STUDENTS studying Graphic Design at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art have been gaining invaluable industry experience through the University’s paid internship scheme.
The scheme allows students to gain practical experience and bring fresh and innovative perspectives to the businesses they work with.
Three students have been placed with award winning marketing and communications agency, The Cusp over the past year. Here, they share their experiences:
Jiayi Zheng, Graphic Design student: “The internship experience improved my graphic design skills and strengthened my understanding of branding. Working with The Cusp’s co-owner Louise helped me to better express my design ideas.
“They asked me about my strengths and interests right at the beginning, ensuring I was working in an area I felt passionate about. They encouraged me to explore new ideas without limiting my design abilities, which was really empowering.
“Seeing my designs published and used in real life boosted my confidence immensely.
“Internships are an amazing opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, revealing the areas where we need to grow our skills.
“Getting that first hands-on experience is often challenging, but an internship provides such a valuable start. It not only equips you with practical knowledge but also boosts your confidence and prepares you for future opportunities.
“My time at UWTSD was truly enjoyable. I loved the supportive teaching environment and had a wonderful experience interacting with both teachers and classmates.”
Svitlana Ulianych, Graphic Design student, said: “I collaborated with The Cusp’s partner agency, Boxharry, on website development and UX design projects. I also helped support a pitch for an independent school and contributed to the development of a recruitment market product.
“It helped me sharpen my UX and web development skills, and I gained so much confidence in a real working environment. I also had the chance to improve my interviewing skills – an unexpected bonus that has been incredibly valuable.
“I now feel much more prepared and confident for future professional interactions!
“My confidence was boosted, and I felt incredibly energised by Louise’s enthusiasm and passion for design. It’s inspiring to see someone who genuinely loves what they do, and that motivation is contagious.
“When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to feel like you don’t have enough experience and to constantly doubt yourself. This internship helped me break through my imposter syndrome. I’m continuing to work with Boxharry on a freelance basis.
“Internships are such a fantastic opportunity because they break that tricky cycle where employers want experienced candidates, but students don’t yet have that experience. You get to build connections, gain confidence, and actually apply your skills in meaningful ways, which makes a huge difference in starting your career!
“I’ve had a wonderful time at UWTSD – it’s been a place of growth, learning, and inspiring people. Every day here brings something new, and I’m grateful for the experiences and friendships I’ve found”.
Kisha Dibba, another student who worked with The Cusp has since secured paid employment with Wernick, directly attributing her career progress to her internship experience.
Lewis Hill, who has been working at Ospreys Rugby as an intern, said: “I oversaw the 2024/2025 Ospreys Training and Travel Wear Advertisement Campaign. I had full creative control and freedom for this project with a lot of creative help and feedback from the team which made the whole project and campaign reach its maximum potential which I am very proud of.
“I worked on their Big Screen Animations which is played in-front of a live audience at the 20,000-seater Swansea.com Stadium.
“It was amazing seeing my artwork being shown at the Ospreys game in-front of the large crowd.
“I also worked on a hugely successful documentary series named “Behind the Mask”. In the documentary I was tasked to create a series of motion graphics of how the Ospreys fluctuate up and down the table during the URC season. The documentary accumulated up to 20,000 views on YouTube, respectively.
“I have learnt the pressures of working in a high-profile industry, the challenges of coming in each day with fresh, new, and unique ideas and many new skills that will help me achieve all the goals I want to accomplish throughout my career.
“I have learnt to really knuckle down and think about everything I have been taught during my time at university and apply to my work to the best of my ability. Internships are a brilliant way to put one foot in the door and experience what life is going to be like after we graduate.
“Graduation can be a very scary milestone for many students like me due to the unknown nature of the world outside of university. But this internship has really been an eye opener for me in many positive ways and now I am so excited to graduate and start my career as a Graphic Designer all thanks to my internship.
“I feel my skills have grown massively just from throwing myself into the deep end. The experience it has given me puts me ahead of other students when it comes to the competition for looking for a job once I graduate.”
Student Erin Harvey joined Swansea’s Waters Creative as an intern. Following the success of the internship, she is now employed there.
She said: “Throughout the internship, I gained invaluable insights into the workings of the industry. I feel lucky to have experienced such a variety of design work, which helped both my design skills and professional development over the three-month internship. I am really grateful for the opportunity and could not have asked for better colleagues. I can clearly see substantial growth in my skill set.
“The experience provided me with insights into a professional workplace and was my first full-time role. It really increased my confidence in my work.
“I believe that an internship is an excellent way to gain experience and potentially secure employment following university. Initially, I was apprehensive about starting a job directly after university, fearing I would be expected to have all the answers.
“However, my experience as an intern was entirely different. I felt more at ease knowing that it was acceptable not to have all the knowledge and to ask for assistance with design tasks when it was needed.
“The team at Waters has been incredibly supportive, guiding me as I built upon the skills I developed during my university studies. I would recommend pursuing an internship if the opportunity arises.
“The amount of knowledge gained in a short time is invaluable, not to mention the connections you make along the way.
“I found my time a UWTSD a memorable experience where I met loads of amazing people and developed my skills. UWTSD really helped me to gain more confidence in my work. It was a great experience!”
Rachael Waters, Owner of Waters Creative, said: “For SMEs in the creative sector, internship schemes offer access to fresh, innovative perspectives and emerging talent in individuals that are eager to experience commercial projects and contribute new ideas.
“Over the years working with UWTSD we’ve found that interns can support ongoing projects, bring digital insight, social media skills and provide extra resource where you need it most.
“For us internships provide a low-risk way to identify and train potential future employees who are already familiar with the company culture and work style.
“It’s an opportunity to find the ‘right fit’ and we got lucky, Erin is the perfect fit for us. We are very much looking forward to having Erin as a full time, permanent employee in 2025.”
Louise Rengozzi, Co-Director of The Cusp, said: “Our partnership with UWTSD allowed The Cusp to onboard as an employer within their internship programme for students, opening doors to hands-on creative opportunities right here in Wales.
“Through this initiative, we provided quality design and creative roles, giving students real-world perspectives and skills to shape their professional paths.
“We want to enrich students’ academic journeys by offering practical industry experience, mentoring, and guidance to increase their employability factor.
“Each intern’s contributions have not only enhanced our clients’ branding and campaigns but also fuelled our own new business growth, making a positive impact within our agency.”
Donna Williams, Programme Manager for the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, Swansea College of Art, UWTSD, said: “The internships are an excellent opportunity for our students. I am extremely proud of the number who have successfully secured paid employment. T
“The improvement in their confidence is evident, and this is better preparing our graduates to be industry-ready and fully equipped.”
Amanda Hayden, Senior Project Manager, UWTSD, said: “We carefully match students to businesses and projects where both sides gain significant value.
“The fact that many of these internships lead to paid employment is a testament to the strength of the programme and the talent of the students.
“We embed employability and enterprise across the course, so students graduate with decent industry experience.”
The internship scheme is available to all UWTSD students across all subject areas.
