Hi guys! I am back with another post about my internship experience in Casetify. I had been working as a full time social media marketing intern from Nov to Feb. It seems so long but time flies and I can't believe it ended last week! After 3 months, I learnt so much about marketing and social media, as well as workplace and interview hacks, which I really wanna share the tips to help all the students out there to get an internship.

How I apply the internship
What I heard is you have to apply at least one month in advance, so I applied all internships in late Sep (I wanna start in early Nov). You can find so many internship positions online. If you love a particular brand, always check their career page, which usually linked in the bottom of their website. Apply those companies that developed an internship program will increase your chance to get in. They provide more resources on intern and you will learn so much more. Take Casetify as an example, since it is a start-up, the whole marketing team is form by interns. As they have limited budget, we were asked to work as full-time but paid as intern.

I sent 4 application in total, and I got 2 companies replied me! In my emails, I included my CV, cover letter and all social media links. Depends on the position I am applying, I modified my CV and cover letter. Cover letter is a document where I introduce myself, explain why I want this internship and my previous working experience. Make sure your letter is in a separate attachment, not compose inside the email!

It is so important to tailor your application for each company!! For example, in my graphic design intern application, I emphasise I took design course in uni before even though I am not major in design. I also included my (unprofessional) portfolio, which I emphasise I did a lot of infographic and poster design. (ps the company end up hire me because they want someone to do infographic!) For marketing intern, I emphasise I did professional writing course and media courses. Although I never did business before, I involved in a lot of group projects and team work experience.
How I prepare for the interviews
I received a first round Skype interview from Casetify. I basically google the sample questions and wrote down the answers, and practice before the interview. This interview was get to know me and share my career plans etc. In the second round, I was asked to prepare for 3 questions based on the companies' social media and marketing strategy. Since I don't have any marketing background, I showed my passion in social media and KOL industry!

For internship interview, employer focus more on your attitude, rather than your actual skills or academic. They see your preparation and attitude during the interview. You need to share your passion and willingness to learn, and most importantly show that you prepared for the interview! Bring your notebook or laptop to present your answers. If there's no question you can prepare, bring pens and notebook to mark down anything. You may also bring your CV, but make sure it's enough for all interviewers (2 copies is safe!) Prepare 1-2 questions to ask the interviewer! Ask anything about the company or the industry.

Don't over dress to the interview! For start-up or media companies, just wear causal but smart and neat. Still, avoid wearing too causal, like flip flop and hats. Unless you are going for banks or business related companies, wear more formal instead. If you are not sure what to wear, always google or ask your friends and family!
How I get ready for the first day
First impression is so important! Arrive the office at least 10 mins before. Bring everything you required to bring, laptop, notebook, pen...show your boss you are ready to work! Smile and be friendly. Be aware your expression and what you are saying. Be respectful and polite is the key! Especially to full times. Prepare a short self introduction and a fun fact, that make conversation easier to start.

What I learnt from the internship
I think my take away from this internship is learn a lot about the social media marketing and the industry. I learnt how influencers make money from social media and how more and more companies advertise their products through social media. By talking to the full times and other interns, they showed me the real situation of this industry in HK. Speaking of workplace hacks, remember you are just intern...be open to learn and careful to details. Always ask SMART questions. Bosses only ask smart people to help them and give you more opportunities. Everyone hate flatterer, don't be one of them. Show respect to your boss at the right timing.

I highly recommend all students to get an internship before graduation. Not about polishing your CV or money, but the working experience, which make you different from other graduates. There are so many uni graduates every semester, no matter top uni or local uni, you need to make yourself stand-out from others! I hope these tips can motivate you and help you get your dream intern. If you have any question or experience, comment below!

SEE YOU,
cherry xoxo