FutureBrand Australia launches 2023 intake of regional and rural internship program

FutureBrand Australia has launched the 2023 intake of its internship program exclusively for regional and rural students.

The program removes the geographical barriers regional and rural students experience when they seek city-based internships, as FutureBrand covers travel and accommodation expenses.

The internship comprises a seven-week paid immersive program spanning brand strategy, design, language, experience and brand management through a hybrid model of in-person and remote delivery. FutureBrand will offer placements for three students throughout 2023.

Rich Curtis, CEO of FutureBrand Australia, said of the program’s second year: “We created this internship program in 2022 because we recognised the barriers many regional and rural students face when it comes to gaining creative industry experience. By removing barriers like costs, we’re aiming to broaden the pool of emerging talent the industry can welcome in. After all, diversity plays a pivotal role in fostering creativity.

"FutureBrand’s existing team is diverse and entrepreneurial – that’s not to suggest we can’t do more, and this program is the perfect example of the high value we place on those traits for our team and our creative industry at large."

Josh McGregor, FutureBrand Australia’s creative director, launched the 2023 program to students at Deakin University’s Geelong campus last Thursday.
 
McGregor said: "It’s a real treat for me to launch the 2023 intake of our internship program for regional and rural students, being a regional graduate myself. When I graduated as a design student from Federation University in Ballarat, I was daunted about how to break into the industry, so if we can make it easier for other regional and rural students – as well as welcome more diverse talent into the industry – all the better."

A Deakin University student will commence their internship with FutureBrand in May and FutureBrand will roll out the regional and rural internship program to other educational organisations later this year.

The program is based on application and students are selected based on their CV, folio and answer to the question, ‘If you could rebrand any company, product or service in Australia, which one would you choose to rebrand and why?’

On the launch of the program, Deakin University’s senior lecturer in communications design Tonya Merrick said: "We're thrilled that FutureBrand selected Deakin University in Geelong to launch its 2023 internship intake. Our Bachelor of Design students, via this important program, gain access to learning from one of Australia’s leading creative companies as part of their degree.
 
"These are students who may not have this opportunity otherwise – it’s a first for us – and we’re hoping that many of our students can gain access to this fantastic program for years to come."

The program is currently open to regional and rural students in Victoria, with FutureBrand already planning to expand the program to other states in the future.