Knowledge Exchange Internship - Digital Content Executive
BA History, 2021
Overview of your internship
I was a digital content executive for theinclusionpost.com, a new website aimed at empowering women and ethnic minorities, as well as acting on the climate crisis. My role involved researching and writing articles for the website, contributing to brainstorming sessions, and implementing an SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) strategy. I also interviewed Tara, the founder of a period poverty charity Flo Haven, for the site’s youtube channel.
What were your main achievements?
I built up a portfolio of articles, for example. I also interviewed Tara Akindele, founder of the period poverty charity Flo Haven (see the interview on YouTube). I implemented an SEO strategy, which aims to set the website up for eventually appearing on Google search results for key search terms. This involved doing keyword research, writing a guide for SEO best practices, and training other team members on what SEO means, why it’s important and how to implement it in their writing.
What did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed the freedom I got in this internship to come up with my own ideas for the site. It was great doing work experience that aligned with my values, in terms of making a difference for women and ethnic minorities in a sustainable way.
What were the hardest aspects?
The interview with Tara was out of my comfort zone because I don’t have much interview experience, and I’ve never recorded an interview online before.
How did you find the experience of completing a virtual internship?
I really enjoyed it. It gives you flexible working options as well which makes it a lot easier to fit around your life.
What skills have you developed?
I practiced my research, writing and editing skills. I also worked on my communication skills, especially with the interview I did with Tara Akindele. I developed my leadership skills, for example in the training session I led for the content team on SEO best practice.
How do you think your internship will benefit you in the future?
I have built up my portfolio further. I think the internship has already benefited my career massively – I just started a job as a Digital Content Creator for an IT consultancy (Kagool), which I was offered after I talked about this internship in the job interview.
What advice can you give to others considering a virtual internship?
It’s definitely worth it. I’ve now completed two virtual internships and they’ve both led to the best work experience I’ve done to date, and they shaped my career massively. If you get an internship, ask as many questions as you can, and don’t be afraid to give your own ideas about what you can be doing and what you think you can contribute to the team.