How a design intern pitched his way into a full-time role at Tinder

Stewart began his journey as a design intern in the UK during the 2021 pandemic, a time when securing stable employment felt near impossible. Leveraging his status as an active user, he gained an intuitive understanding of the app’s mechanics that set him apart. Stationed in a smaller European office, he gained visibility by offering support across multiple departments and languages, eventually becoming an indispensable resource for various international teams.

Recognizing that his departure would stall ongoing initiatives, Stewart decided to act before his internship concluded. He scheduled a meeting with a general manager to pitch a role he titled 'creative marketing associate.' He argued that the business required a dedicated focus on digital and social creative concepts to maintain momentum. His boldness paid off when the company approved the headcount, allowing him to transition into a full-time capacity.

Since that initial pitch, Stewart’s responsibilities have expanded from executing local designs to leading global brand campaigns and coordinating with major creative agencies. The experience taught him that internal mobility often relies on curiosity and the initiative to address organizational needs directly. By framing his career growth as a problem-solving exercise, he moved from an entry-level intern to a brand marketing manager in Los Angeles, proving that sometimes the best way to land a job is to define it yourself.