Life is not about grabbing a title you like and then sticking to it. Having worked with interns and trainees from a variety of backgrounds, I believe that the most important skill is to be present! Not in the future, worrying about your next step, not in the past, clinging to your secure framework of school and family. So here is a comprehensive guide to your internship and step into the realm of creativity.
A 10-Step Guide on what to expect as a trainee in a creative & entrepreneurial environment?
Welcome to a world where creativity, flexibility, and initiative are key. An internship with a creator is not your typical 9-to-5 office job. It’s a dynamic learning experience that requires adaptability, a proactive mindset, and an eagerness to embrace new challenges. If you expect a rigid routine with repetitive tasks, you may be in for a surprise. Here’s what you need to know and how to make the most of your experience.
1. Embrace the Flow, Not the Clock
This is not a structured corporate environment with fixed hours. Creative work follows inspiration, necessity, and opportunity. Some days will be spent with clients, some in deep focus at home, and others out in the city gathering ideas. Productivity is measured by impact, not by hours spent sitting at a desk.
2. Initiative is Everything
Don’t wait to be told what to do—look for ways to contribute. If there’s a task that needs doing, take it on. If you have an idea, share it. The best interns aren’t just workers; they’re thinkers and problem-solvers.
3. A Positive Mindset Opens Doors
If you carry a negative attitude or a sense of entitlement, doors will close fast. Being around creative professionals means being a source of positive energy, not resistance. When you’re present, be fully engaged—your energy affects the atmosphere.
4. Adaptability is a Superpower
One day you might be taking photos at an event, the next you might be handling client communications, brainstorming a campaign, or organizing creative materials. The ability to switch gears quickly is a valuable skill in the creative world.
5. Every Task Matters—Big or Small
Whether it’s organizing files, assisting on a shoot, or making a coffee run, every task has a purpose. Small actions contribute to the bigger picture. The best trainees understand that no task is beneath them, and every experience is a learning opportunity.
6. Your Learning Curve is in Your Hands
You’re here to learn, but learning isn’t passive. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. If you want to improve, seek feedback. Your progress depends on your willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
7. No Excuses, Just Solutions
In an entrepreneurial setting, time is precious. Excuses slow things down, while solutions keep things moving. If a challenge arises, approach it with a problem-solving mindset rather than reasons why it can’t be done.
8. Observation is Key
Watch, listen, and absorb. Clients, colleagues, and mentors give valuable feedback—not just in words but in actions and reactions. Pay attention to how interactions unfold and how successful professionals navigate challenges.
9. This is an Opportunity, Not a Right
Nobody owes you this experience—you’ve been given a chance to gain real-world knowledge from someone who has built something from the ground up. Appreciate the unique opportunity and make the most of it rather than comparing it to corporate internships.
10. You’re Either on the Plane or You’re Not
Entrepreneurship is like building a plane while flying it. If you want security, predictability, and structure, this may not be the right place for you. But if you’re excited by the idea of learning how to create, adapt, and make things happen, then buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Final Thoughts
This internship is not just about gaining work experience—it’s about developing a mindset. A mindset that values initiative over routine, solutions over excuses, and adaptability over rigidity. If you embrace this, you’ll leave with far more than just a line on your resume. You’ll have skills, insights, and a way of thinking that will set you apart in any career path you choose.