Digital communications agency Create has announced the launch of Create Academy, in partnership with SAE Creative Media University College. The initiative was launched with aim of strengthening the creative talent pool in the Middle East,
The project seeks to support the growth of the regional creative economy through paid internships and a structured graduate development programme for upcoming talent.
Collaboration supporting regional talent
The partnership between Create and SAE Creative Media University College is designed to bridge the skills gap between education and industry. Third-year students from SAE will be offered paid internships across Create’s offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, giving them practical exposure to the creative sector before graduation.
The programme is aligned with Create’s broader strategy of fostering regional talent to contribute to cultural and economic development.
“We are passionate about empowering regional talent to realise their full potential,” said Jen Stephenson, Head of Culture at Create. “Through this partnership with SAE, we’re creating an environment where young professionals can gain the skills and hands-on experience they need to contribute meaningfully to the creative economy while building rewarding careers.”
Structure of the Create Academy programme
The programme will offer a 12-week immersive experience for graduates, featuring rotations through different departments including creative, production, client services, finance, and HR. Participants will receive mentorship from industry professionals, offering them a chance to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world environment.
Candidates for the programme will be selected through a competitive process, overseen by Create’s leadership team including Create’s head of culture, talent & leadership development director, and chief creative officer. Those who perform well in the programme will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the company’s Portfolio Night, from which the winning graduates will be offered full-time roles at Create.
Christian Loos, Talent and Leadership Development Director at Create, highlighted the significance of developing local talent: “We are dedicated to developing local talent because we believe they are the key to unlocking the future of the regional creative industry. They are better placed than anyone else to tell the stories of this region, compellingly and authentically.”
Admissions for Create Academy will begin in October 2024, with the programme’s first cohort set to commence in January 2025.
