Bonjour, I'm Lizzy, I study International Business and French at the University of Bristol and I've just completed a digital marketing internship as part of my Erasmus year abroad.
Thinking about applying for an internship in digital marketing but not exactly sure what to expect? Keep reading to find out what I learned!
Why branding is so important
I now understand what branding actually is, and why every company should have a strategy to enhance and evolve their online presence.
I know what brand guidelines are, how to adhere to them and most importantly, how to implement them in my day-to-day work.
I am capable of speaking French in a business environment
By engaging with colleagues and clients in French, my language fluency and confidence
have greatly improved, especially within a business context.
Additionally, being exposed to day-to-day operations and an office culture has provided me with insights into work etiquette and protocols that can be applied internationally.
What's an audit? And, why should the marketing department perform one?
I have learnt what an audit is, how to execute one and most importantly, the necessity of self-analysis within a company.
Checking formatting, content, hyperlinks and online competitors is essential when creating an audit. Finally, I've learnt that audits not only identify areas of improvement but also optimise current operations.
The importance of social media marketing
In an increasingly internet-centric world, social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are becoming increasingly effective marketing tools.
Mark Zuckerberg stated that Instagram Reels account for 20% of the time people spend on Instagram.
There is a huge opportunity here for reach and engagement; I now appreciate newfound marketing techniques and have even created my own Instagram reels for the company.
Don't underestimate the power of communication
My communication skills have improved immensely; both online and in person.
I have learnt the value of clear and concise communication whether it be through emails, catch-up calls or weekly meetings.
Need to concentrate? Work from home.
I have worked both from home and in person. This has allowed me to discover which working style compliments me best.
For example, when writing articles and emails, I work most effectively alone at home., whereas, when creating content, I really value the team’s input and being in our office environment.
You don't need to be a graphic designer to create cool designs
I have created digital materials that match our design and marketing guidelines, but beyond this, I have been given the flexibility to create my own designs and act on my own ideas.
This independence, when editing and designing, has solidified my skills in platforms such as CapCut and Canva.
Knowing how to prioritise your time is a skill worth having
I respect and appreciate the importance of deadlines and time management. Prioritising and completing designated tasks on time is (rightfully so) going to be expected in any workplace, so learning this at an internship is crucial. I now know that pro-activity and planning are key!
Learning to write well takes time and practise
Writing articles, communicating with colleagues and building presentations are all ways that I have enhanced my writing skills. I’ve learnt coherence and structure should always be prioritised and that the message should be concise and transparent in order to avoid any ambiguity.
What is digital marketing and does everyone want to do it?
There is only so much you can learn through theory as a student, being in a workplace is the best way to put what you've studied into practice and reflect on what your field really is.
For me, Digital Marketing is the use of modern tools and techniques to boost a company’s visibility and increase the likelihood of a transaction with a potential customer - in MES’s case this would be families paying for a service, or candidates applying for a job.
My digital marketing internship in France has been an enriching experience that has equipped me with a diverse range of skills and knowledge.
As a French and International Business Management student, this internship has certainly been compatible with my studies, but beyond this, it has enabled me to put my academic work into practice.
From understanding branding, audits, and content marketing to using social media to communicate on behalf of the company. I have obtained real-world experience and practical insights that will be invaluable regardless of the career I choose to pursue.