Nastasia Vasconcells, insight180’s new digital marketing coordinator, shares three ways the practical experience of college internships were instrumental in preparing her for work at insight180. Are internships important? Nastasia offers an emphatic, “Yes, absolutely.” Read about how her on-site internships enhanced her college learning experience better prepared her for her new, full-time position.
Are internships important? For me, yes, absolutely! College classes were very important and I learned so much, but my actual on-site internship experience has greater prepared me for my full-time job. I recently became the Digital Marketing Coordinator at insight180, where I create and post social media content for clients, write and revise blogs, and work on digital marketing for the company. I truly believe that my internship experiences definitely help me be successful every day in this new position.
1. Professional environment
I learned the importance of professionalism at my internships. I had always seen professional jobs on TV, but these opportunities actually gave me real-life experience. I needed to dress professionally and this meant preparing my clothes each night to see what needed ironing, what matched, what shoes to wear, etc. I learned that looking professional can really make an impact on success, plus it is fun to put together new outfits in a new style each day. I learned how to act professionally and responsibly. This meant attending meetings, arriving on time (and prepared), listening well and taking notes, and being proactive (asking questions, offering ideas, etc.). This also meant taking advantage of every opportunity including going to and being active in every event, meeting, conference, etc. that I was offered and able. I have taken the things that I learned and applied them at insight180. Being professional at insight180 will help me to be successful in creating relationships with my co-workers and our clients.
2. What working full-time actually feels like
While at my internship during the school semester, I needed to balance working two eight-hour days a week while going to school, teaching dance, tutoring, and working another job. My internship over the summer was the first time I ever worked full time. These schedules helped me not only with time management but also with a better understanding of what it is like working in an office for eight hours a day. Sitting at a desk, looking at a computer, and not having breaks, besides lunch, took some getting used to. The longest class I would have in school was three hours, so sitting for twice that amount was definitely a challenge I needed to get used to for the field I was heading in. Fortunately at insight180, I can stand while I work, which definitely helps!
3. Social media skills
Specific to my internship experiences, I learned social media skills that helped me to qualify and be ready for this new position. I learned about paying attention to different audiences, creating and scheduling social media content, “speaking” in the voice of the client, professional development, creating important documents, researching SEO, tracking impressions and engagement, writing blogs, and so much more. These skills help me to support insight180 clients with digital marketing.
Years ago, internships were scarce, but now they are crucial in teaching skills that can apply to full-time jobs. I encourage students or anyone looking for experience to look into internships not only to get real-world experience but to help determine the right career path. They certainly did that for me and helped me in more ways than I can count.
Special thanks to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the National Aquarium and the UMBC writing center, and to the many companies and organizations that offer internship opportunities.
