5 Ways To Crack Your Dream Marketing Summer Internships!

5 mins read

Marketing is one of the most lucrative and challenging fields in today’s times. An exceptional marketer not only knows his business segment in and out but also understands the consumer psychology and areas to tap to reap the maximum output and sky-rocket sales. Similarly, marketing summer internships demand a lot more than just excellence in academics. It calls out for minds who not only have an acumen for marketing and advertising but also have critical thinking skills and confidence to pitch even a non-working car.

For those of you who are planning to apply for marketing summer internships, the following mantras can help you excel at it with the speed of a rocket.

1. Do your Research

Before you barge into the interview hall to make your lasting impression, be sure to do a thorough research of what you are getting into. A Marketer is always aware and uses such knowledge to make great strategic decisions. So research about the company, its areas of operation, its products, competitors, and future plans. Knowing all this will help you answer their questions like a pro and make you seem like you know what you are talking about. Second, knowing all this will enable you to practice case studies of the relevant fields which will only brush your skills and improve your speed in the interview.

2. Be an attentive listener and ask smart questions

Take a deep breath before entering the interview hall and keep yourself calm and composed. Mostly, if its the interviews for marketing summer internships, then a case study is definitely coming your way. So, if you are sure to pursue your summer internship in the marketing domain then practice as many relevant case studies as possible to be ready for whatever comes your way.

When you are on the hot seat, you have to be an exceptional listener. Listen through the case very carefully and attentively to make notes simultaneously. Ask a lot of questions and also share your assumptions so that the interviewer leads you towards your goal.

Remember, there is never a single correct solution to a case study, your marks would depend upon the approach you take to solve a particular case. Such an approach where you listen and indulge in asking questions will not only build your rapport with the interviewer but will also give you extra points for your listening skills.

3. Face Quants like a Pro

A case study without quants does not seem like a case study at all. This is where many of the students get nervous and make a mistake. Well, to be a marketer, you need to be very good with numbers and always quantify things to take better decisions. So take it as a challenge to practice well before your interview and be confident about what you have learned. Think like it's your own money at stake, and you will do great!

4. Let them know your understanding of Marketing

Read books by marketing gurus like Seth Godin so you’re familiar with the jargon, and also have some nifty examples to quote. If you’re passionate about it, it should show in your past experience and in your conversations. Talk about a recent ad that’s making waves, and why it is so intelligent. Commend a company for a great marketing move, and how it helped them build a great reputation.

Casually referencing these in conversations show you’re deeply engaged in the subject and are following the industry. It definitely helps set up a great impression and can be a fantastic strategy to crack your marketing summer internships.

5. Leave no chance to build rapport and connect with your interviewer

During your interview, ensure to build a good rapport with your interviewer by indulging in a more detailed conversation, maybe about the case study or your knowledge of the domain. Maybe ask him a couple of questions about his own experience with the company, when he joined, how long he’s been with them. All of these questions allow them to open up and engage beyond the scope of the interview.

A little bit of humor also helps!

Following up on prospects is a key part of the marketing exercise. So, why not follow up on your interview for marketing summer internships? Doing so will only show your drive to close-in on a good deal without any fail.

Once you are done with the interview, connecting with your interviewer on platforms like Linkedin is a good step to network and take feedback of your interaction. Building such a network throughout your interviews can expand your professional ties greatly and as they correctly say, “Your Network is your Net worth” can become a true saying in your case.

So, cracking your marketing summer internships could be just a few steps away if you follow the above-mentioned mantras. Be sure to walk in confidently, dressed professionally, and look like someone who is eligible to be the face of that company.