The Marketing Internship. A role to vital to your Marketing career that I capitalised it. The stepping stone to your dream Marketing job. Okay, I’m being dramatic. But I remember when I was first starting out and the thought of landing an internship felt like THE opportunity to break into the industry. If you’re wondering how to land your first marketing internship, I’ve got your back with some tried-and-true tips to help you stand out and score that internship:
1. Start with the Basics
Before applying for any internship, you want to make sure you understand the core areas of marketing. No one expects you to know everything, but having a basic knowledge of key marketing concepts like SEO, content marketing, social media and email marketing will make you more appealing to potential employers. Bonus points if you can talk about marketing trends, tools and platforms that are currently hot in the industry.
Pro tip: Take some online courses to brush up on your skills. Google Digital Garage, HubSpot Academy and even YouTube can be goldmines for free marketing resources. Being able to speak confidently about digital marketing will make you sound super knowledgeable during interviews.
2. Build a Portfolio- Yes, Even as a Beginner!
I get it—you don’t have much experience yet. But don’t let that stop you! Start by building a simple portfolio of work that you can show off. This could be as basic as content you’ve created for personal projects (like blog posts, social media graphics or even mock-up campaigns). You don’t need to have done professional work yet to demonstrate that you have the skills and creativity to make an impact.
Pro tip: Use platforms like Canva, WordPress or LinkedIn to showcase your work. Having a digital portfolio will help you look professional and proactive, even as a beginner. And just in case you think you can skip this- because that’s what I did- the longer you take to start a portfolio, the most difficult the process is. I worked in Marketing for 3+ years (excluding all my blogging experience) until I finally did need a portfolio and had nothing to show for my Marketing work besides content.
3. Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for marketing internships, your resume and cover letter are your first chance to make a great impression. Tailor both to highlight your relevant skills, experience (even if it’s just volunteering or class projects) and enthusiasm for marketing. Don’t forget to include any marketing tools, platforms or software you’re familiar with, like Google Analytics, social media management tools or basic design programs.
Pro tip: Don’t just list what you’ve done– show how your skills and experiences will benefit the company. For example, instead of just saying “assisted with social media,” say something like “created engaging social media posts that increased engagement by 15% over a 2-week period.” Stats and results are always impressive.
4. Start Networking- Get Your Foot in the Door
Networking is key, especially when you’re just starting out. The great thing about marketing is that it’s a community– and most people are more than willing to help a newbie out. Join LinkedIn groups, attend local meetups or webinars or even follow marketing pros on Twitter. Connect with people in the industry, ask questions and let them know you’re looking for internship opportunities. Sometimes, it’s all about who you know- and networking is a great way to learn about unlisted opportunities.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to send friendly, personalized messages to marketing professionals on LinkedIn. Ask for advice or insight into the industry- it’s an easy way to start a conversation that might lead to an internship referral.
5. Leverage Your University/College Career Services
If you’re in school, your career services department is a goldmine of internship opportunities. They often have relationships with companies looking to hire interns and can provide a lot of helpful resources like resume reviews, mock interviews and internship listings. Use these services to your advantage! They’ll help you narrow down where to apply and might even assist in getting your foot in the door.
Pro tip: Take full advantage of networking events or career fairs at your school. You’d be surprised how many internships are up for grabs just by showing up and talking to the right people.
6. Apply Early and Often
This might sound obvious, but it’s so important: apply early and often. Internship deadlines can sneak up on you and sometimes companies hire on a rolling basis, meaning the earlier you apply, the better your chances. Cast a wide net- don’t limit yourself to just one or two companies. The more places you apply, the more opportunities you create for yourself.
Pro tip: Keep track of the internships you apply to, deadlines and any follow-up dates. Being organized will make the process smoother and less stressful.
7. Prepare for Interviews Like a Pro
Once you get an interview (yay!), make sure you’re ready to impress. Do your homework on the company-learn about their products, services and mission. Be prepared to talk about how your skills align with their needs and how you can contribute to their marketing goals. And of course, have a few thoughtful questions ready to show that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the role.
Pro tip: Practice your answers to common internship interview questions. If you’re nervous, ask a friend to help you run through a mock interview. Confidence and preparation go a long way.
8. Stay Persistent
Landing your first internship might not happen immediately but don’t let that discourage you! The marketing industry is huge and there are plenty of opportunities out there. Keep learning, stay up-to-date on trends and be open to feedback. Every interview, rejection or conversation is a step toward landing the internship that’s right for you. My first internship (2020) resulted from a conversation/informational interview in 2019.
Pro tip: Ask for feedback after interviews, especially if you don’t land the internship. Knowing what you can improve on will help you nail the next one!
Landing your first marketing internship can seem like a big challenge but with the right mindset and approach, you’ll make it happen!