How can I find internship opportunities as a freshman?
How can I find internship opportunities as a freshman?
MARKETING
Marketing is the engine that connects businesses with their audiences. Its purpose is to identify what people need, communicate how a product or service meets that need, and build lasting relationships that drive growth. At its best, marketing combines creativity and data, telling a story that resonates while delivering measurable results.
The field covers a wide spectrum of functions, from market research and brand strategy to digital campaigns, content creation, and public relations; it is both analytical, understanding consumer behavior and market trends, and creative, developing messages, visuals, and experiences that inspire action.
In today’s digital-first world, marketing also plays a central role in shaping brand perception and fostering customer engagement across platforms. The industry is fast-paced, highly visible, and constantly adapting to new technologies, making it an exciting space for those who enjoy problem-solving, innovation, and connecting ideas with people.
1
Freshmen Year
Join marketing-related student clubs, like the campus newspaper, marketing associations, or social media teams, and pair that involvement with intro courses in business, communications, or psychology to build a foundation in consumer behavior. Start small projects such as running a personal blog, managing a club’s Instagram, or creating content for student organizations to gain hands-on experience. Along the way, network with upperclassmen to learn about internships and upcoming opportunities.
1
Sophomore Year
Take core marketing classes, principles of marketing, consumer behavior, and data/analytics, to build a strong foundation, and apply for on-campus roles like event promotion, student center communications, or research assistantships to practice what you learn. Seek part-time internships or volunteer with non-profits that need help with social media and branding to broaden your experience. Meanwhile, begin building a portfolio with content samples, campaign metrics, and analytics reports to showcase your impact.
2
1
1
Junior Year
Choose a focus area, digital marketing, PR, market research, branding, or advertising—and aim to land a summer internship at a company, agency, or startup, since experience is key in marketing. Complement that work with advanced electives in analytics, digital strategy, or media planning. As you progress, start quantifying your impact (e.g., “increased engagement by 40%” or “grew the email list by 500 subscribers”) and attend career fairs to connect with recruiters in consumer goods, tech, media, or any industries that interest you.
3
Senior Year
Pursue leadership roles in marketing clubs or manage campaigns for campus initiatives to demonstrate ownership and impact. Finalize your portfolio and resume with metrics-driven accomplishments, and consider a capstone project, independent study, or thesis focused on marketing strategy to showcase depth. Apply early for full-time roles or marketing rotational programs, and leverage your network, internships, and mentors to secure offers before graduation.
4
INDUSTRY PATHWAYS
01 ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS
Advertising and promotions professionals design and execute campaigns that capture attention and drive sales. This pathway often involves working with agencies or in-house teams to create concepts, plan media buys, and track campaign performance. Roles in this area require both creative storytelling and an understanding of consumer psychology.
02 DIGITAL MARKETING
1
Digital marketing focuses on reaching customers online through paid ads, email campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO), and analytics. Specialists in this field use data-driven strategies to grow brand awareness and convert audiences into customers. Careers here suit people who enjoy combining creativity with measurable results.
03 BRAND MANAGEMENT
Brand managers are responsible for shaping and maintaining a company’s identity, ensuring consistency across products, messaging, and customer experiences. This pathway requires long-term strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of consumer markets. It’s often seen as the “CEO track” within marketing because of its leadership scope.
04 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
1
Social media marketers build and manage an organization’s presence on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. They create engaging posts, track performance metrics, and often serve as the brand’s direct voice to the public. This fast-moving pathway is ideal for those who enjoy trend-spotting, creativity, and rapid engagement.
05 MARKET RESEARCH & ANALYTICS
Market research and analytics specialists study consumer behavior, industry trends, and campaign performance to guide marketing decisions. They design surveys, analyze data, and create insights that shape everything from product design to advertising strategy. This pathway is best suited for those who enjoy working with numbers and turning data into actionable insights.