From bustling cities to remote communities, young people around the world are shaped by different experiences and opportunities. Yet despite these differences, many share the same aspirations: to learn, grow, build successful careers and make a positive change. That’s the message behind this year’s International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Interns rated their likelihood of recommending Link’s internship programme at an average of 9.7 out of 10.
They want meaningful opportunities, quality education, professional development, supportive workplaces and the chance to make a positive impact.
At Link, we’re proud to see these aspirations in action through our global internship programme.
Learning Across Borders
Our interns come from diverse backgrounds and locations, including the United Kingdom, Philippines, Hong Kong and South Africa. They work across a variety of functions, from Design Studio and Sales to Operations and Business Support.
While their day-to-day experiences may differ, a recent intern survey revealed striking similarities in what matters most to them.
Across the programme, interns consistently highlighted opportunities to:
- Develop new professional and technical skills
- Take ownership of meaningful work
- Learn from experienced colleagues
- Build confidence in a environment
- Contribute to real business projects
Building Skills for the Future
Throughout their internships, participants gained hands-on experience across a diverse range of disciplines, including creative design, marketing, sourcing, project management, client engagement and business operations. Working on real projects and collaborating with teams across the business gave them valuable exposure to the fast-paced environment of a global organisation.
For many, the experience extended far beyond developing technical skills. Our interns spoke about growing in confidence, strengthening their communication and presentation abilities, learning to manage competing priorities and taking greater ownership of their work. Others highlighted the opportunity to contribute to client-facing projects, support business initiatives and gain insight into how ideas are developed, presented and brought to life.
These experiences play an important role in bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping young people with the practical skills, commercial awareness and professional confidence needed to thrive in their future careers.
More Than Work Experience
When asked about their favourite part of the internship, interns spoke about creativity, collaboration and being trusted to contribute.
Highlights included:
- Turning creative concepts into tangible outputs, from designing artwork to contributing ideas that supported real business objectives.
- Learning directly from experienced colleagues and gaining valuable insights into industry best practices, client expectations and professional development.
- Supporting client projects, audits and day-to-day operations, providing first-hand exposure to the responsibilities and challenges of a global business.
- Attending industry events, supplier roadshows and networking opportunities, helping interns broaden their understanding of the marketing and procurement landscape.
- Becoming part of the Link team, building relationships across departments and experiencing a collaborative culture where their contributions were valued and encouraged.
These experiences not only enhanced technical and professional capabilities but also helped interns build confidence, expand their perspectives and gain a clearer understanding of the career paths available to them.
Another reflected on simply becoming part of the “Link family” as one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme.
A Supportive Environment Matters
One of the strongest messages from the survey was the importance of support and mentorship.
The vast majority of interns said they were given meaningful responsibilities, encouraged to take initiative and had regular access to their line managers for guidance and feedback.
Many also noted that Link’s existing support structure, including regular check-ins, mentoring and opportunities to contribute to real business outcomes—was already helping them get the most from their experience.
Perhaps most encouragingly, interns rated their likelihood of recommending Link’s internship programme at an average of 9.7 out of 10.
Investing in Tomorrow
International Youth Day 2026 reminds us that while young people may face different realities, their aspirations are often shared.
At Link, we believe creating opportunities for young talent is more than providing work experience. It’s about helping build confidence, developing future skills, encouraging fresh thinking and empowering the next generation of leaders.
As we celebrate International Youth Day, we’re proud of the talented interns who have contributed to our teams around the world and grateful for the energy, creativity and new perspectives they bring.
Different contexts. Common aspirations. A shared future shaped by the next generation.
Start Your Journey with Link
With offices across 65+ countries, Link is passionate about helping young talent gain real-world experience and develop skills for the future.
Interested in an internship, or know someone who might be? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to explore opportunities with our global team.