Lessons Learned as a Marketing Intern

What I learned in my summer internship with BootstrapVT

By Margie Bowen

“Why are you doing a Marketing internship?”

This is a question I have been asked many times this summer. Honestly, I had no idea what I was signing up for when I agreed to intern at BootstrapVT. However, I had a passion for design and content creation that I needed to explore. Little did I know, I would walk away equipped with the skills necessary to start my own marketing company.

BootstrapVT  is a collective of talented, self-motivated individuals, many of whom own businesses. Through my internship, I learned what it takes for Bootstrap and these other companies to cohabitate and thrive together. Since childhood, I’ve wanted to start a business, but I never imagined it would be in graphic design and marketing.

As my internship concludes, I am proud to have gained a deep understanding of the inner workings behind the content we consume daily. There is so much I have learned this summer, yet there is still so much more to learn in marketing and business. However, the ability to bootstrap my own business, while continuing to learn and work for BootstrapVT, makes founding a business feel infinitely more attainable.

Let me walk you through the basics:

What are you selling?

You are not only selling your services, you are selling your dependability and eye for detail. To understand the true value of your work, you must understand the value of you. Have confidence in your ability and skills, and don’t undervalue what you as a business person bring to the table.

Understand the Language

Every career is the same, you get paid to know the jargon. Marketing is no different; familiarize yourself with the lingo. Terms like SEO (Search Engine Optimization), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), ROI (Return on Investment), CTR (Click-Through Rate), and Conversion rates might seem daunting now, but they’re crucial for succeeding in marketing.

Don’t be afraid to Network

Marketing is a people-centered field, and networking is your best friend. Begin by reaching out to professionals in the industry and participating in local marketing meetups. Networking isn’t just about getting your name out there; it’s about learning from others, getting advice, and finding mentors. Be curious and ask questions. There is a time and place to pitch your business, but more often than not networking is for listening.

When you meet someone, listen to learn from their stories, and then think about how you can add value to their work. Show genuine interest and be authentic, if you don’t care, people can tell. Everyone appreciates sincerity and is more likely to help you when they see your passion and eagerness to learn.

Create Your Own Opportunities

Constantly, opportunities pass us by, but it is now up to you to recognize and invest in them. Start a blog, build a social media presence, or help a colleague’s new endeavors. These projects will serve as your living portfolio, showcasing your skills and ability to drive results. They will also result in priceless learning experiences.

Always Be Learning

Marketing trends change rapidly. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Subscribe to industry newsletters and stay up-to-date with social media trends. Staying updated will keep you ahead of the curve. Consider furthering your education through advanced courses and certifications. Google, HubSpot, and Meta/Facebook offer valuable certifications that can boost your credibility while adding value to your services.

Believe in Yourself

Building a career or a business takes time and effort. There will be challenges, but each hurdle is an opportunity to learn and grow. I have just scratched the surface of the ups and downs of running a business; the process is inconsistent. Believe in your abilities and stay with it. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Every step forward is progress. Persistence and resilience are key. You are capable of way more than you think. 

Are you ready to pull yourself up by your Bootstraps? 

The world awaits, whether your chosen path is marketing or another field. Believe in your cause, be prepared to work hard, stay curious, and keep pushing forward. Your dream independent career is just around the corner. As an intern-entrepreneur-startup-designer-marketer-student, I have learned a lot this summer. 

Thank you to Geoff, Hanna, and the rest of the team for a great experience this summer!