited. Some industries advertise them openly, others rely on word of mouth, and some companies don’t even realise they need an intern until the right person appears. The key is understanding that opportunities are not always handed to you. Sometimes, you create them.
How to approach the search
You may not have years of experience yet, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t valuable. Confidence is essential.
Start by asking yourself what your dream role looks like: Which companies inspire you? Which brands feel aligned with your interests and values? This gives you a clearer picture of where you want to go and how to begin moving towards it.
This is exactly how I approached my own internship journey. I reached out to a company I admired for their creative approach to branding, even though they weren’t advertising any junior roles. A LinkedIn message to the Managing Director led to an informal chat, which led to an in‑person meeting, and eventually to an internship.
This proactive approach wasn’t unique to me. My colleague Lucy took a similar path. She’d already completed a short summer internship the year before and used that experience to approach companies directly, building connections and creating opportunities rather than waiting for roles to be advertised. That approach led her to a second internship opportunity, this time a much longer one.
Together, our experiences reinforced the same lesson: initiative matters. Sometimes the door isn't open until you knock.
A step-by-step guide to securing an internship
01
Do your research
Understanding your industry, the companies within it and the skills they value gives you confidence and direction. Look at who is doing great work, who inspires you and where you could see yourself fitting in.
02
Identify your dream companies
From your research, certain companies will naturally stand out. Maybe it is their culture, their projects, their values or simply the feeling you get when you look at their work. Make a list and note why each one appeals to you.
03
Find the realistic matches
Some dream companies will be perfect on paper but not practical. They may be too far away, require more experience or publicly stated they aren’t currently hiring. That is why it helps to build a second list of companies that share the qualities you love but fit your life more realistically.
04
Build connections
This is the step most people skip, yet it is often the one that makes the biggest difference. Do not rely solely on advertised roles. From your list of dream companies, reach out to people on LinkedIn that are already part of the business. Introduce yourself, ask for an informal chat and show genuine interest in their work.
Human connection stands out far more than a CV in a pile.
05
Be proud of your work
Many junior applicants avoid putting together a portfolio because they feel their work is not yet at industry standard. The truth is that visual examples of your skills, interests and potential will take you much further than you think. Perfection is not the aim at this stage. What matters is showing your drive, your willingness to learn and the foundations you are building. A strong start is far more valuable than waiting for flawless work that may never feel “ready”.
What to look out for in an internship
A good internship should give you space to learn, contribute and build confidence in your abilities. Look for companies that value curiosity, encourage questions and give you access to real projects rather than just admin tasks.
Pay attention to how they communicate with you…
- Do they seem genuinely interested in your development?
- Do they take time to understand your goals?
- Do they treat you like a future professional rather than temporary help?
These are all signs you are in the right place.
If you are unsure what a healthy internship looks like, start by asking yourself what you want to gain. More confidence. A stronger portfolio. Industry insight. A clearer sense of direction. Your goals will help you spot the right opportunities and avoid the ones that will not help you grow.
How to get the most out of your internship
Once you secure an internship, the real work begins.
In those early days of an internship, you'll hear "you're not expected to know everything" more than once... and honestly, it's true.
The best interns are not the ones with all the answers. They are the ones who show enthusiasm, ask thoughtful questions and take initiative. You should treat every task as a chance to learn something new.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your experience:
- Ask questions: curiosity shows engagement and helps you learn faster.
- Show initiative: if you finish a task, ask what else you can support.
- Build relationships: the people you meet can become mentors, references or future colleagues.
- Reflect on your progress: note what you enjoyed, what challenged you and what you want to explore next.
- Keep your portfolio updated: every project, no matter how small, is a stepping stone.
