Student Journal: From the Classroom to Creative Practice

During his studies at SEEU, the internship allowed Ilham to apply his creative skills in a professional environment, explore new ideas, and contribute to meaningful projects. Today, he works as a creative director at Eureka Studio and as a creative specialist at Kipper Market, focusing on visual communication, branding, and creative content.

A Creative and Supportive Environment

Reflecting on what made his internship particularly rewarding, Ilham highlights the creative freedom and supportive atmosphere he experienced: “What I enjoyed most about my internship was the freedom I had to explore my own ideas and the welcoming, supportive environment. Having the space to approach projects in my own way while being part of an environment that encouraged learning and creativity made the experience especially valuable.”

Learning through Meaningful Projects

Beyond developing his creative abilities, the internship allowed Ilham to engage with projects that offered new perspectives and learning experiences.
“What stayed with me the most was the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects through ChallengeEU. Each project brought new challenges and learning experiences, allowing me to gain new perspectives, develop my skills, and learn things I might not have encountered otherwise. It showed me how much you can learn when you are given the opportunity to work on projects with real value and purpose.”

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

For Ilham, the internship experience through ChallengeEU provided an opportunity to go beyond academic learning, apply his knowledge in practice, and gain new perspectives through hands-on projects that contributed to his professional and personal development.

“I believe these opportunities are extremely valuable for students. SEEU and initiatives like ChallengeEU connect students with different organizations, professionals, and events, creating opportunities to meet interesting people and gain knowledge beyond their field of study. Sometimes, you discover new interests simply by attending an event or talking to someone with a different background. These experiences broaden your perspective and help you grow both professionally and personally.”

His Advice to Other Students

Drawing on his own experience, Ilham encourages other SEEU students to take advantage of internship opportunities through ChallengeEU and actively engage in the learning process.

“I would encourage every student who has the time to pursue an internship and be as active as possible throughout the experience. It is a great opportunity to learn directly from professionals, understand how things work in a real working environment, and gain practical knowledge that you cannot always get in a classroom. The more you engage, ask questions, and take initiative, the more you benefit from the experience. It can give you a valuable head start when entering your professional career.”