Workshop
Mediacollege Amsterdam
When understanding between internship supervisors and students becomes visible
The Mediacollege Amsterdam works daily with creative students preparing for a dynamic professional world. Internship supervisors play a crucial role in that process: they guide students before and during their placements. And that’s exactly where generational misunderstandings often arise. That’s why the Mediacollege asked UNSNOOZED to bring clarity in a way that feels light, yet truly resonates.
The challenge
How do you make sure internship supervisors and students truly understand each other, without good intentions getting lost in miscommunication? In practice, the team noticed that expectations sometimes collide—not because anyone is doing something wrong, but because generations approach work with different languages, experiences and rhythms. And that creates unnecessary tension.
The solution
We worked with two trainers across two groups, giving everyone the space to participate actively. The session had a lot of energy: generations openly shared their own stories, from financial crises and the ozone panic to Covid and digital overstimulation. That trip down memory lane made it clear how different the contexts are in which each generation grew up and how those differences shape the way we experience internships and work today.
The impact
A remarkable moment emerged when an older internship supervisor spoke directly to the Gen Z students: he acknowledged how much they have to deal with today, in a world that is always switched on. A sincere “I see you” that genuinely landed. By the end of the workshop, the atmosphere had noticeably softened and opened up, with greater understanding for each other’s perspectives. Participants didn’t just see the differences, they also saw how much they rely on one another. The realisation that every generation carries its own battles created a powerful sense of respect and connection.
