Design Strategy Internship

This role is based in London on a hybrid contract (in office 3 days per week).

What we do:

At Seymourpowell we create brilliantly effective design and innovation. Our Foresight team is a small and specialist unit within Seymourpowell, comprised of world-class forecasters, strategists, and researchers who create the conditions for design and innovation to thrive.

We’re fortunate to collaborate with some of the world’s most iconic brands and boldest start-ups. From spaceships to sex toys, our work spans nearly every category imaginable, pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities along the way.

What we believe:

We believe that great design makes things better. Better for people, better for business and better for the world. 

The Design Strategy Internship:

We’re on the lookout for bold, fresh talent ready to dive into our Foresight team for a paid 3-month internship.

This is more than just an internship—it’s your chance to bring a new perspective to our work, helping us expand the possibilities of what we can offer our clients. We’re passionate about identifying and developing talent that challenges our thinking and takes us beyond our comfort zone. You’ll be part of a team that’s dedicated to uncovering insights and developing design and innovation strategy, working on live client projects that span physical and digital design.

Here, you’ll learn the methods and approaches you won’t find in any textbook, while gaining real-world experience with industry leaders. Ready to help us push boundaries?

Key Responsibilities of the role:

·      Bring fresh perspectives to projects, crafting unique solutions that captivate our clients.

·      Contribute to Seymourpowell’s Trend Observatory by identifying emerging trends and sharing them in an engaging, accessible way.

·      Help to plan and conduct user research, uncovering valuable insights and presenting them in a compelling manner that informs our design strategy.

·      Collaborate with designers and strategists to align our foresight initiatives with client objectives, connecting ideas across disciplines.

·      Engage in ideation sessions that challenge norms, using your creativity to spark innovation and tackle complex design challenges.

·      Craft compelling content for our social media channels that showcases our insights and design work, enhancing brand engagement.

·      Embrace every opportunity for learning and development, tackling challenges that deepen your understanding of design foresight and innovation strategy.

What are we looking for:

We are not looking for lengthy cover letters or extensive experience; as an intern, we are much more interested in your passion for design, strategic thinking and the way you communicate ideas. To be a great fit for our team, we’re looking for a design strategist who demonstrates the following qualities….

Driven by Passion

Our team is made up of distinct skills and personalities, but one thing unites us: a relentless passion for pushing the boundaries of design and innovation.

Obsessed with Design

You’re not just interested in design; you live it. With a degree in a relevant field—be it product, transport, packaging, engineering, or digital—you have the foundation in design and research to see the world through a lens of possibility.

Endlessly Curious

Your interests are as varied as they are deep. You’re culturally tuned in and thrive on fresh perspectives, ready to explore beyond the obvious.

An Instigator by Nature

You’re the kind of person who doesn’t wait around. Resourceful and proactive, you move ideas forward, tackling challenges head-on, and digging for answers when none are readily available.

Original Thinker

You approach every problem with fresh eyes, bringing unique insights and perspectives that open new pathways.

Compelling Storyteller

You know how to tell a story that resonates. With an eye for beauty and a talent for words, you craft narratives that stick.

Detail-Oriented

You know the power of precision. Thoughtful, opinionated, and meticulous, you understand that the smallest details make the biggest difference.

Critically Optimistic

While you’re optimistic by nature, you’re not afraid to critique and refine your own ideas, honing them to their sharpest edge.

Focused on Solutions

You’re energized by problem-solving and keep our clients’ challenges front and centre, bringing a laser focus to the solutions that matter.

Interested? We’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your email directly to [email protected] with a copy of your CV and portfolio.

Our interview process is typically two stages: the first stage is an initial interview (online or in-person). The second stage may involve completing a brief creative homework task, followed by an interview to meet the team in our studio.

We will be holding initial interviews starting as applications come in. We are seeking an intern to join us starting as early as mid-September.