Providing crucial opportunities for a new generation

The Allan Internships, available to DJCAD Masters students, will help 21 students over the next three years gain crucial real-world experience at V&A Dundee and provide unparalleled opportunities in the art and cultural sector. 

Generously funded by Tim Allan CBE, the design museum’s Chair, these internships cement the ties between two of the cities foremost institutions, providing a pipeline from education to industry for some of the country’s top creative talent. 

Tim Allan said, “I am delighted to be able to support the University of Dundee through a three-year commitment to the Allan Internships, offering Masters students from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design the opportunity to undertake these placements with the support of a living wage stipend.

“The role that culture plays in the coherence of our society has never been more important and it’s a privilege to be able to support the next generation of creative talent as they explore and refine their practice through practical experience. The future is safe in their hands.

“As Chair of V&A Dundee, our partnership with the University of Dundee is of great significance to me, and the Allan Internships programme is an excellent demonstration of how it continues to flourish.”

As well as offering this unique opportunity to students, Tim wanted to ensure that students taking part in the internship do not have to undertake an additional, paid job to support their studies. The Allan Internships are fully funded, with interns receiving the Real Living Wage to support them financially, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their internship, gain new skills and make a real impact on real projects. 

Abhijith Mohan took part in the first cohort of internships, working in the Operations department of the museum in May 2023. His internship focused on waste management and the promotion of net zero opportunities at the V&A Dundee. During his time on site, Abhijith had the opportunity to create prototypes and action plans on how the museum can increase its recycling.

Commenting on the internship, Abhijith said, “It was an excellent opportunity. The internship at V&A Dundee helped me gain experience collaborating with people from multi discipline backgrounds and engaging with the major stakeholder of the museum.” 

Following his internship in May 2023, Abhijith graduated in Product Design with distinction and was awarded the Duncan of Jordanstone MSc Masters Prize for Product Design.

“As a student I experienced financial issues and the financial support I received from the Allan Internship Programme offered me the opportunity to fully experience this internship and get industrial experience and knowledge. This has given me foundational experience towards product design jobs. I believe that the internship at the V&A will definitely help with future work,” he said. 

Lynne Martin, Strategic Lead for Design for Business at the V&A Dundee reflected on what the internships meant for the V&A team. 

“Working with the students who take part in the Allan Internships is such a joy. They bring a fresh perspective to the work we do and they have an uncanny ability to spot an opportunity and just go for it – they make things happen

"Among other great initiatives, the interns have helped us implement ways in which to reduce waste and have prototype design trails for the museum that can be developed further. We love bringing the students on board as their energy, great attitude and new perspectives bring out the best in us while we provide them with the support to apply their knowledge and learn in new ways.”