A trio of talented Griffith creatives are ready for the world of work following an intensive four-week internship with a global advertising agency.

During the placement at Publicis Groupe, students worked on client briefs, gained insights into building a campaign, received weekly mentoring sessions as well as feedback on their portfolio.

Queensland College of Art (QCA) student Marie Feyfant and Griffith Film School (GFS) student Carmen Garratt were selected for the Creative Accelerator Program. Fellow GFS student Ezra Starr won a spot in the Future Lions Program.

GFS student Carmen Garratt

Carmen Garratt, who is completing a Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production, hit the ground running, directing and editing a TV commercial for the charity Act for Kids.

“I was definitely dropped in the deep end, but it’s nice that they trusted me straight off the bat to take the reins on a project,” she said.

“I’ve learnt so much about pitching to clients, working fast and being part of a team.

“Opportunities like this are a big part of why I chose to study at GFS — it’s so important to get industry experience.”

QCA design student Marie Feyfant

Bachelor of Design student Marie Feyfant said the internship had set her up well for a career as a design creative.

“I don’t think there is another creative training program like this – you really have to bring your A-game,” she said.

“I’ve been mentored by the head of design, who is also a QCA alumni, and he’s been great at involving me in projects and pitches.

“I think the biggest learning has been seeing how the industry works from the inside.”

GFS student Ezra Starr

Final year Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production student Ezra Starr was part of the Future Lions internship program, designed for students with a passion for creativity and technology.

“I think uni gives you the tools and the internship gives the opportunity to apply them.”

QCA alumni Dan Braithwaite and Amber Lawrence are part of the design team at Publicis Groupe and helped mentor the current Griffith students as part of the internship.

“It was very different when I graduated from graphic design course at the QCA back in the late 90s. We were working by hand, drawing and cutting and pasting,” said Amber.

QCA alumnus Amber Lawrence

“But it was a great start and it helped me get my first job in the industry.

“It’s good to see the students on board here — it’s so important to get some experience under your belt before you graduate.”

GFS LiveLab Creative Director Richard Fabb said the internship had provided invaluable insights into the industry for students.

“This was a really high-value experience,” he said.

“Publicis is a major player in the marketing and media space, and they ensured that it was a really detailed, generous and well-conceived internship.

“They invested a lot of time and effort into our students and I’m sure this will open doors for them in the industry.”