Summer is quickly coming to a close, and college students like me are preparing to head back to campus for another academic year. That’s why, over the last few weeks, agencies and marketing departments across D/FW have been saying their goodbyes to this summer’s class of interns. The same can be said for me as I wrapped up my first internship in account service and planning at The Agency Hack.
According to Stand Out CV, about 21% of students take part in an internship each year, equating to over 4 million students annually. Research shows that completing an internship makes you 85% more likely to land a full-time job after graduation. This might be why 31% of interns will do multiple internships prior to graduation.
“An expert at anything was once a beginner.” – Actress Helen Hayes
Marketing, advertising, and public relations make up 3% of all summer internships – placing it in the Top 15 of all industries – which made my spot at The Agency Hack this summer feel even more valuable. In fact, I discovered more than just marketing strategies. What I found was the clarity, value, and strength in my career path.
Whether you are doing it for experience or course credit, or if it is paid or unpaid, there are many reasons why college students should pursue an internship, or internships, prior to graduation.
Introduction to desired field of study
When I finished high school, I was very up in the air about where my degree would lead me. After this internship experience, I feel excited about the many places that marketing will take me. Marketing can be so broad which can be a good and bad thing. But it’s fascinating how it’s this perfect blend of art and science. I have now been exposed to many different things that I will be able to follow after graduation and now understand that there are so many paths for me to take and that it’s never too late to switch it up and follow a new curiosity or lane. I feel as though I can always see a new idea through and try out new things every day to find my niche.
Ensure passion and true interest
As a third-year student pursuing a degree in business at Colorado State University, feeling unsure about my degree path was the last thing I wanted (my parents too!). As I am devoting four years of my life to this degree and taking classes that lead me to a well-rounded education in business, I was concerned that marketing might not be the best concentration path for me to take. I felt that a summer internship in marketing would be the perfect taste of the workforce I plan to join in just two short years. Thanks to HACK, this experience has solidified my passion for marketing. When looking for a summer experience, I wanted to get a taste of a lot of different things, and a smaller agency gave me that opportunity. I have now spent the last eight weeks conducting market research, learning about various client industries, planning and monitoring social media, preparing creative presentations and even writing my first blog post. Now that’s a full summer.
“Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” – Author Unknown
Become accustomed to the tools of the trade
My education at CSU has taught me many skills and practices in the business world but you never truly know until you are in it. I’ve taken countless classes using Excel, but I finally got to use it in a practical setting for marketing, I got to use Keynote instead of PowerPoint and sent professional correspondence. These are all things I have practiced in classes and with professors but the real-world application and ability to be flexible are the real skills in my opinion. I am so grateful for my education to build the foundation for these skills and thankful for the flexibility in my learning now that it has been applied.
Maintain routine outside of the academic year
I believe students should use their summer break as a time for rest, a three-month break from balancing classes, homework, social life, family obligations and personal time. That doesn’t mean that the world stops moving for them. I have spent plenty of time relaxing while still taking an online class, fulfilling this internship, working a restaurant job, and spending time with friends and family. Most students get overwhelmed at the idea of an internship taking up their time over their summer break. I have been lucky enough to find an internship that fits right into my already busy life. It has come easy to me to be able to devote time in order to further my education and experience in marketing.
Increase job opportunities post-grad
I also want to highlight the career benefits that a summer internship has to offer college students like me. The post-graduation job market is a scary place right now. Most students live in fear that there won’t be a job for them once their degree is completed. Going out into the world after education is daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With this experience under my belt and on my resume, I feel more confident in my abilities to perform the duties expected of me as an intern or within an entry level position in the future. My network is bigger, and my skillset is more expansive. Now that I’ve gotten a taste of marketing, I only want to explore more avenues!
Looking back, my summer internship at The Agency Hack has been more than just a resume booster. It was a chance to confirm my career path, apply my education in real ways, and build confidence for the future. I’ve learned that marketing is a field with endless opportunities to grow, pivot, and explore new ideas. While the season of summer internships might be coming to a close, the skills, connections, and inspiration I’ve gained will carry me far beyond these past eight weeks. And to all my fellow D/FW advertising and marketing interns, have an incredible school year and see you in the real world real soon.
Sydney Monson is a marketing major from North Texas entering her junior year at Colorado State University School of Business.
