Career Planning

So, You're Interested in a Marketing Internship? Read this.

Looking to break into the marketing world? Our guide gives you the lowdown on skills, roles, and tips to make your marketing internship a game-changer.
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November 21, 2020
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Ever felt like a DJ, carefully mixing tracks to create the perfect vibe? That's marketing in a nutshell—blending creativity, strategy, and analytics to hit all the right notes. A marketing internship is the ultimate playground for your skills and the fast track to becoming a marketing rockstar. 

You get to play with all the knobs and dials, from social media buzz to data insights, crafting a brand's ultimate playlist. So, ready to step into the DJ booth and drop some marketing beats? This is your golden ticket to the big leagues of business. Let's get this party started!

Why should I be interested in a marketing internship?

Diving into a marketing internship can be your golden ticket to discovering your passion and carving out your niche in the business world. By immersing yourself in the dynamic environment of marketing, you'll gain exposure to different sectors, from digital advertising to public relations, allowing you to figure out what excites you the most. This exploration can steer your academic focus and future career trajectory in a direction that's not just profitable, but also personally fulfilling.

Moreover, an internship can act as a testing ground for your classroom knowledge. It offers a safe space to apply theories and strategies you've learned in a real-world context, giving you an edge when you step into the full-time job market. 

You might find that the practical challenges you face during an internship will hone your problem-solving skills and help you transition from a student mindset to a professional one. In essence, an internship is like a backstage pass, giving you a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes action of the marketing world.

What do you receive from a marketing internship?

Stepping into a marketing internship is like getting a VIP pass to the behind-the-scenes action of the marketing world. It's not just about getting coffee or making copies; it's a full-on immersion into the real heartbeat of the industry. 

From crafting campaigns that capture hearts and minds to mastering the art of analytics, a marketing internship is a treasure chest of gains. You'll emerge not just with a beefed-up resume, but with a sharper skill set, a network of seasoned pros, and a portfolio that showcases your marketing mojo. Plus, the inside view of company life, coupled with mentorship and the sweet taste of success, builds a confidence that textbooks alone can't brew. And hey, there might be some bucks or credits in the deal, too.


What does a marketing internship look like?

Ready to peel back the curtain on what a marketing intern actually does? Buckle up, because we're about to break down why this gig is anything but your average 9-to-5.

The life of a marketing intern: Not just coffee runs

An intern’s life is so much more than fetching lattes. You'll be right in the mix of brainstorming sessions that are electric with creativity. You'll get to be the puppet master behind viral social media posts or the author behind blog posts. If you’re curious about what customers are into, you'll turn into a market research sleuth. And those high-stakes client pitches? You'll be learning the ropes in the room where it happens. There are several videos showcasing a day in the life of a marketing intern including this one from a L’oreal marketing intern

Never a dull moment—and there’s cool marketing tools 

Say goodbye to boredom. Your days will be packed with variety. One moment you're a data whiz deciphering customer behavior, and the next, you're an Instagram guru planning a takeover. The tools you'll use are also exciting. As an intern, you'll get your hands on everything from Google Analytics to Mailchimp. You're not just a cog in the wheel; you're part of the team that makes the magic happen. Plus, with so much going on, you'll pick up new skills faster than you can blink.

The roles you can totally rock

If you’re wondering where you'll fit in the marketing world, there's a spot with your name on it. Let's explore the roles you could totally own.

With the perks of a marketing internship in your pocket, you're ready to find your place in the marketing mix. Whether your strength is storytelling or statistical analysis, there's a role that fits like a glove. 

Skills you gotta have

So you're all pumped about diving into the marketing world, but what tools do you need in your toolkit? (Spoiler: it's more than just being able to tweet a meme or craft a killer Instagram caption. Here's the lowdown.)

Being a talkative social media whiz can actually pay off

If you've honed your skills on TikTok or are known for your conversational prowess, you're already ahead of the curve in the marketing field. Being proficient in social media offers a distinct advantage in reaching your target audience effectively. As for your ability to strike up a conversation? That translates into excellent communication skills, crucial for tasks ranging from ad copywriting to client relations.  Look for opportunities like social media brand ambassadors or the ability to work part-time with corporate brands looking to engage influencers.

A chatty nature can come in handy in so many other ways. It makes you great at networking, valuable in client meetings, and effective in team collaborations. Plus, your ability to articulate ideas can help you excel in other areas of marketing like content creation, public relations, and even email campaigns. In short, your social savvy and communication skills can open doors for you in a myriad of marketing roles, making you a versatile asset to any team.

Data isn't just for nerds—it's your secret weapon

Data might seem like it's all spreadsheets and numbers, but it's actually your secret weapon for killer campaigns. Knowing how to interpret data helps you understand what your audience likes and what they don’t. You can fine-tune your strategies and make decisions that hit the mark. Delving into data not only personalizes your marketing efforts but also elevates you from a marketing novice to a pro.

Data analytics tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing you to track consumer behavior over time, identify emerging trends, and even predict future outcomes. This skill allows you to not just react to the market, but to anticipate it. Mastering data analytics makes you an invaluable asset to any marketing team, positioning you as a forward-thinking strategist, not just an executor.

Applying for marketing internships: Get your game face on

You've got the job, now what? Time to get pumped and show up like you own the place. Let's talk about prep and goals.

Prep like a boss and show up ready to kill it on day one

First impressions are everything. Research the company and its culture. Know their latest campaigns like the back of your hand. Dress to impress but keep it comfy—you're there to work, not walk a runway. A little nervous? That’s cool, it means you care. Just channel that energy into enthusiasm and let it fuel your day. A good video to review that is helpful is 

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Marketing Internship

Set goals that'll make you the intern everyone remembers

You want to be the intern that leaves a mark, not just another name on the roster. So, set goals that are a mix of personal growth and team wins. Think, "learn how to run a killer social media campaign" or "boost the team's email open rates." Track your progress and share it; people love a go-getter. By the end, you won’t just be another intern—you’ll be the intern.

Your next-level move

A marketing internship is more than just a resume filler—it's your foot in the door to an exciting, ever-changing industry. You'll get hands-on experience, build a killer network, and maybe even turn this gig into your dream job. So gear up to crush it; we've already laid out the game plan for you.

Once you're in, go all in. Be curious, ask questions, and don't shy away from challenges. Learn from your stumbles and network like there's no tomorrow. You're not just clocking in time; you're making connections and gathering experiences that could be pivotal for your career.

Even if you're only dedicating about 10 hours a week, you can pack a lot of learning and networking into that time. It's your first step in the professional world—make sure it's a strong one.

Resources and tools

Marketing internships demand not only creativity and insight but also the right set of tools and resources. Several tools and platforms exist that are specifically tailored to enhance the skills and efficiency of marketing interns, paving the way for a successful career in this ever-evolving industry. Listed below are some of the most notable:

8 Marketing tools to learn and list on your resume 

Improve your marketing-focused resume with a curated list of eight essential tools that every aspiring marketing professional should have in their CV

  1. HootSuite: A social media management platform that allows users to schedule posts, track social media traffic, and manage multiple accounts across different social media platforms
  2. Canva: An online design and publishing tool that offers an easy-to-use interface for creating a wide range of visual content, from social media graphics to presentations
  3. Trello: A collaboration tool that organizes your projects into boards, lists, and cards, enabling efficient project management and team coordination
  4. BuzzSumo: A tool that analyzes content performance across the web, helping users to discover trending topics, track brand mentions, and identify key influencers in specific industries
  5. Piktochart: A web-based infographic and presentation tool that allows users to create visually appealing and informative graphics using customizable templates
  6. Pocket: An application for managing a reading list of articles from the internet, allowing users to save articles, videos, and stories from any publication, page, or app
  7. Mention: A real-time media monitoring tool that helps users track and analyze mentions of their brand, competitors, or industry across social media and the web
  8. Google Analytics: A web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic, providing insights into user behavior and website performance

Alternative Marketing resources 

The following websites offer a range of educational materials related to marketing that make them invaluable for students interested in sustainability internships.

  • Google Digital Garage: A free online course that provides an introduction to digital marketing, including topics like search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and email marketing
  • HubSpot Academy: HubSpot Academy offers a wide variety of free online marketing courses, covering topics like content marketing, inbound marketing, and marketing automation
  • MarketingProfs: MarketingProfs offers a library of free and paid online marketing courses, with topics ranging from marketing fundamentals to advanced marketing strategies
  • Udemy: Udemy offers a variety of paid online marketing courses, with prices ranging from around $10 to $200
  • LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers a wide variety of free and paid online marketing courses, with topics ranging from marketing fundamentals to advanced marketing strategies 
  • The Muse: The Muse is a website that provides career advice and resources for job seekers, including articles, webinars, and job listings

Marketing articles: Knowledge is power

The marketing articles below provide information on how to prepare for a career in marketing, from internship opportunities to strategies for success and personal experiences in the field.

  1. Confessions from a Marketing Intern: 6 Tips from a Recent Grad
  2. Your Ultimate Guide to Writing Emails for Employers That Get a Response
  3. The 5 Hardest Interview Questions (and how to answer them)
  4. Top Digital Marketing Internships to Pursue in November
  5. Red Flags that Are Ruining Your Resume and How to Fix Them

Marketing Career Influencers on TikTok

The TikTok influencers below cover various aspects of marketing and can provide valuable insights and inspiration for students interested in a marketing career.

  1. Social Media Marketing
  2. Gary Vee
  3. Neil Patel
  4. Amy Porterfield
  5. Alex Beadon

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