How to become a marketing intern: Megan's story

Meet Megan, 20, from Wiltshire. She's working as a marketing intern for the Commonwealth Games during her year in industry as part of her university degree. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

My job is all about encouraging people to get involved in sport.

Can you explain what your job is?

I'm working for the Commonwealth Games team. I'm doing the job during my year in industry that I'm doing in between my second and third year of university.

I visit primary schools and encourage children and young people to get involved in sport.

I work in the marketing team so I also share information on our website so that everyone knows what the Commonwealth Games are.

What skills do you use in your job?

I use creative skills to develop content for the website. I also need good research skills so I can effectively create and carry out my plans.

I also use IT skills to create presentations and communication skills to deliver them.

How did you get into your current job?

I studied Business at GCSE and A-level and really enjoyed it. I decided to study Business Management and Marketing at university where I specialised in marketing in the second year.

I got a 10-week internship at the end of my second year where I was able to put what I had learnt into practice. I was in charge of social media and content creation. I wasn't sure whether a career in marketing was for me so I decided to research other work placement opportunities. I saw the role at the Commonwealth Games, applied, and got it.

Top tips

• Get experience in a few different organisations, big and small. It will help you figure out what job you want to do
• Seek out opportunities to develop your confidence. Visiting schools and public speaking has been great for me.

Megan is at the beginning of her career in marketing. If she decides that she wants to pursue this as a career, she could become a digital marketer.

When Megan finishes her apprenticeship, she can apply to become a marketing executive. Marketing executives promote a company's products, services or brand.

What to expect if you want to be a marketing executive

• Marketing executive average salary: £20,000 to £50,000 per year
• Marketing executive typical working hours: 37 to 39 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a marketing executive?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course (such as a Level 2 Certificate, a Level 3 Certificate or a T-level in Digital Production, Design and Development), an apprenticeship, working towards this role, applying directly or specialist courses run by private training organisations.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service, GOV.UK

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).

Work experience in your area
Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.