A Little About Me
Before starting as a summer intern, I discovered that the interns are tasked with maintaining a notebook of their experiences at DSG. I am thrilled to now be the one writing to the future intern applicants of the company to continue this tradition. So please allow me to introduce myself. I am Joe Cotillo and I am a senior at Temple University where I am studying marketing at the Fox School of Business. My interest in marketing spiked after I became a proud member of the American Marketing Association at Temple. I would like to share what was going through my mind when approaching my start date, aside from what outfit I would be wearing and what I would do about lunch.
The Countdown Begins
After hearing from the VPs that I had been offered the position as a summer marketing intern, I began to wonder what it would entail. The professors I have had along the way did an excellent job of teaching me the theoretical foundation of marketing concepts, principles, and strategies; but there was still something missing. I had absolutely no idea what a digital marketing internship would be like. As my college years come to a close, I eagerly desire some real-world marketing knowledge to expand my understanding of the field.
The research I conducted on DSG and its partners led me to believe that this was my shot at something bigger than being handed the busy work. Although I was overwhelmed with the information that the website provided, there was never a doubt that it would become clearer to me. It has been four weeks since I began working for the company and there is already a plethora of experiences to share.
Onboarded
The first day was intimidating although it was only a matter of minutes before I concluded that the people I’d be working with are filled with wisdom, energy, and kindness. My excitement to get involved was magnified after hearing the stories of all the individuals I introduced myself to. I have never experienced such a productive work environment while making new friends at the same time. The second I was able to sit in on client meetings, I knew that I would be in on the action through and through.
I did not expect to understand every concept being discussed in these meetings but the extremely supportive team educated me on anything I had questions about. If you need some proof, I would be delighted to share some of the digital marketing knowledge I have acquired from the team.
Travon, one of the most compelling individuals I have ever met, has made the difference between Paid and Organic Search make complete sense. Robyn, a technological maestra, has informed me about the efficiencies of the software that manages digital business information in a centralized and structured way. Mike, a persistent mind, has taught me that there is always opportunity in something, you just have to find it. Further, Mike has researched and tested a new location analytics platform that he will soon implement into client work. Paige, an eloquent teacher, makes any concept easy to understand and follow. The list goes on of mentors and lessons I am learning through this amazing opportunity. The respect and inclusion of this team shows me that an internship is not merely a temporary role; it’s an opportunity to embrace growth, forge connections, and demonstrate the potential I have.
What I Look Forward To
As I become more involved in client work, I am excited to be more exposed to the practical experience of beginning business with a new client. Further, I am eager to gain more experience with SEO, Pay-Per-Click Advertising, and Content Marketing.
In order to stay proactive as an intern, I will need to set clear goals, take initiative, communicate effectively, continue learning, expand my skill horizon, stay organized, and always maintain a positive attitude. My time at DSG has just begun and I can already state that it has been the most educational and supportive time in my career development. With the way time is flying, my second entry is just around the corner, so keep an eye out for the next chapter in my DSG experience.