Well this is a new and unusual experience but let’s get on with it: My name’s Will Greenwood and I’m Browser Media’s new Account Executive. I am a Sport Management graduate, who – like most graduates – had no idea what I wanted to do once I finished University. I originally started at Browser Media as an intern in August and I guess I did something right as I joined the team at the start of September and I have never looked back.
What have you learnt from your first few weeks at Browser Media?
It’s true when people say the more you put in the more you get out. People notice if you have tried really hard on a task or put in a lot of time and effort to make sure it is completed to the best of your ability. When you just started a new job, recognition and being told you’ve done well is one of the best things you can hear. It stops you doubting yourself and your ability and gives you the confidence to help you complete jobs going forward.
What’s the biggest change from University to work?
The jump from university life to full time employment is massive. No matter how prepared you feel at the end of your three years, there are some changes you can’t plan for. The biggest change for me personally was to change my body clock from ‘student mode’ to that of a normal person. That meant switching late nights for early mornings and getting used to full days of work. However this didn’t take too long as when you are doing something you really enjoy the days fly by and the early mornings become bearable.
What does a typical day involve?
A ‘typical day’ is hard to describe at Browser Media as each day can differ massively. Most days tend to include carrying out a wide variety of research for various different clients or industries. From here the tasks that I carry out can vary from analysing competitors to drafting blog posts to keyword research. The hardest task is trying my best to become a sponge and soak up as much information as possible as quickly as I can.
What advice would you give to someone starting an internship or new job?
Ask, ask, ask
Never be afraid to ask about anything. No one expects you to know everything in your first few weeks, so if you’re unsure speak to someone. It’s better to ask straight away than waste time doing something incorrectly because you didn’t speak up.
Get involved
One of the biggest worries for me was whether or not I would fit into the team at Browser Media and how quickly I would get to know everyone, but these worries did not last long at all! As soon as I started I felt welcomed by everyone here. One of the best ways to get to know everyone is to get involved with any social events outside of work, so say yes to as many invitations as possible and try and get involved with as much as you can.
Never give up
When searching for an internship, new job, or any form or work experience, it’s highly unlikely that you will get the first one you apply for. While I was at University I was applying for a few work experience and placement years between my second and third year, but had no success. Looking back at it now, I know my biggest issue was that once I had sent in my application I never followed it up and I didn’t push hard enough when searching for placements. The best piece of advice I can give anyone looking for a new job or internship is to just keep applying, and don’t get disheartened if you aren’t successful.
Describe your first month in three words…
Exciting. Rewarding. Intriguing.
Joe Friedlein
Founder & Managing Director
What do you look for when hiring interns?
When you are talking to potential interns, you are not expecting the finished article, so the most important attribute is a demonstrable interest in what you do. Anybody can claim that they are interested in digital marketing, but can they back it up with evidence? Have they already got involved in some way or do they just see a career in digital marketing as a route to a life of sitting on a bean bag doing very little? That, coupled with an appetite to learn and an interest in life, will get my attention.
Any advice for future interns?
As with any interview, do your research and know key facts about the organisation you are applying to. It is a competitive world and you need to stand out, but not for the wrong reasons. It is flattering to see that a potential intern has taken the time to research your company and have intelligent questions about the business. I am always most impressed by candidates who ask questions, so have a range in your head to show an interest in a number of areas. Be humble and admit your current knowledge gaps. The whole point of an internship is to give you exposure to a new world – being arrogant and claiming that you know everything is unlikely to win any friends.
If you’d like to find out more about what it’s like to work in the world of digital, head over to our blog to find out if digital marketing really is more than just bean bag thinking, or share your experiences below – we’d love to hear from you!
