Havas PLAY ANZ launches paid creative internship

Havas PLAY ANZ has introduced PLAY Your Part, a six-month paid internship designed to challenge unpaid placements and create a clearer route for diverse creative talent to enter the advertising industry. Beginning in March 2026, the programme offers part-time roles in Sydney and Melbourne across the agency’s social, content and advocacy teams.

Interns will work three days per week on live client campaigns, gaining practical experience in content creation and community building while receiving structured mentorship from senior leaders across the Havas network.

Programme aims to remove barriers for emerging creatives

The initiative responds to a wider industry push for fairer entry points into advertising. Recent conversations across education and media have emphasised the need for accessible programmes that offer meaningful experience without financial barriers.

Beatrix Fisher, head of social media, Havas PLAY: "PLAY Your Part pays young talent for the work they do. From day one, they receive recognition and fair compensation, helping dismantle the barriers that have long kept early-career creatives from fully participating in the advertising industry."

Mathilde Perrais, people and talent coordinator, Havas Group ANZ: "Breaking into the industry shouldn’t depend on who you know or whether you can afford to work for free. This program gives emerging talent space to play, experiment, and build real skills for their career -- all without the pressure and barriers that keep too many people out."

Creative-first applications to shape cohort selection

Applicants will take part in a creative-first submission process designed to assess originality, cultural awareness and initiative. University study is not required, and shortlisted candidates will join interviews with Havas PLAY mentors and leaders.

The internship reflects Havas PLAY’s focus on culture, content and advocacy, reinforcing its Deliberately Different positioning by creating opportunities that better mirror the diversity and energy of the audiences brands aim to reach.

www.havas.com

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