Lessons From My Internship
What started as a summer internship, turned into a year of learning from the creative experts that are Green Loop Marketing. I joined the team in May of 2023, excited to learn about the happenings of agency life and develop my marketing skills in ways I never imagined.
I had just finished my sophomore year at Indiana University Indianapolis, where I am currently studying marketing under the Kelley School of Business. I had previous internship experience that taught me the basics of marketing, but my experience only consisted of marketing for one company at a time. I knew there was an entire world of marketing that I hadn’t yet learned and to me, agency life was the next step.
Interning at Green Loop has opened my eyes to another realm of marketing. The team and the work have shaped my goals for my future in the utmost positive ways. I was able to adventure outside of my comfort zone and learn unfamiliar aspects of the process, like auditing, strategizing, website design, and so much more. Being part of Green Loop developed me personally and professionally in many ways, but below are the biggest.
When in Doubt, Collaborate
Green Loop has set an incredibly high bar for my expectations of what a team should be. This company is powered by a dynamic group of strong, inspiring women who continuously motivate and support one another. The environment that Green Loop sets is one where help is always available.
This experience has taught me how important a team that is eager to support one another because they want to, rather than out of obligation, is to a business and the success of everyone. I have set the standard that collaboration should be a norm moving forward in my career.
Through this internship, I have been fortunate to gain, not just one mentor, but multiple mentors, each offering their own insights and guidance. I’ve been shown the difference between a good boss and a truly great one. A great leader fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Green Loop has reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and collaboration. I’m excited to carry this inspiration and knowledge with me as I continue to grow as a leader.
Is the Brand “Boring,” or Are You Scared?
Never in a million years did I imagine I would be marketing for a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Society. Yet, when I joined Green Loop, that was the first client I was assigned to. I was terrified, to say the least.
I am not a math gal, and to me, that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of accounting. However, it’s crucial to remember that you do not have to be an expert in the field to effectively market an industry. Working on Green Loop’s CPA society client projects pushed me to change my perspective on marketing for companies that I initially deemed “boring” or outside of my interests.
I fell in love with uncovering innovative, engaging ways to market different brands or industries. This process taught me how to step into someone else’s shoes to find the best approach to showcasing the brand. This experience proved to me, no matter my own interests, everything has something to market, you just have to think outside of your box to do so.
I’ve come to find that I appreciate having a wide range of clients because each day will be different, pushing me to create tailored marketing strategies that resonate with various audiences. Now I can ask myself, “is the brand boring, or am I just scared?”
You Are Never “Just”
You are never just an intern. You are never just a college student. You are never just anything.
Green Loop taught me the importance of speaking up and making your voice heard. Whether it means sharing your ideas, offering your opinions, or advocating for yourself, using your voice is essential. You will never get as far as you want by sitting back and waiting for it to fall into your lap.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’m just an intern. I should stay quiet and watch.” That’s what interns are often told, right? Green Loop showed me that as an intern, my ideas are as valid as anyone else. I was given the opportunity to share my input and put my ideas to the test, which isn’t something I found everywhere. Sometimes it wouldn’t always work, but it was a learning experience that developed my skills and my confidence.
There is no better time to develop these skills than during an internship because that is where you learn and you grow.
I will forever be thankful to Green Loop for teaching me how to confidently voice my ideas and take initiative. The supportive environment the team fosters has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and they have successfully raised my expectations of the workplace and industry overall. I’m excited to channel my knowledge from this internship into my next adventure, wherever that may be, but I know that Green Loop Marketing will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sarah is a bright, young marketing student at the IUPUI Kelley School of Business. Through her experience with MORE Magazine and MySherri, she developed advanced skills in social media management, web design, and sales. Sarah also serves as the President for IUPUI’s Women in Business club. When Sarah isn’t spending her time working, she enjoys dancing Salsa and Bachata!
