Creative and Cultural Sector Internships

Could your business benefit from a fresh perspective and skilled extra resource?

Creative Fuse Tees Valley provide fully-funded internships to help towards the growth of businesses in the creative, cultural, digital and heritage sectors that are located in the Tees Valley.

Over a four-week block, talented graduate students will work to a brief specially developed to meet your business needs, whether that’s help with a specific project or general support.

Helping your organisation thrive

From creativity and enthusiasm, to innovation and problem solving skills, our pool of talented students can help your business thrive. Benefit from:

-Additional resource to undertake new projects

-Fresh ideas and inspiration to contribute towards business growth and development

-High level skills to increase your organisation’s performance, productivity and competitiveness.

-Support from MIMA’s academic expertise.

What to expect?

Graduates will be supported at each stage of the internship by MIMA academics, and will lead businesses through the following key stages:

Week 1: Growth and Diagnostics

The first week will be all about setting expectations for both the business and graduate and addressing any concerns.

Week 2: Analysis and Ideation

Lead on developing a business growth project for example producing a proof of concept for a new process, product or service

Week 3: Collaborative partnerships for growth

Support in areas such as cross-sector collaboration, market exploration and bid-writing assistance

Week 4: Evaluation and next steps

Presenting a short report and action plan that outlines future steps for implementation and further opportunities. Businesses will also be encouraged to hold an exit interview to gain valuable feedback.

FAQ’s for host businesses

Do I need to pay the student?

No, the internships are free for eligible* businesses and freelancers and are funded through Teesside University.

Do I need to identify a specific project?

Not necessarily. Your organisation may simply be looking to benefit from an extra highly skilled resource, which would allow students to work across a range of projects and/ or departments.

Does the student have to be based within my organisation?

No. Students are able to work remotely, in line with the current government guidelines.

Will I receive support from Creative Fuse Tees Valley if I take on a student?

Absolutely. Creative Fuse Tees Valley Business Development Manager, Wendy Parvin will support with internship logistics including the development of a project brief and any finance or contract enquiries. While MIMA Academic, Paul Stewart will support the student through the internship to ensure the best use of their time.

What are the creative sectors?

Are the students from a creative course?

No, we are recruiting graduates across all disciplines from various schools including Teesside University Business School, School of Computing, Engineering, Digital and Technology and MIMA. The team will work to find the perfect fit for your business.

Can I apply if my business is outside of the Tees Valley?

Unfortunately not. Internships are only available to those that are located in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar & Cleveland, Darlington and Hartlepool regions.

Please note, places are limited and may not be possible if you have recently received other support through Creative Fuse Tees Valley or DigitalCity.

Are you a Masters student looking for an internship?

Creative Fuse Tees Valley Internships provide you with the opportunity to put your learning into practice, develop your technical skills, build your confidence and become more employable.

Please note, internships are likely to take place online with students working remotely, however may require travel across the Tees Valley, subject to contractual agreement.