AI Activator: Reimagining Internships for a Purpose-Led Generation

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The Challenge

Traditional student internships often fall short, offering limited exposure, rigid structures, and little space for creativity, confidence-building, or real-world application.

We asked: What if we flipped that model?‍

What if students could collaborate on real briefs, build real tools, and explore how AI can drive positive social change, without needing years of experience or a job title?

What We Did

In partnership with LJMU Student Futures, we designed and delivered the pilot AI Activator programme: a fast-paced, hands-on internship experience that blended emerging tech, soft skills, and socially driven business insight.

Over 7 days, 15 students from across Psychology, Criminology, International Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Marketing and Comms explored:

• AI Tools in Action – using Google’s Gemini, Notebook LLM, and Firebase Studio to prototype, research, and build solutions
  
  
• Human-Centred Communication – exploring storytelling, sales, and workplace honesty (yes, even the power of saying “I’m an intern”)
  
  
• Tech-for-Good Thinking – applying AI and digital creativity to socially driven missions and community needs
  
  
• Rapid Prototyping – including coding an early CRM app in Lovable to manage newly created contact networks
  
  
• Wellbeing & Reflection – exploring opportunity mapping, purpose, and the environments they thrive in
  
  

The programme culminated in a Show & Tell session where every student presented their work with confidence to peers, mentors, and partners.

The Impact

The results were immediate and powerful.

Students didn’t just learn,they evolved. They built real confidence, delivered real work, and discovered new ideas about themselves and their future roles in the world.

“It was an incredible experience being part of the GoodShip AI Activator Internship. I learned so much in such a short time while working with you and with the amazing people in the team. Grateful for all the support and energy that went into making this week so impactful.”
Kamal Maraqa, Student Participant

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve learned so much about AI, teamwork, and product development. I had the opportunity to build a CRM system, design and refine a AI prompts, create a personal portfolio and strengthen my collaboration and communication skills .”
Abubakr Abdulraheem , Student Participant

We saw:

• Improved confidence in using AI professionally
• Development of soft and technical skills
• Honest reflection on purpose and career direction
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration and idea generation
• A shift in how students view their value in the workplace

Why It Matters

The AI Activator shows what’s possible when education, creativity and ethical technology meet. With the right support, students can become not just job-ready—but impact-ready.

The development agency model is evolving. Programmes like this prove that co-creation, play, and real-world exploration build better outcomes,for students, employers, and the communities they serve.

We’re proud to be building a talent pipeline that doesn’t just serve industry - It serves purpose.