Looking for a marketing internship? You’re in luck. There are a lot of them out there, and they can be incredibly valuable for a young professional.
Marketing internships can help you learn the ropes of a particular field, network with professionals, and build a portfolio that will help you get a job after college.
But because of the high demand for these internships, they can be competitive. You need to be prepared to stand out in the crowd.
In this post, I’m going to help you do just that. I’ll give you a step-by-step guide to finding, applying for, and making the most out of a marketing internship.
1. Get your resume in order
First things first, you have to make sure your resume is in tip-top shape. If you’re a college student, you may not have a lot of work experience yet. That’s okay! Include any volunteer work, school clubs, or part-time jobs you’ve had. Make sure to include any leadership positions you’ve held, too.
Make sure your resume is easy to read and free of spelling and grammar errors. You want to make a good first impression, and a resume filled with typos won’t do you any favors.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are lots of free resume templates online that you can use. Or, you can use a tool like Resume Worded to get personalized tips on how to improve your resume.
2. Create a digital portfolio
A digital portfolio is a collection of your work samples that you can share with potential employers. It’s a great way to show off your skills and experience in a visual way. Your digital portfolio can be a website, a blog, a social media profile, or even a PDF file.
When creating your digital portfolio, be sure to include a variety of work samples. This could include writing samples, graphic design work, social media posts, marketing proposals and more. You should also include a brief bio and contact information, and be sure to keep your portfolio up to date as you gain new experience.
If you don’t have a lot of work samples to include, you can create your own projects to add to your portfolio. For example, you could create a mock social media campaign for your favorite brand, or write a blog post about a topic you’re passionate about.
3. Learn everything you can about the company
Before you apply for an internship, you should always do your research on the company. This will help you determine if you are a good fit for the company and if the company is a good fit for you.
It will also help you prepare for the interview. When you know a lot about the company, you will be able to ask more informed questions, which will show the interviewer that you are serious about the opportunity.
To learn more about the company, visit their website, read their blog, follow them on social media, and search for any news articles or press releases about the company.
4. Prepare for the interview
The interview is your chance to shine. You’ve already made it past the resume review, so the company is interested in you. Now is your chance to show them why you would be a great fit for the role.
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and the role. Make sure you have a good understanding of what the company does and what the role will entail. Think about how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the role and be prepared to discuss this in the interview.
You should also be ready to answer common interview questions like, “Tell me about yourself,” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” You can find lists of common interview questions online and practice your answers.
Finally, make sure you are prepared to ask questions of your own. The interview is a two-way street, and you should be evaluating the company as much as they are evaluating you. Ask about the team, the company culture, and the goals for the internship.
5. Dress for success
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” it applies here. Even if you’ll be working from home, it’s important to dress the part.
This doesn’t mean you need to be in a suit and tie. But you should be in a clean, professional outfit as if you were going to an in-person meeting.
If you’re unsure of the dress code, ask your manager. They’ll be able to give you the lowdown on what’s expected.
6. Stay on top of your game
The biggest mistake you can make is to get lazy. If you get too comfortable with your internship, you might not be prepared when the next opportunity comes along.
You should always be working to improve your skills. Try to learn something new every day, whether it’s a new marketing strategy or a new tool. You can also take online courses and get certified in different areas of marketing. The more skills you have, the more valuable you’ll be to potential employers.
7. Be a team player
In marketing, you will be working with a team. Whether it’s a team of other marketing professionals or you are working with other departments within the company, you need to be able to work well with others.
If you have had any experience working on a team in the past, be sure to highlight that in your interview. You can also highlight any group projects you have done in school.
8. Be willing to work hard
Marketing internships are competitive, and they can be challenging. You’ll be expected to work hard and wear many hats. But the hard work you put in will pay off in the form of an incredible learning experience and a valuable addition to your resume.
Make sure that you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves and put in the work. Show your prospective employer that you’re not afraid of a little elbow grease and that you’re eager to learn and grow.
Pro Tip: Before you apply for a marketing internship, make sure you understand the job requirements and what will be expected of you. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not the internship is a good fit for you.
9. Show your passion
Employers want to see that you’re passionate about the opportunity to work at their company. They don’t want a candidate who is just interested in marketing internships in general.
In your cover letter, express your excitement about the company and what they do. Make sure to mention why you want to intern there in particular, and what you hope to learn during your time.
10. Ask questions
You should always have questions prepared to ask at the end of an interview. This is a great way to show the employer that you’re interested and engaged. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to learn more about the company and the internship.
You can also ask questions throughout the interview. This will help you get a better sense of whether the internship is a good fit for you, and it will show the employer that you’re curious and eager to learn.
11. Do your research
The world of marketing is vast and diverse, with many different specializations and roles. Before you start applying for internships, it’s important to have a good understanding of what area of marketing you want to work in.
Do some research to find out what different marketing roles entail, and what skills and experience you will need to succeed in those roles. You may also want to research what types of companies you’d like to work for, and what products or services you’d like to help promote.
Having a good understanding of the marketing industry will help you set realistic goals and expectations for your internship, and it will also help you stand out from other candidates.
Conclusion
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get an internship right away. It can take time to find the right one. With these tips, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success and learn how to market yourself to the best companies.