Apparent expands Western Sydney University partnership to strengthen creative talent pathway

Apparent is expanding its long-standing partnership with Western Sydney University (WSU), becoming a major industry partner of the university’s newly redesigned design program through a 12-month ‘Sponsor a Subject’ partnership in 2027.

The partnership builds on a relationship between Apparent and the WSU design team that began in 2023 through internships, mentoring, portfolio reviews, industry panels and other collaborations. Since 2023, Apparent has provided placements for 13 WSU design students, alongside contributing to portfolio and assessment programs.

One of those students, Khushi Mali (pictured), has since progressed from industry work experience to a full-time role at Apparent as a visual designer.

Says Mali: “The course gave me a strong understanding of what it would be like to work in the industry, but getting the opportunity to experience it firsthand through my placement at Apparent was invaluable. I loved the experience, and it gave me the confidence to know that this was where I wanted to be. Now working at Apparent as a visual designer, it honestly feels like a dream come true.”

Throughout 2027, Apparent’s team will work with students and educators through mentoring, industry sessions, portfolio development and other opportunities designed to help students understand the realities of creative work and build the skills, confidence and connections they need to take their first steps into the industry.

Apparent’s partnership with WSU reflects a broader commitment to opening up careers in advertising and the creative industries to emerging talent from diverse backgrounds.

Says Suzy Smiley, managing director at Apparent: “Working with WSU over the past few years has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve seen firsthand how valuable it is for students to have meaningful exposure to the industry while they’re studying, so becoming a formal partner of the new design program felt like a really natural next step for us. We’re excited to work more closely with the students and the WSU team throughout 2027.”

The deeper relationship between WSU and the industry provides students with opportunities to learn from practitioners, understand different career pathways and develop a clearer picture of what creative work looks like beyond the classroom.

Says Dan Johnston, industry engagement lead (design), Western Sydney University: “Our students who work with the Apparent team are at an immediate advantage over their peers. Apparent provides them with authentic experiences that evolve into real-world successes.”

The 2027 partnership marks the next stage in a relationship that has grown organically over several years, giving Apparent and WSU an opportunity to build on the work already underway and deepen the connection between creative education and industry.

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