Tag Archives: internship

Ask the Intern : A Q&A session via Facebook

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On the 19th of March, I went from observing webchats to actually answering the questions that people wanted to ask. I have recently finished my Social Media Internship at Macmillan Cancer Support and agreed to take part in a discussion about what I did and what I gained. You can view the actual thread here but I wanted to go through and answer a few of the questions again in full.

1. What is an Intern?

The answer I gave :
An internship is a great way to get involved, build on existing skills or explore a change of career. Some other interns have written about their experience as well as their roles http://www.macmillan.org.uk/GetInvolved/Volunteer/Internships/InternshipCaseStudy.aspx.

Additional thoughts
An intern is someone who is looking to gain experience within a certain profession, a little like going on work experience although it is often for a longer time frame and you have a little more responsibility. I didn’t end up making tea/coffee or just filing paperwork. I was involved in several meetings and given the opportunity to put forward my own ideas for projects.

2. What is it like and what do you do?

The answer I gave

I loved my internship, I got the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and at the beginning my line manager discussed what skills I’d like to develop and ways I could build on my experience. My internship was for a social media role so I got to learn more about the way that Macmillan uses social media to provide support, information and the planning involved in different projects.

Additional thoughts
Working for Macmillan is an experience in itself, with so many people passionate about their work it is hard not to get caught up and end up staying extra hours. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from many different departments and offices, in person, via email and even spoken to them on the phone. The office itself is very bubbly and the ever-changing posters bring a smile to my face. I work on social media, I wrote posts, responded to comments and found answers for those that needed them, I also got to learn about our regional pages and accounts as well meet some of the fundraising team up in Shipley. I had the opportunity to experience the ups and downs of working life as a member of the Social Media team.

3. What is the meaning of life?

The answer given
42

Additional thoughts

It depends which book you read.

4. More details please? Full Time? Part Time? All areas of support or focused area?

The answer given
My role was 4 days a week, mainly working on social media but I did have the opportunity to learn about all the various ways Macmillan provides support (here is the blog I wrote about it http://community.macmillan.org.uk/blogs/b/community_news/archive/2013/02/20/how-macmillan-supports-online-and-offline.aspx ).
Internships are fairly flexible, I work from the London office but there are internships available around the UK. Macmillan asks that you do a minimum 3 days a week and will ask what hours you are available to work.

Additional Thoughts
Social media has been integrated across all levels at Macmillan, so I found myself often asking other departments for information or how I could help out. I learnt a lot from the cancer information team and throughly enjoyed working on the recipe Pinterest board as well as trialing the recipes. So even though I only worked in the office for 4 days a week, I often caught myself thinking of new ideas and wondering how everything was going on even on my days off!

5. What qualifications do you need to apply?

The answer given
Internships are available to everyone, you are chosen on your experience and what you could bring to the role. So if you are interested get applying

Additional thoughts

Internships are open to everyone, that is one of the best parts of applying for one. No pressure on your qualifications just the knowledge of the role you are applying for. If I decided to intern for the fundraising department I would just need to evaluate the skills I have opposed to trying to work on another qualification. This part of internships amazes me.

6. I take that this is voluntary work?

The answer given
Yes an internship is a voluntary role, I was given a nice pin badge to say that I’m a volunteer which I wear proudly.

Additional thoughts

I volunteered my time and effort to gain experience so I could be a part of the work that Macmillan Cancer Support does. I also got a snazzy folder and badge. I was pretty chuffed with my starter kit.

7. Did you work in a PR capacity? If so, what’s the best way to get an internship?

The answer given
My role was focused more on social media, which meant we did work closely with the PR team for some projects. Keep an eye out for any opportunity to gain experience, previously I did some work writing for a local magazine which got me used to press releases and other things

Additional thoughts

Grab any opportunity you can to gain experience, I loved writing for the Ark Magazine but I also enjoyed the photography I did for the students union. There were lots of opportunities to get involved whilst I was at university and it gives you a chance to learn more about how different people work. It also gives you chance to see the way you work when placed in different teams/departments/companies.

8. What part of your internship have you enjoyed the most whilst at Macmillan?

The answer given
I’ve loved working on a variety of projects, seeing a project go from planning stages to launch has been fantastic! Learning about new ideas and working with some lovely people has certainly made the 3 months fly by.

Additional thoughts
There have been days where I wondered how people managed to stay so positive about their cancer experience, then there were moments of pure joy when I heard about how thankful someone was for the support they had and wanted to know how they could give back. The projects were great to work on and they did make time fly, though I do have to say some of the messages I saw re-affirmed why I want to work for a charity and how I can help others.

9. What campaign have you enjoyed working on the most? HINT #CharityShakeOff

The answer given
There have been a few projects like #AgeOldExcuse, #charityshakeoff and #notalone. I’m currently working on ‘A Really Good Night In’ so I’ll have to announce my favourite later on this year.

Additional thoughts

The shake off was pretty cool, seeing three charities work to raise awareness and have a bit of fun was certainly different. Video is a great way to portray messages without lengthy explanations, although simplicity is key. #Notalone & #AgeOldExcuse have very powerful messages that have left a lasting impression on those who have seen them. My current project ‘A Really Good Night In‘ is my first fundraising project and it has been hard work getting the planning and content together but I am thoroughly enjoying seeing everything develop.

10. Are there internships in the north-east of England? Is there an age limit on being an intern?

The answer given
There are internships available all across the UK so keep an eye out for them via http://volunteering.macmillan.org.uk/Search/AdvancedSearch . You have to be over 18 to be able to apply but other than that no age limit. Great that you’ve chosen to learn new skills, wishing you the best for the future

Additional thoughts

It is experience that matters not age, I was very surprised by this question purely as I believe you can change career or learn new skills at any age. I have always wondered if I have been rejected from jobs because of my age, I never considered that people may believe they’ve been rejected due to being too old for an internship. We all have to start somewhere.

14. What is the internship about ? What do you do? And what do you gain?

The answer given
There are a wide variety of internships across Macmillan. My internship was for Social Media, so I focused on the Macmillan Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+) working on different elements of planning and content. I have gained experience of working within a charity and the chance to work on some amazing campaigns.

Additional thoughts

I’ve recently been trying to explain to friends and family what I actually did during my internship, the simplest way to explain is that I work on a selection of social media platforms. Generally this gets me a bit of a blank look and “so you just sit on Facebook all day?”. I wish it was that simple, drafting up content for statuses and picking photos to upload is a lot more difficult, trying to be interesting and relevant all the time. I love it but trying to explain it can sometimes be tougher than if I was able to show them exactly what I do in an average day. I have gained a lot of knowledge not only about social media but also about cancer, medical support and financial support available.

15. What are your managers like?

Additional thoughts

I didn’t reply to this on the main thread as it was asked after the Q&A had finished. My managers have given me the chance to shine, with their feedback and knowledge I am not the same person that I was when I started my internship (in a positive way). With their help and encouragement I have spoken at events such as #barcampnfp and actively taken part in discussions both internally and externally about how social media should be incorporated. I have been very lucky to have been offered the opportunity working on ‘A Really Good Night In’ and look forward to evaluating what I have learnt after it has been completed. So I would like to say Thank You, to my Managers and the Online Community team for making my internship a fantastic experience. I hope the next intern brings you even more snacks.
Amy

Money well spent

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My bank account got punched today, I didn’t enjoy it bug the money has gone to better things.

Many of you will have had an idea of a dream job since you were young. The job may have changed (mine have most definitely) but the ambition for it certainly can still be seen.

I work hard and study hard to make sure my university work is to the best of my ability but this also should balance. I write/provide photos for a local music mag which has lead me to believe I should develop my skills and invest in more equipment. So I have been informed of preston’s photographic society, I’ve just sent off my membership fees (strike 1, bank account is still standing)

I have been exploring internships within the third sector, to further my understanding of marketing both client and agency side. Here comes strike 2 the main blow of a train ticket to London, cost aside, the value of visiting the big smoke is easily worth triple what I paid for a ticket. There is also the chance to meet the online legend that is the man the myth himself mr @98rosjon ( find him on twitter, you know you want to).

The third blow to the bank account was some spending money to keep my wallet company. But each of these punches create opportunities that can not be re-purchased, the time spent in London meeting people who currently work in the industry cannot be duplicated, the expert advice that is given through meeting those who have a similar interest does not have a price tag.

So what would you consider a Worthwhile purchase that makes you say, money well spent.

That’s all for now
Amy
@MissAJBurton

(typed up and submitted by iPhone)

I want an internship, Now.

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In the current job market, experience is everything. Within any profession your skills and qualifications are what get you noticed on paper. Having the right attitude is what gets you a job.

I’ve just finished my second year at university and because of this I am already looking at what skills I will need to get a job. From various searches across sites such as http://jobs.brandrepublic.com/ most the positions ask for good grades in english and maths and computer skills. Then they tend to get more specific to each role, management training, event management, account handling, all of these can be included under the sub-heading of experience.

Within the field of advertising and marketing many positions ask for a minimum of 1 years experience. Trying to get this year of experience whilst studying can prove to be problematic, if you are lucky you may have a placement year included in your course. Getting this experience may be difficult although there is always an availability for the person that is persistent.

So how much will i get paid?
Many internships are at present unpaid, some companies will pay for your travel expenses although this is becoming more rare. But what you can learn during these unpaid internship is of much more valuable that the ever rising price of petrol. I met a new employee at an advertising agency who described how he managed to get him dream job. He had heard about the position but when he called up to find out about the role he discovered it had already been filled, upon hearing this news he asked if it would be possible to work for a few weeks to prove his worth. 3 months later he was provided with a full time position within the agency and re-embursed for his previous spending. Just goes to show if you are willing/able to put in the time for a company you can earn a lot of respect, a glowing reference and contacts within the industry.

So where should i look?
You can start with on a wide variety of websites such as :

www.inspiringinterns.com
www.fledglings.net
www.milkround.com
www.reed.co.uk
www.step.org.uk
www.ratemyplacement.co.uk

Alternatively you can try create your internship. Contact a company you are interested in working for, do some background research, find out what they are about, who the key players are also gives a great opportunity to find out what is currently available. Remember to pick up the phone and ring, don’t just email or throw a cv in the post with a ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ style covering letter. Call up, speak to someone, strike up a conversation. Ask for some advice and try establish a meeting to meet them face to face. This will give you the chance to show off your skills and personality. You never know what might happen because of it.

Most importantly though make sure you are asking for experience and not demanding to be put on the payroll.

That’s All for Now
Amy
@MissAJBurton

Why is Branding Important? (Written for 2amDesign)

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You can see original post via this link -> http://2amdesign.co.uk/blog/why-branding-important

Otherwise read below

Advertising campaigns that are led by a brand give the consumer an opportunity to ‘get to know’ the brand. What they look like, what their values are as well as how they act. Think of it as getting to know a friend.

Edward is the guy that you went to school with. You can remember the first day you met him. He was different from the rest of the crowd but still wearing the same school uniform as everyone else. As you got older changed jobs, moved schools, got new friends, lost old friends, you can still recognise Edward even without the school uniform. Over the years you’ve watched as Edward has changed to Eddie, changed his clothes, grown up, as well as developing his quirks (He’s the guy that will sing Man I Feel Like A Woman at the Christmas staff do). But even when Eddie wears that awful Christmas jumper, you still keep him as a friend and companion.

Eddie is Heinz and every memory you have is a product Tomato Ketchup, Salad Cream, Mayonnaise, Beans, Spaghetti Hoops, Weight Watchers & Soup. The list is so much longer than the 57 types stated on the label, but to many Heinz is a household favourite. Like Eddie, it’s part of the family. By creating this connection with the audience advertising as a brand provides more character. Brands are able to convey a message without showing a product for example the 2009 campaign which didn’t even show Heinz ketchup until the end of the advert.

http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA9036

As strong a connection the consumer has towards a brand, there are scenarios where you may just want a pen. This could be a free pen from the local bank, it would do the job of putting ink on paper. When a product leads a campaign it often includes facts, what makes it better than other products, why you should buy it and when you need it. A product is disposable and the loyalty is to the functionality first.

When the brand enters into the mix it brings out a whole new element of the products image. Emphasising the characteristics you remember from the brand onto the pen you have in your hand. By creating a bond first with the product then with the brand it can lead to a loyalty to the product even after it’s reached the end of it’s working life. You may hold onto the broken fountain pen because it was your first Parker pen, it’s functionality is not different to any other fountain pen, it still performs the same job, but the Parker name adds value to the product.

There are occasions where a brand will detach itself from a product. This can be because a product is being launched into a different market, or that the market is changing. A recent example of this is Tesco’s decision to launch products without it’s popular brand attached to them, the first products within this move are ChokaBlok ice cream, Nutricat cat food and Lathams dog food. All of these will have their own brand development and strategies independent to current ranges under the Tesco name such as Tesco Finest Range and Value ranges. This move is not about replacing big brands, it’s about working along side current products and ranges. It also is not trying to alter how the public view the Tesco brand. It is a product independent of the big labels, which is how product driven campaigns can benefit. It can give new life to a product without the connotations of the brand being imposed upon it.

In the consumer/customer mind set a brand can become like a friend, someone you trust and rely on. By promoting this image you can emphasise the positive attributes and create a consistent representation for future products or services of the brand.