Most young people, especially students in their final years of study, think a lot about career and personal development. Some are even looking for or doing their first job. For most, this whole process is very emotional and causes stress. When it comes to the first job, it represents one of life’s journey trials. The challenge for many graduates is the application of the knowledge they have acquired at the university.
There are many job ads that can demotivate young people with the necessary previous knowledge and experience. Therefore, graduates often choose to gain their first job experience through internship work.
Such experience could motivate and encourage other beginners, inspire them, and bring them closer to everything that awaits them in their first job. We asked our colleague Stevan, who started working as an intern at the Ns Promo Team agency two years ago, to share his first work experience with us:
“My first real job was as a Digital marketing intern at the NS Promo team agency.
During my studies, and even after completing my studies in marketing, I always knew that this was what I wanted to do. However, I was aware that I had to employ the knowledge I had acquired during my formal education through practical work with the support of a mentor.”
What was most important to you in the beginning?
“Definitely what I mentioned before – mentorship. The possibility of making a mistake was my biggest fear. If we add inexperience to that, it can increase the possibility of error. That’s why it is essential to have a mentor who has the time and focus to devote himself to you so that you can perform business tasks as well as possible in the future.
A key role in overcoming any problems and ambiguities is good communication. Good communication is essential to eliminate the possibility of errors and get relevant answers to any question or dilemma.”
Were you sceptical when applying for an intern position?
“Absolutely not. It is an ideal starting position for any young person without previous work experience who wants to acquire knowledge and skills in a specific field. On the other hand, it is best to start from “zero” and build your way “step by step” so that tomorrow you will be completely ready to do your work independently. However, young people are very insecure when applying for an intern position, but our agency employed as many as three people after the end of the intern program.”
What was the biggest challenge for you?
“The biggest challenge is to conquer yourself! Although it sounds simple, it is not.
The first job requires adaptation to work, people, and organization. I must admit that working in the agency is both undemanding and, at the same time very challenging. It requires adapting to multiple clients who are most frequently fundamentally different in everything: requirements, vision, plans, and goals. Due to the dynamics of the work itself, it is often necessary to redirect focus to frequently changing priorities. So, I think it is an asset if you have flexibility as a skill. “
What knowledge have you acquired and what is your current position in the
agency?
“One of the most important things about your first job is to focus on work, to absorb knowledge and experience that will be a springboard for further career development. I had the opportunity to expand my copywriting and content creation knowledge, strategy creation, and Google ads up to the current position of Account Manager for individual clients. In addition to the acquired knowledge, I also had the opportunity to develop my creativity through the engagement in various projects.”
How important is creativity in your job?
“I think it is important. I believe that creativity is the basis and driver of every idea. It plays a key role in crafting compelling campaigns that will attract the attention of the target audience. Creativity is not related to a classic office job. Quite the opposite, it requires the desire to follow trends and innovations in digital marketing and constantly adapt to market developments. It is an advantage to work in a friendly, creative environment, like our agency, in a space like a chill-out zone. For creative people, it is important to unburden themselves from activities such as brainstorming, frequent creative thinking, and making strategic decisions.”
What do you think is important for working in a marketing agency?
“As with any other job, I must say a team. For me, it was important to have young, enthusiastic, and understanding people in my team, and work in a comfortable and positive atmosphere. To make a team compact, motivated, and encouraged, it is important to nurture expressing different views on things but always reach a compromise and common solutions. Therefore, teamwork and creative synergy are
the keys to the success of any marketing agency. “
What would you say to young people currently looking for their first job?
“Considering that they are at the beginning of their career, it is important for them to be sure this is what they wish to perfect themselves on. However, it’s never too late to change. In the beginning, the financial aspect should not be the primary goal, but rather knowledge and motivation. It is important to do your best, acquire as much new knowledge as possible, and do your work tasks on time. However, if you make a mistake, you should not be discouraged but learn from it.”
