Two months in Copenhagen: my internship at Oak Publishing

Third year BA (Hons) Design for Publishing student and winner of the 2017/18 Richardson Brown Travel Prize, Rowan Collins, reflects on her summer internship in Copenhagen.

Trying to condense two months into one short report is no mean feat. My time at Oak Publishing in Copenhagen came to an end in September, and while I was deeply sad to be leaving and would gladly have stayed at least a few months more, I at least came home with a full heart.

Those two months were invaluable on just about every level. Personally, my confidence, self-assurance and feeling of ‘if you want something, go after it’ are at an all-time high.

Professionally, I have formed a strong relationship with the ladies at Oak. I am immensely grateful for how many opportunities they gave me. I’ve seen behind the scenes of a magazine – from idea generation and content planning to sourcing and creating content as well as designing the publication.

I communicated directly with local creatives, restaurants, galleries and museums generating content for Curated Copenhagen. I was also asked to create content myself! I took photos of a bakery, ceramics studio and an art event, which have since been used digitally by Oak and have been published in Curated Copenhagen. I was also encouraged to use my initiative and take the reins with the design.

This internship has given me a surge of inspiration for my final year at university, as has simply spending time in Copenhagen. Just walking amongst the city’s old pastel facades, interspersed with clean and precise modern architecture, and spending rainy afternoons visiting museums, galleries and design shops was very refreshing, and helped me begin my third year with a clear mind and a new lease of life and inspiration. 

Living in Copenhagen for two months was also invaluable on a personal level. Being away from home and living somewhere where I didn’t already have a home, social network or routine, pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. I had to reach out to the people around me and forge new friendships, and settle into the culture as best as possible by adopting their rules and customs, and using the language as much as possible (which I’m glad to say I did most days!).

This is an experience that will stick with me throughout my life and career, and I’m so grateful to the panel for choosing me as this year’s prize winner and for making this possible. I couldn’t have done it without the Richardson Brown Travel Prize.

Find out more about NUA’s Scholarships and Awards.