Want to stay on after your internship? Advice from a designer and recruiter
Chapters
Congrats! You’ve put in the hard work, applied to tons of opportunities and finally landed an internship – but how do you turn it into something more permanent? We asked designer Marta Gaspar, who went from intern to full-time at Pentagram, and recruiter James McLearie at Represent, who’s helped many interns do the same, to share the qualities and actions that make the biggest difference.
Internships can be a huge step forward – they let you see how a company really works, build connections and put your skills into practice in a professional setting. But turning one into a job isn’t automatic. It takes initiative, consistency and sometimes a bit of luck – so keep reading for Marta and James’ advice on how to make the most of your time and improve your chances of staying on. Their advice proves that small, consistent actions often matter more than raw talent, and that curiosity and reliability go a long way.
Tips from an intern who made it
Marta Gaspar, designer at Pentagram
On the same day Marta Gaspar was offered a full-time role elsewhere, she also found out she’d been accepted for an internship at Pentagram. One route offered stability; the other, the chance to work at the world’s largest independent design consultancy – but with no promises of what came next. Marta chose Pentagram, and today she’s part of partner Marina Willer’s team.
Marina Willer's team at Pentagram London
See yourself as part of the team
Coming from university, Marta was used to working solo. Interning meant adapting to collaboration and learning to welcome feedback. “It can feel daunting to speak up as an intern, but being proactive built my confidence. At the end of the day, none of the work is just mine – it’s the team’s.”
Learn from the people around you
Pentagram’s studio structure meant Marta was surrounded by people at different stages of their careers. “I learned so much just from talking to others,” she recalls. A senior once encouraged her to stop chasing perfection too soon and keep exploring rough ideas, because that’s where stronger concepts often emerge. For Marta, building relationships across teams was just as valuable as the projects themselves.
“Don’t sit quietly second-guessing yourself – most people are more than happy to explain or share their tricks.”
Marta Gaspar Designer at Pentagram
Ask the questions on your mind
“You can teach skills, but curiosity has to come naturally,” Marta says. “Say yes to opportunities, take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – even the ones you think sound stupid.” For her, asking opened doors to insights she would never have picked up alone – and most people were happy to share their knowledge.
Marta working alongside Pentagram Partner Marina Willer on her most recent Overlooked project
Tips from a recruiter supporting interns
James McLearie, recruiter at Represent
Having supported many interns in securing permanent jobs, James McLearie knows what tips the balance. For him, the key factors are less about raw talent and more about reliability, awareness and attitude.
Stay curious and business-aware
“The strongest interns get stuck into any task, no matter the size, while staying open to feedback,” James says. Just as important is showing you understand how the company operates and how your role contributes to the bigger picture.
He also points out that internships benefit companies too – they’re a way to support new talent while giving teams an extra set of hands, and even a chance for junior staff to practise mentoring.
James McLearie speaking at LCC, where he shared advice on CVs, portfolios and breaking into the creative industry (Image credit: London College of Communication)
Show you can be counted on
“Internships are as much about soft skills as they are about craft,” he explains. Punctuality, professionalism and proactivity make the biggest impression – often more than polished design work alone.
Ask about next steps at natural points
Don’t leave it to your final week to ask about next steps. “Look for natural moments – a one-to-one or the end of a project – to ask about future opportunities,” James advises. Framing it around your interest in contributing and growing makes the question thoughtful, not pushy.
“Consistency and reliability are what make interns stand out – not just their portfolio.”
James McLearieRecruiter at Represent
Keep in touch, even if nothing’s available
Not every internship leads straight to a role. “Keep in touch,” James says. A check-in every couple of months is enough, especially if you pair it with genuine engagement – congratulating the studio on a new project or sharing their work online. That way, when openings appear, you’re already top of mind.
Key takeaways
✅ Be reliable – Show up on time, stay prepared and keep a positive attitude. Consistency matters as much as creativity.
✅ Ask questions and say yes – Don’t sit in silence; ask what you don’t know and take on tasks outside your comfort zone.
✅ Build relationships – Talk to people across the studio. You’ll learn a huge amount from others at different career stages.
✅ Embrace feedback – Treat critique as part of collaboration, not a personal attack. Taking feedback well makes you a better teammate.
✅ Pick your moment – Raise future opportunities in one-to-ones or project wrap-ups, framing it around how you can contribute and grow.
✅ Keep in touch – Not every internship leads to a role right away. Light check-ins every couple of months keep you on the radar.
