With a new year comes a new influx of people switching jobs and seeking out new opportunities. Securing a digital marketing internship can provide invaluable experience and a competitive edge when launching your career after university. With more companies focusing their efforts and budgets on online platforms, demand for digital marketing skills remains consistent.

This creates excellent opportunities for ambitious students to gain first-hand experience in the industry by taking on intern roles during their studies. Whether you’re interested in social media, content production, web analytics or paid advertising, many businesses and agencies are often eager to mentor the next generation. Use this guide to understand how to hone the skills and build a winning portfolio to catch employers’ eyes, and set yourself up for success during the application and interview stage.

Develop Valuable Skills to Stand Out

Gaining relevant first-hand skills is key to securing the most competitive digital marketing internships. Review job listings and make a note of the common requirements so you can develop the right skills to stand out. For example, SEO, email marketing, content creation and Conversion Rate Optimisation are all valuable skills to develop for a digital marketing position. From societies within your university department to free online courses and even YouTube guidance for self-learning, there are numerous avenues to help you build the right skills.

Building out an impressive portfolio of relevant work samples will further capture employer’s interest and set you apart from other candidates. Document and publish web analytics reports assessing campus event site traffic, for example, or design sample social media campaign templates, digital ad creatives and landing pages tailored for a brand of your choice to exhibit content and technical skills.

Build a Portfolio

Another way to promote yourself as you apply for digital marketing internships is by building a website. A professional-looking portfolio increases your chances of making a good impression on employers. It provides a space to showcase your existing skills, work experience and achievements while demonstrating that you can create and manage an online presence.

If you don’t have any web design experience, that’s OK. There are plenty of easy-to-use tools out there that can help you create a polished, impressive portfolio without needing to code. Embed visual content like graphic designs, videos and photographs of marketing campaigns you’ve supported. The goal is to create a dynamic, aesthetically-pleasing site that exhibits capabilities and gives employers deeper insights beyond your CV.

Network and Build Connections

One of the best ways to connect with potential employers is through networking. Scan your connections on LinkedIn and personal contacts to see if you have any existing relationships within your target companies. You can then reach out and enquire about digital marketing initiatives or internship prospects you could contribute to. With an internal advocate highlighting your capabilities, you’re much more likely to secure an interview or role.

You can also look for relevant industry events and marketing meetups happening locally. These provide a forum to directly engage with professionals across agencies and brands. Follow up promptly with new connections on LinkedIn or by email – staying tapped into the local marketing community not only expands your prospects but also keeps your industry understanding sharp.

Make a Great First Impression

The interview is your opportunity to showcase both your enthusiasm and capabilities for the role. Thoroughly research the company ahead of time to understand their current marketing focus and initiatives, and come prepared with thoughtful questions that show your understanding of key priorities and opportunities to grow as an intern.

Express how you can directly apply your skills and experiences to support the organisation’s goals. Share any new ideas or areas of contribution that arise in your reflections that underscore your passion, and reiterate ways you can positively impact operations and are committed to being a team player if selected. Making authentic connections and illustrating your cultural fit and work ethic can be equally as important as your qualifications.

Landing an amazing digital marketing internship ultimately comes down to determination and effectively demonstrating your skills. Be proactive in seeking openings, even if they are not formally posted roles, and be sure to showcase relevant coursework, credentials and work samples that align with the employer’s needs. With sound preparation and initiative, you can secure an internship that accelerates real-world learning, networks and career trajectory.

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Thank you to Dakota for writing this blog!

Dakota Murphey is an established freelance writer who regularly contributes to a number of authoritative resources online. She specialises in eCommerce, Digital Business, Marketing, Public Relations, Human Resources, Company Growth and Cybersecurity.