Improving diversity in the creative industries: My SOAS Summer Internship

BA student Emma Pritchett shares her experience launching a youth board to enhance diversity in the creative sector during her SOAS Summer Internship, along with advice from an industry expert on breaking into the field.

I completed a SOAS Summer Internship at I LIKE NETWORKING (ILN), an award-winning career platform for the creative industries dedicated to supporting women and non-binary individuals. 

During my internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to a significant initiative aimed at increasing diversity in the creative sector by improving engagement with younger audiences.  

Identifying the need for change 

To address this challenge, I began with thorough research and data collection. By analysing survey results and gathering insights, it became clear that there was a substantial opportunity to connect with students and recent graduates more effectively. 

By empowering young creatives and integrating their voices, we are working to create a more diverse and representative field. 

My solution involved proposing a creative careers workshop for universities and establishing a youth board. The youth board is designed to be more than just a group of young voices; it aims to be a catalyst for change. This board will provide feedback on programmes, advocate for diversity, and ensure that ILN’s initiatives are relevant and impactful for the next generation of creatives. 

Expert advice on breaking into the creative sector

One of the most enriching aspects of my internship was the opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders such as Jessica Teal, founder of creative agency Teal Media and former Design Manager for the 2008 Obama presidential campaign. Jessica’s advice was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the field: 

• Portfolios and qualifications
  Jessica emphasised that a strong, well-rounded portfolio often outweighs formal qualifications (even though qualifications are really useful). Demonstrating practical skills and a clear design process is crucial for standing out in the competitive design landscape. She encouraged us to be a “SMART designer”.
   
• Real-world design challenges
  Jessica provided a realistic view of the product design field, including the importance of effectively communicating design choices and managing client feedback. Her insights underscored the need for designers to be skilled at justifying their decisions with data and user research.
   
• Career development
  Jessica also highlighted the value of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends, even as a seasoned professional. This advice reinforced the importance of ongoing skill development and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field.

Looking ahead 

The launch of the youth board marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and dynamic creative industry. By empowering young creatives and integrating their voices, we are working to create a more diverse and representative field. 

I couldn't have achieved this without the support of the SOAS Internships team, so I would like to give special thanks to Iuliia from the Careers Team for supporting me throughout my application and internship experience.  

I also highly recommend ILN's workshops and resources for SOAS students looking to improve their soft skills and learn more about the creative industry. 

Header image: Tyler Casey via Unsplash.