GBMA's Guide to Internships: Landing Your Dream Marketing Opportunity

If you're a student or a recent graduate who wants to pursue a career in marketing, you might be wondering how to get your foot in the door. One of the best ways to gain valuable experience and build your network is to do an internship. But how do you find and secure an internship that matches your interests, skills and goals? Here are some tips to help you land your dream marketing opportunity.

1. Know what you want.

Before you start looking for internships, you should have a clear idea of what kind of marketing role you're interested in. Do you want to work in digital marketing, social media, content creation, branding, public relations, or something else? What kind of industry or company are you passionate about? What are your strengths and weaknesses as a marketer? Having a sense of direction will help you narrow down your options and tailor your applications.

2. Do your research.

Once you have a list of potential internships, you should do some background research on the companies and organizations that offer them. What is their mission, vision and values? What are their products or services? Who are their target customers? How do they communicate their brand identity and value proposition? What are their current challenges and opportunities? Doing your research will help you understand the company culture and expectations, as well as show your interest and enthusiasm.

3. Polish your resume and portfolio.

Your resume and portfolio are the first impressions that employers will have of you, so make sure they are professional, relevant and impressive. Your resume should highlight your education, skills, achievements and experiences that relate to the internship you're applying for. Your portfolio should showcase your best work samples that demonstrate your creativity, problem-solving and communication skills. You can use online platforms like LinkedIn, Behance or Medium to create and share your portfolio.

4. Write a compelling cover letter.

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story and explain why you're the best candidate for the internship. It should be concise, personalized and persuasive. You should address the specific requirements and expectations of the internship, as well as how you can contribute to the company's goals and objectives. You should also express your passion, curiosity and eagerness to learn from the experience.

5. Prepare for the interview.

If you get invited for an interview, congratulations! You're one step closer to landing your dream marketing opportunity. But don't get too comfortable yet - you still need to prepare for the interview and impress the hiring manager. You should review your resume and portfolio, research the company and industry, practice common interview questions and prepare some questions of your own. You should also dress professionally, arrive on time, be confident and courteous, and follow up with a thank-you note.

Internships are a great way to gain practical skills, expand your network and explore different career paths in marketing. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding and securing an internship that suits your interests, skills and goals. Good luck!